FAQs

How do I book an appointment at Sewing Hands Alterations?

Booking with Sewing Hands Alterations is easy! Send us an email Hello@SewingHandsAlterations.com and one of our expert seamstresses will get you on our calendar. Bookings are also accepted by phone and text communication. Our phone number is 616.514.2674. We can’t wait to help you find the perfect fit! .

What types of alterations do we specialize in?

At Sewing Hands Alterations, we specialize in formalwear, particularly wedding gowns, mother of the bride dresses, bridesmaids dresses, and other elegant attire. Our focus is on ensuring that these special garments fit perfectly for your big day or special occasion.

While my expertise is in formalwear, I do not currently offer alterations for menswear, as tailoring suits and pants requires specialized training that I’ve chosen not to pursue. I also do not replace zippers in winter jackets, take on everyday clothing alterations or home decor projects. These types of alterations often require more time and cost than they’re worth for my clients at my current rates.

If you have any questions about a specific alteration, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to guide you in the right direction!

How long does it take to have alterations done?

The timeline for your alterations may vary depending on the specific adjustments needed. Wedding dress alterations typically take an average of 2-3 months to complete, involving multiple fittings to achieve perfection. Meanwhile, alterations for special occasion dresses are usually completed within
1-2 weeks. Custom projects are given a timeframe that aligns with the scope of the work required.

Can alterations make my dress bigger or smaller?

Altering a wedding dress is a common need for nearly every bride. Whether you require adjustments to make it smaller or desire a custom-built corset, our experienced seamstresses have the perfect solution for you and your dream gown. Read our experts thoughts on this topic here!

How do alterations work?

At Sewing Hands Alterations near Grand Rapids, MI, our appointment-only alterations shop has skilled seamstresses dedicated to ensuring your perfect fit. We know how garments are made from start to finish, and these skills assists us to help your garments fit JUST right! At your first fitting, your seamstress will have you try on the garment to see how it currently sits on your frame. If you are unsure of which alterations are needed, our seamstresses will be able to tell you based on what they see. If you’re wanting to do custom work, please note that in your appointment request, so we can start getting inspiration for you!

What to bring to your appointment?

Preparing for Your Fitting Appointment

At Sewing Hands Alterations, we want to ensure that your fitting appointments are as productive and personalized as possible. To help us achieve the best results, we kindly recommend that you bring the following items with you:

1. Undergarments: Please wear the undergarments that you plan to wear with your dress, as this will help us achieve the most accurate fit.

2. Shoes: Bring the shoes you'll be wearing on your special day. This will allow us to ensure your gown is hemmed to the perfect length.

3. Inspiration: If you have any specific ideas or inspiration for custom work, please bring images or descriptions to share with our skilled seamstresses.

4. Sentimental Items: If you have any meaningful mementos from loved ones that you'd like to incorporate into your dress, feel free to bring them along. These personal touches can add a beautiful and sentimental dimension to your gown.

By coming prepared with these items, you'll be helping us create a dress that truly reflects your style and makes your special moment unforgettable. We look forward to working with you to make your vision a reality.

Why choose Sewing Hands Alterations?

The staff at Sewing Hands Alterations has over 30 years of active experience customizing garments. We’re here to get it done perfectly. Inquire today to see how we can help!