How to Alter a Shirt to Make It Smaller
Shirts are a staple in everyone’s wardrobe, but sometimes they don’t fit quite as perfectly as we’d like. Whether it’s due to weight loss, a change in body shape, or simply a mistake in size selection, altering a shirt to make it smaller can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of how to alter a shirt to make it smaller, ensuring you have a well-fitting garment in no time.
Materials Needed
Before you start, gather the following materials:
– A well-fitting shirt that is too large
– Fabric scissors
– Thread and needle
– pins
– seam ripper (optional)
– fabric marker or chalk
– iron and ironing board
Step 1: Measure the Shirt
Take measurements of the shirt’s length, sleeves, and waist. Make sure to measure from the shoulder seam to the hem, from the shoulder seam to the cuff, and around the waist at the narrowest part. These measurements will help you determine where to make the alterations.
Step 2: Determine the Areas to Alter
Based on your measurements, decide which areas of the shirt need to be reduced. Common areas include the sleeves, the waist, and the length. For instance, if the shirt is too long, you may need to shorten the hem. If the sleeves are too wide, you may need to take in the sides.
Step 3: Mark the Alteration Points
Using your fabric marker or chalk, mark the points where you will make the alterations. If you’re shortening the shirt, mark the new hemline. If you’re taking in the sleeves, mark the new seam line. Be sure to leave enough space for a seam allowance.
Step 4: Cut the Fabric
Using fabric scissors, carefully cut the fabric along the marked lines. If you’re taking in the sleeves, cut along the side seams, and if you’re shortening the shirt, cut along the hemline. Be sure to leave enough fabric for a seam allowance.
Step 5: Sew the New Seams
Thread your needle with the appropriate thread color and tension. Start by sewing the new seams, ensuring that the fabric is evenly distributed and that the seam allowance is consistent. If you’re taking in the sleeves, sew along the side seams, and if you’re shortening the shirt, sew along the hemline.
Step 6: Hem the Shirt
If you’ve shortened the shirt, fold the new hemline under twice and press it with an iron. Then, sew the hem in place, using a zigzag stitch or a blind hem stitch to prevent the fabric from fraying. If you’ve taken in the sleeves, press the new seam allowances and topstitch them to secure them in place.
Step 7: Trim and Press
Trim any excess threads and press the new seams to ensure they lay flat. This will give your altered shirt a polished look and feel.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully altered a shirt to make it smaller. Now you can enjoy a well-fitting garment that fits your body perfectly. Remember, altering clothes is a great way to extend the life of your wardrobe and reduce waste. Happy sewing!
