Revamp Your Tiny Tees- Creative Ways to Alter Shirts That Are Too Small

How to Alter Shirts That Are Too Small

When you find a shirt that you absolutely love but it’s just a bit too small, don’t despair. Altering shirts to fit perfectly is a skill that anyone can learn, and it can make a huge difference in how you feel about your wardrobe. Here are some simple steps to help you alter shirts that are too small and make them fit like a glove.

1. Choose the Right Shirt

Before you start, make sure the shirt is made of a fabric that can be easily stretched or manipulated. Denim and other heavy-duty materials are typically not ideal for altering, as they don’t stretch as much and can be more difficult to work with.

2. Identify the Problem Areas

Take a close look at the shirt and identify the areas where it’s too tight. This could be the sleeves, the bust, the waist, or the shoulders. It’s important to focus on these specific areas to make targeted alterations.

3. Take Measurements

Measure the areas where the shirt is too small, and then compare them to the measurements of a shirt that fits you well. This will give you a baseline to work from and help you determine how much you need to take in or let out.

4. Mark the Alteration Points

Using a fabric pen or a piece of chalk, mark the points where you need to make the alterations. For sleeves, this might be at the shoulder seam and the cuff. For the bust, it could be at the side seams and under the bust. Be sure to mark these points clearly so you don’t lose track of them during the alteration process.

5. Cut the Shirt

Using a pair of fabric scissors, carefully cut the shirt along the marked lines. Be sure to leave a seam allowance of at least 1/2 inch to ensure that the shirt still fits well after the alteration.

6. Take in or Let Out the Fabric

For areas that are too tight, take in the fabric by sewing the edges together at a diagonal. This creates a gathers effect that can help to ease the fit. For areas that are too loose, let out the fabric by cutting small slits and then stitching them back together with a zigzag stitch.

7. Hem the Shirt

After you’ve made the necessary alterations, hem the shirt to the desired length. This will ensure that the shirt looks polished and professional.

8. Test the Fit

Before you put the shirt on, make sure to test the fit. Adjust the gathers or the length as needed until the shirt fits perfectly.

By following these simple steps, you can easily alter shirts that are too small and make them a staple in your wardrobe. Remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques until you find the one that works best for you.