“When should I start my Bridal alterations?”
“When should I come in if I need my suit tailored for a special occasion?”
“When should I expect my pant hems to be finished?”
Here at Pincushion, we get a lot of “When should I…?” questions.
What we’ve realized is that there are so many everyday questions that no one taught us the answer to! It’s almost like there is some secret manual for the “School of Life” that no one wants to share!
Well, we decided to let you in on the secret!
We surveyed several Alterations and Sewing Shops across the country and compiled the information to help give you a little bit of guidance when it comes to your alterations and sewing needs. We highly recommend reaching out to your favorite local shop to find out their specific policies but hopefully this will give you a good idea to start.
General Alterations
- Turnaround time is 2 to 4 weeks
-This timing will vary depending on where they are at in their peak season. You will need to plan on paying a rush fee if your alterations are needed in less than 2 weeks.
-There are some shops that can accommodate same day alterations at no additional cost, but you should always call ahead to check
- Due to 2020 health concerns, most Alterations shops have moved to Appointment Only, however most offer the ability to book online or you can call to book.
- All Alterations shops will require that the garments be freshly laundered.
- Depending on the alterations needed, your stitcher may require multiple fittings; the more extensive the alterations, the more fittings and the longer the finish date.
- For any garment hems you will need to bring shoes that you intend to wear with the garment.
Wedding Alterations
- Peak wedding season is March thru October. This may vary a little bit depending on the part of the country you are in, but this gives you a good idea of when to plan the time for your alterations.
- If you are on a weight loss/gain plan, you will want to reach your goal by the time you start alterations. Your stitcher will charge extra if they need to continually make adjustments due to change in weight.
- Bridal Alterations turnaround is 3 to 4 months
- Depending on the extent of alterations your gown needs, you will need at least 3 fittings with your stitcher to check and double-check the work.
- For each of your fittings you will need: Your wedding shoes and any specialty undergarments you plan on wearing.
- Bridesmaid Alterations turnaround is 6 to 8 weeks
- Typical Bridesmaid alterations include a hem and some sort of torso adjustment. You will need at least 2 fittings with your stitcher to check and double-check the work. If you are planning on making customizations, plan on adding at least 2 more weeks.
- For each of your fittings you will need: Your shoes and any specialty undergarments you plan on wearing.
- Suits/Tuxes turnaround is 4 to 6 weeks
- Most Suits and Tuxedos come with the pants unhemmed, so you will most likely need a pant hem as well as some suit jacket adjustments. You will need at least 2 fittings with your stitcher to check and double-check the work.
- For each of your fittings you will need: Your shoes for the event.
Custom Orders
- A Custom Order consists of designing and creating a unique garment or soft good from scratch. Custom Orders consist of several steps of creation, so we recommend you plan several months in advance.
- Custom Orders turnaround is minimum of 2 months
- The steps include: Design, Mock-up, Fitting, Finished Product
- Custom Orders are priced at an hourly rate that does not include the cost of materials. Some stitchers will offer to source materials at an additional fee, but it is recommended that you provide your own materials to save time and cost.
- For garments, you will need to plan on at least 4 fittings to check and double-check the fit. For soft goods (pillows, furniture covers, curtains), you will need to plan at least 2 fittings to check and double-check the fit.
- All Custom Orders will require a minimum of 50% deposit based on the estimate.
So there you have it...
You now know the top secret tips for Alterations and Custom Sewing! Feel free to share this info with anyone you can trust with industry secrets (or just a friend who you know is a master procrastinator).
Be sure to subscribe to Pincushion for more tips and tricks and give us a follow on social media to get up-to-date information on our upcoming Sewing Classes!
Okie dokie!
-Abby
@pincushionlasvegas
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