Making Shirts Smaller

Start with a Shirt

Choose a shirt that is too big for you. The easiest shirt refashion uses a basic T-shirt. You might have lost weight recently or simply have found a great T-shirt you couldn't resist. Make your shirt smaller with a few easy steps. You will also need a T-shirt that fits you well as a pattern. Don't worry, it won't be damaged in the making of your new, smaller shirt.

Place the well-fitting T-shirt atop the shirt you want to make smaller. Pin the two together and trace around the smaller shirt using a disappearing fabric marker. Mark the new side seams and armholes, as well as the neckline if needed. Cut out your newly smaller shirt front and back, allowing for a seam of 1/4 to 5/8 inch as you prefer. Using the original sleeves, cut new sleeves. Make sure to align the edges to use the hems from your shirt now that you have made it smaller.

Sew the shoulder seams of your shirt, if needed. Finish your neckline using a band of self fabric or decorative elastic. Pin the sleeves into place along the armholes and stitch. Starting at the edge of the sleeve, sew each side seam.