Hemming & length
Shortening (or lifting) the hem to the right length for your shoes and the look you’re after, with a straight, curved or delicate rolled finish.
Dress alterations, Exeter
Dress Alterations in Exeter
I'm Malina, a seamstress here in Exeter. A summer dress that's a touch too long, an occasion dress that needs taking in, I'll make it fit you beautifully and you can track it the whole way.
The short version
What I do.
When a dress fits properly, you stop thinking about it. It just sits right and you get on with your day. Usually that takes a few small adjustments: a hem to the right length, the waist taken in, maybe a zip that finally behaves.
If you're after dress alterations in Exeter, I work on everything from everyday and work dresses to prom, party and occasion pieces, quoted item by item before I start and tracked in the app. (Wedding dresses are dedicated, multi-fitting work, so there's a separate page for those, linked below.)
What dress alterations cover
Taking in & shaping
Bringing the bodice, waist and side seams in for a flattering shape, so the dress holds you cleanly with no gaping at the back or sides.
Straps, necklines & zips
Shortening straps, reshaping a neckline that sits too low, and replacing tired or broken zips so the dress is as good to wear as it looks.
The dress jobs I do most
Most dresses need just one or two of these to fit the way you want. Not sure what yours needs? Try it on at the fitting and we’ll work it out together.
- Hemming to the right length for your shoes
- Taking in the bodice, waist and sides
- Shortening or restyling the straps
- Reshaping a neckline or back
- Replacing a broken or tired zip
- Adding cups or a modesty panel
- Taking sleeves up or adjusting cuffs
- Letting a dress out where there’s fabric to spare
How it works
1
Book a fitting
Pop into the workshop or book a time on the Contact page. Bring the piece, along with the shoes or underthings you'll wear it with, so I can set the length right.
2
Measured & photographed
I pin and measure you in person, photograph the garment and write up an itemised ticket, so the price is clear before any thread is cut.
3
Tracked, then collect
Follow your garment from received to ready in the app, with notes and a direct line to me. I'll let you know the moment it's done.
Turnaround
How long it takes.
Most dress alterations are ready within two to four working days, and a simple hem can often be turned around same-day if I'm not too busy. Occasion dresses with more involved work need a little longer, so it's worth booking with time to spare.
You'll get an estimated date when I write your ticket and a message the moment it's done, which is handy when there's an event in the calendar.
What to bring
Come prepared.
Bring the shoes you'll wear with the dress, especially anything with a heel. The hem is set to those, and it's the one thing I can't guess at. If you'll wear particular underwear or shapewear with it, bring that along too, as it changes how the bodice and waist sit.
For an occasion dress, bring any accessories that affect the look, like a belt or a wrap, so we can see the whole outfit together.
Why Crop Design
One bench, not a factory.
I treat a £20 summer dress with the same care as a designer one, because what matters is how you feel wearing it. Working on my own means you get my full attention and an honest quote before anything is cut, and the same hands see it through from the first pin to the final press.
And because every ticket lives in the app, you can follow your dress from received to ready, with photos, notes and a direct line to me. If the fit isn't quite right when you collect, bring it back within fourteen days and I'll put it right, free.
Clear, honest pricing
Dress alterations pricing
Tops · Skirts · Day dresses
- Hem — shorten · unlined · lined · pleated£16–20
- Hem — top£14
- Zip — dress / skirt£20
- Sleeves — shorten£12–15
- Taking in — dress / skirt£12–20
- Taking in — top£10–16
- Shoulder£8–20
- Neckline alteration£12
Bridal · Prom · Evening
- Wedding & eveningwear · fitted in studioOn request
Prices are a guide. Every garment is different, so I'll confirm the exact cost at your fitting before any work starts.
A hem starts from around £14 and taking a dress in from around £12, depending on the work involved. Everything is itemised and quoted at your fitting before I start, so you’ll know the full cost up front. Have a look at the guide above for the common jobs.
Yes. Taking in the bodice, waist and side seams is everyday work, and it’s often what transforms a dress. If there’s fabric in the seams I can sometimes let one out a little too. Try it on at the fitting and we’ll see what’s possible.
Most are ready within two to four working days, and a simple hem can sometimes be done same-day. Occasion dresses with more involved work take a little longer, so book with some time before your event where you can.
Yes, prom, party and eveningwear are all welcome, including taking in, hemming, straps and zips. For full wedding dresses I book a dedicated multi-fitting appointment; there’s a separate wedding dress page with the details.
Bring the shoes you’ll wear with the dress (heel height changes the hem completely) and any underwear or shapewear you’ll have on underneath, since both affect how it sits. That’s usually all it takes to get it spot on.
Areas served
Based in Exeter, I look after wardrobes across Exeter city centre, St Thomas, Heavitree, Topsham, Exwick, Pinhoe, Crediton and the surrounding villages.