As a fashion designer and sometime seamstress, getting the perfect fit of my garments on my models during a photo shoot or fashion show is not always an easy thing. Many times I have to do a last minute nip-n-tuck adjustment to hem a pant leg, conceal underarm perspiration, or repair a snap closure in order to pull it off for the cameras and spectators. Time is of the essence and no matter how prepared I am, there is always something that comes up.

Over the years I have learned to control what I can, be flexible with what I cant, and have fun with it all. A few of the things that have made that a lot easier are Dritz Dungaree Buttons, Stitch Witchery Fusible Bonding, and Kleinerts Dress Shields. Because when the music begins and the cameras are ready, my models have to be too. Here are a few tips that have helped create just the right look without all the fuss.

Hemming a pant or skirt:

Stitch Witchery makes a nice fusible bonding web just for such an occasion. A narrow strip of tape and a little bit of heated pressure can create just the right length on a bottom that is too long for him or her. Use it for sleeves, dresses,or anywhere you want to hike it up. Though intended for permanent application and therefore washable, Stitch Witchery fusible bonding web is a great item for both personal and professional usage. There is also a NON-permanent hemming tape for a reversible application called Insta-Hem that works well for temporary fabric manipulation.