Sewing straps onto an elastic dress

[Bonnie23]

Hi,

This is my first DIY project.

I have a lovely maxi dress that I want to wear more often. Unfortunately it's strapless and it's always a pain when wearing it plus I would love to wear it at work but as I'm a teacher we have a strict dress code around shoulders.

I want to add some straps on but at the weekend when I tried I found it impossible to place the fabric in the right place because it has an elasticated top. I live on my own so I have no one to pin it for me

https://snag.gy/uGRg4L.jpg This is the fabric I want to use. It's quite stretchy and I believe it's some kind of lycra material.

https://snag.gy/jR4KxP.jpg This is the dress. I've posted it inside out to show the elastic.

My question is what is the easiest way to attach straps to a dress like this?

I do have a lovely sewing machine I just purchased. 

Thanks in advance!
B x

[eclectic]

Hi Bonnie, what if you put it on and place the front strap where your bra strap is, then pin the back strap in the same place (at the back obviously) and see how it looks and then you can make your adjustments from there ?? I am sure they wont end up being opposite but just to give you a starting point. You could then add a 'frill sleeve' to the elastic to give it an illusion of a sleeve

[Efemera]

Just keep pinning and trying on...stitch over the top row of existing stitches

[BrendaP]

As Effie says, just keep pinning and trying on.  It might be easier if you get the backs of the straps positioned correctly first, and then you'll be able to see what you are doing at the front and be able to adjust the length as well as getting the corect placement.

Once you are happy with the placement of the straps (and you have the ends inside the dress) just stitch over the line of stitches which form the top hem.