How to Modify a Shirt for a Stroke Survivor

People who have strokes often have problems getting dressed. Sometimes fingers are clumsy or hands cannot work to fasten buttons and zippers. With the help of a sewing machine, you can modify shirts for stroke survivors. These alterations make it easy for a helper to dress a stroke patient. Often with practice the patient can soon dress himself again.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing machine
• Needle
• Thread
• Scissors
• Tape measure
• Coordinating fabric
• Hook and loop fastener

Instructions

1. 

   Select a shirt that is casual and not snug. A colorful print shirt is best because it is not likely to show the alterations. It also will help camouflage food or drink spills. It should fit loosely across the shoulders and not bind at the chest or waist. A shirt that is a bit large is better than one that is snug or too small.

2. 

   Measure the sleeves. A short sleeve ending above the elbow is good for arm mobility or therapy. If the shirt has long sleeves, cut and hem them into short sleeves. Cut each sleeve about 1 to 1 ½ inches longer than the desired length. Fold up and press the sleeve hem. Press under about a quarter-inch on the raw edge. Stitch the hem in place.

3. Check the shirttail. A shirt with a straight or square tail can be worn outside the pants, making it easier to get dressed. If the shirttail is too long or tapered, cut a straight bottom edge about 2 inches longer than the desired length. Turn up and press the bottom hem. Turn under raw edge and press. Stitch the hem in place.

4. 

   Replace the buttons with easy fasteners. To do this, snip off the buttons. With a needle and thread, use a few stitches to close the buttonholes. Use hook and loop fasteners a half to three-quarters inch wide to replace the buttons and buttonholes. Iron or stitch in place, depending on the fastener instructions. Stitch the buttons over the buttonholes for decorative effect.

5. 

   Make pockets. A finished pocket about 5 ½ inches wide by 5 ½ inches deep is large enough to hold an eyeglass case. Cut contrasting or matching fabric about 6 inches wide by 7 inches deep. Turn under and press a quarter-inch raw edge around the pocket. Press a 1-inch hem inside the top of the pocket. Stitch the top hem in place. Pin the pockets on the shirt between sleeve and shirt opening. The pocket top is usually about 8 inches down from the shoulder seam. Try on the shirt. Adjust pocket placement as needed. Stitch pockets in place.

6. VARIETY is important. Modify several shirts that can be easily washed and dried. Tropical or pattern shirts on sale or closeouts are good prospects for alteration.

Tips & Warnings

• Image is important to a stroke survivor. If he feels comfortable in his shirt or if she feels confident that her clothing fits in with styles worn by other people, the recovering patient has less stress. Modify several shirts that can be easily washed and dried. Tropical or pattern shirts on sale or closeouts are good prospects for alteration. Variety is important.

• When possible, let the stroke survivor choose the shirts to be altered. It is more motivating to dress yourself when you are wearing clothes you like.

• Pockets are handy for notes. Pharmacists or other professionals will usually notice the paper in the pocket. They will often jog the memory by asking what is in the pocket.