Bobbies Dressmaking and Alterations: Custom Tailoring and Repairs in South Carolina

What Bobbies Dressmaking and Alterations Offers

Bobbies Dressmaking and Alterations is a full-service tailoring shop that handles everything from hemming jeans to reconstructing vintage garments. The shop takes on alterations for everyday wear, formal occasions, and specialty pieces—wedding dresses, suits, leather jackets, and items that other tailors turn down. Bobbies also does custom dressmaking, meaning you can bring a sketch, a photo, or a description and have a garment made to your measurements and preferences.

The work is done on-site by experienced seamstresses who understand construction, fit, and fabric behavior. That matters because a good alteration isn't just about taking something in or letting it out—it's about preserving the garment's original line and keeping seams where they belong. Bobbies handles rush orders when you need something finished quickly, though standard turnaround is typically two to three weeks depending on the complexity of the work.

Key Takeaways

• Bobbies handles alterations on everyday clothes, formal wear, wedding dresses, and specialty fabrics that many tailors decline.
• The shop also does custom dressmaking from sketches, photos, or descriptions, fitted to your exact measurements.
• Work is completed on-site by experienced seamstresses, so you can discuss fit and construction details directly with the person doing the work.
• Standard turnaround is two to three weeks, though rush orders are available for an additional fee.
• Pricing varies by garment type and complexity, so you pay for a consultation before committing to the work.

Types of Alterations Bobbies Handles

Routine alterations include hemming pants and skirts, taking in or letting out seams, adjusting sleeve length, and tapering legs. Bobbies also does zipper replacement, button repair and replacement, and waistband adjustments. If a garment has a lining, they can work with that too—relining jackets, replacing worn dress linings, and fixing torn hems that involve the lining.

For formal wear, Bobbies handles wedding dress alterations including bodice adjustments, train hemming, and beading or embellishment repair. They work on bridesmaid dresses, tuxedos, and evening gowns. Specialty work includes leather and suede repairs, alterations to stretch fabrics and knits, and reconstruction of vintage or heirloom pieces where the original seams need to be respected. If you have a garment you're unsure about, you can bring it in for a consultation—the shop will tell you whether the work is possible and what it will cost.

Custom Dressmaking and Design

If you want a garment made from scratch, Bobbies takes custom orders. You can bring a photo from a magazine or social media, sketch something yourself, or describe what you're looking for. The seamstress will discuss fabric options with you, take your measurements, and create a muslin test garment (a rough version in inexpensive fabric) so you can see the fit before the final piece is sewn.

Custom dressmaking takes longer than alterations—typically four to six weeks depending on complexity and how many fittings you need. The cost depends on the garment type, fabric choice, and detail work. A simple dress costs less than a structured jacket with multiple seams and interfacing. Bobbies can source fabric for you or you can bring your own, though they may charge a handling fee if you provide the material.

How to Bring in a Garment

Start by visiting Bobbies with the garment you need altered or a description of what you want made. Bring any reference photos or sketches if you have them. The seamstress will examine the piece, discuss what's possible, and give you a price estimate. For alterations, this consultation is usually free; for custom work, there may be a small consultation fee that goes toward the final cost if you proceed.

Once you agree to the price, you'll leave the garment and get a receipt with the expected completion date. For alterations, you typically pick up in two to three weeks. For custom dressmaking, you'll be called in for fittings—usually one or two—before the final piece is ready. Payment is typically due when you pick up the finished work, though Bobbies may ask for a deposit on custom orders.

Pricing and What Affects Cost

Alteration prices vary based on what needs to be done. A simple hem costs less than taking in a jacket with multiple seams. Specialty work—like relining a coat, repairing beading, or working with delicate fabrics—costs more. Wedding dress alterations are priced separately because they often involve multiple fittings and careful handling of expensive fabric and embellishments.

Custom dressmaking is priced by the garment and the complexity. A simple A-line dress costs less than a tailored blazer or a dress with intricate seaming. Fabric cost is separate from labor, so your total depends on what you choose. The best way to know what something will cost is to bring the garment in or describe what you want and ask for an estimate. Bobbies will give you a clear price before you commit.

When to Choose Custom Over Ready-Made

Custom dressmaking makes sense when you can't find what you want in stores, when you need something fitted to your exact measurements, or when you want a specific fabric or detail. It's also worth considering if you have a garment you love but it's worn out or no longer fits—Bobbies can recreate it in new fabric. Custom work costs more than buying off the rack, but you get exactly what you want and it's made to fit your body, not a standard size.

Alterations are almost always cheaper than buying new, especially for quality pieces. If you have a favorite jacket, pair of pants, or dress that doesn't fit quite right, bringing it to Bobbies is usually less expensive than replacing it. The same goes for repairs—fixing a zipper or replacing buttons extends the life of a garment and costs far less than buying new.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical alteration take?

Standard turnaround is two to three weeks for most alterations. Rush orders are available for an additional fee if you need something faster. Call ahead to ask about current turnaround times, as this can vary depending on how busy the shop is.

Can Bobbies alter vintage or delicate fabrics?

Yes. Bobbies works with vintage garments, delicate silks, beaded fabrics, and other specialty materials. Bring the piece in for a consultation so the seamstress can assess it and let you know if the work is possible and what it will cost.

Do I need to bring fabric for a custom dress, or can Bobbies source it?

You can bring your own fabric or Bobbies can help you choose and source it. If you provide the fabric, there may be a small handling fee. Discussing this during your initial consultation will give you a clear picture of the total cost.

What if I'm not sure whether a garment can be altered?

Bring it in. The seamstress will look at it and tell you honestly whether the alteration is possible, what it will involve, and what it will cost. There's no obligation to proceed after a consultation.

Can Bobbies make alterations to leather or suede?

Yes, Bobbies handles leather and suede alterations and repairs. This is specialty work, so bring the piece in to discuss what's possible and get a price estimate.