How to Make a Long Shirt Shorter
Sometimes buying clothes can be very frustrating. You may find something you like, but it doesn't fit properly, or you find something that fits perfectly, but you don't like the garment. If you like something that is too long, try altering it yourself. Sewing a shirt is easy and doesn't take much time. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Fabric pen
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Pins
- Thread (same color as the shirt)
- Needle
- Hot iron and ironing board
Instructions
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1
Put the shirt on in front of a mirror and determine how much to shorten your shirt.
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2
Draw a line on the front and sides of the shirt where you would like the shirt to fit. The fabric pen mark will disappear within 20 minutes.
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3
Take the shirt off and lay in on a table. If the shirt is a button-up, keep the shirt open.
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4
Place the ruler onto the garment 1/2 inch below the markings (to avoid sewing the shirt too short, always mark and pin below the desired length). With the pen, draw an even and straight line around the shirt.
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5
Cut the bottom of the fabric below the line drawn. Fold the fabric up on the drawn line and pin all the way around the shirt.
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6
Put the shirt back on to make sure the bottom of the shirt is even and is at the desired length. Adjust the length and pins if necessary.
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7
Thread the needle with the thread that is the same color as the shirt being shortened. Use about three feet of thread, and remember to tie the end of the thread into a simple knot.
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8
Turn the shirt inside out. Pierce the needle through the inside of the shirt into the folded area of fabric. Graze only a few fibers from the outside of the shirt with the needle (enough to sew the outside of the fabric, but not enough so the thread can be seen)
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9
Pull the thread out through the inside of the shirt. The stitch should be very small.
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10
Repeat this stitch 1/2 inch along the hemline. Continue doing this until the entire shirt is hemmed.
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11
Sew multiple small stitches along the top of each other to tie the thread together. Cut off any remaining thread left over.
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12
Run a hot iron along the hemline to keep the bottom of the shirt crisp and neat looking,
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Tips & Warnings
If the shirt is made of a shrinkable fabric, wash it first so you don't wind up shortening the garment too much.
