Can you change the size of a t-shirt? Yes, you can absolutely tailor a t-shirt to make it fit better. Is it hard to learn how to tailor a tee shirt? Not at all! This guide will show you how to easily alter t-shirt size right at home. You can make a baggy shirt smaller and get a much better fit.
Wearing clothes that fit well just feels better. It looks better too. Often, t-shirts are too wide, too long, or the sleeves are baggy. Buying custom fit shirts costs a lot. But you can learn how to reshape t-shirt styles you already own or find good deals on. This simple t-shirt alteration guide helps you get that perfect look and feel. Let’s dive in and master T-shirt fitting yourself.
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Why Change How Your T-Shirt Fits?
Most t-shirts come in standard sizes. But people don’t come in standard sizes! Your body is unique. A shirt that fits your chest might be too big around your waist. Sleeves might be too long or wide. The shirt length might be wrong for your height.
Making small changes can fix these problems. You can take a basic tee and turn it into a slim fit t-shirt that shows off your shape better. It’s a great way to update older shirts or make cheap shirts look more expensive. It saves money too. Plus, you get clothes that feel made just for you.
Gathering Your Supplies
Before you start, get everything ready. Having the right tools makes the job much easier. You don’t need fancy equipment. Most items are simple sewing supplies.
Tools and Materials You Need
- The t-shirt(s): Choose one you want to change. Maybe an old one to practice on first.
- A well-fitting t-shirt: Use this as a guide for measurements and shape.
- Fabric scissors: Sharp scissors made for cutting cloth. Paper scissors will ruin fabric.
- Measuring tape: For checking lengths and widths.
- Pins: To hold fabric in place before sewing. Use ballpoint pins if you have them. They slide through knit fabric better.
- Fabric marker or tailor’s chalk: To draw lines on the fabric. It washes out later.
- Thread: Match the color of your t-shirt or choose a fun contrast color. Use good quality thread. Polyester thread is strong and has a bit of stretch.
- Sewing machine: The best tool for sewing knit fabric quickly and neatly. You can sew by hand, but it takes much longer and is harder to get a smooth, stretchy seam.
- Needles for your sewing machine: This is very important! Use a ballpoint needle or a stretch needle. These needles have rounded tips. They push the fabric fibers apart instead of cutting them. This stops holes from forming in the knit fabric. A size 75/11 or 90/14 is good for t-shirts.
- An iron and ironing board: Pressing seams makes them lay flat and look professional.
- Seam ripper: For taking out stitches if you make a mistake.
- Optional: Serger or Overlocker: If you have one, this machine trims the fabric edge and sews a stretchy seam at the same time. It gives a very professional finish to knit seams.
- Optional: Twin needle: For hemming knit fabrics. It makes two rows of stitches on top and a zig-zag underneath. This hem stretches nicely.
Interpreting How Knit Fabric Acts
Working with knit fabric is different from working with woven fabric (like cotton for shirts or jeans). Knit fabric stretches. This is why t-shirts are comfy and easy to move in. But this stretchiness means you need special ways to sew it.
Grasping Fabric Stretch
Think of knit fabric like a tiny woven basket. It has loops of thread hooked together. These loops can move and stretch. Woven fabric is like a grid – threads go straight up and down and straight across. It doesn’t stretch much unless it has added spandex.
When you sew knit fabric, your stitches need to stretch with the fabric. If you use a straight stitch like you would on a woven shirt, the thread can break when the t-shirt stretches as you put it on or move around.
Choosing the Right Stitches
You need stitches that can stretch. Your sewing machine likely has these options:
- Zig-zag stitch: This is the most common stretchy stitch. A narrow zig-zag (like width 0.5 to 1.0, length 2.5) works well for seams. A wider, longer zig-zag can be used for hemming.
- Stretch stitch: Many machines have stitches labeled as “stretch stitch,” “knit stitch,” or have a lightning bolt symbol. These stitches usually look like a straight stitch but move back and forth slightly or have a little built-in give. Check your machine’s manual.
- Serger stitch: If you have a serger (or overlocker), this machine makes a super stretchy, strong seam while cutting off the extra fabric edge. It’s the best way to sew knit seams quickly and professionally.
Always test your stitch on a scrap piece of the t-shirt fabric first. Pull the fabric to see if the stitches stretch without breaking.
Sewing Machine Settings for Knits
Besides the right stitch and needle, a few settings help:
- Tension: Start with your machine’s normal tension setting. If stitches look loose or fabric gets wavy, you might need to adjust tension slightly.
- Presser Foot Pressure: Some machines let you lower the pressure the presser foot puts on the fabric. Lowering it can help prevent the fabric from stretching out as you sew.
- Differential Feed (Sergers): If using a serger, the differential feed can make the fabric feed through evenly or even gather it slightly. Use a setting around 1.0 or slightly higher to prevent wavy seams.
If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can hand sew using a backstitch or a special stretch stitch. But machine sewing is much better for a durable, stretchy finish. This is where a sewing machine for knits really shines.
Planning Your Alterations
Don’t just start cutting! Plan exactly what you want to change. Think about what part of the t-shirt doesn’t fit and how you want it to look after.
Assessing the Fit
Put on the t-shirt you want to alter. Put on the t-shirt that fits you well over or under it. See where the problem shirt is too big.
- Sides: Is it baggy around your waist or chest? You’ll need to take in t-shirt sides.
- Sleeves: Are they too long or too wide? You’ll need to shorten t-shirt sleeves or make them narrower.
- Length: Is the shirt too long? You’ll need to shorten the bottom hem.
Use your well-fitting shirt as a guide. Lay the ill-fitting shirt flat. Lay the good shirt on top. See the difference in width and length.
Pre-washing the Fabric
It’s very important to wash and dry your t-shirt before you tailor it. Knit fabrics, especially cotton ones, can shrink. If you tailor it first and then wash it, it might shrink and become too small or fit weirdly. Wash it the way you normally would wear it.
Tailoring the Body: Taking in the Sides
This is one of the most common ways to make t-shirt smaller. Taking in the sides makes the shirt narrower and gives it a better shape.
Marking the New Seam Line
- Turn the t-shirt inside out.
- Lay it flat on a table. Smooth it out.
- Lay your well-fitting t-shirt on top, lined up neatly at the shoulders and neckline.
- Look at the side seam of the good t-shirt. See how it curves from the armpit down to the hem? This is the line you want on your bigger shirt.
- Using your fabric marker or chalk, draw a line on the bigger t-shirt. Start at the armpit seam (where the sleeve joins the body). Draw a line following the curve of the good t-shirt’s side seam down to the hem. Make the line about 1/2 inch (1 cm) inside the edge of the well-fitting shirt. This is your stitching line.
- Do this on both sides of the t-shirt. Make sure the lines match on both sides.
- Alternatively, you can put the t-shirt on inside out. Pinch the extra fabric at the sides until it fits right. Pin vertically along the pinch line, starting below the armpit and going down to the hem. Take the shirt off carefully. Lay it flat and refine your chalk line based on the pins. This method helps get a truly custom fit to your body.
Pinning for Sewing
Once your lines are drawn, pin the front and back layers of the t-shirt together along your drawn line. Place pins about every 2-3 inches (5-7 cm). Make sure the fabric stays flat and smooth between pins.
Sewing the New Side Seams
- Set up your sewing machine: Install the ballpoint or stretch needle. Choose a stretch stitch (like a narrow zig-zag or lightning bolt stitch). Test the stitch on a scrap.
- Start sewing at the armpit seam. Backstitch a few stitches to secure the start.
- Sew slowly and steadily along your drawn line, removing pins as you go. Try not to pull or push the fabric as you sew. Let the machine feed it through.
- Sew all the way down to the hem. Backstitch at the end to secure the seam.
- Repeat for the other side seam.
Testing the Fit (First Check)
Turn the t-shirt right side out. Try it on! See how it fits now. Is it better? Is it still too big? Is it too tight?
If it’s still too big, turn it back inside out. Draw a new line slightly inside your first stitching line. Pin and sew again.
If it’s too tight, use your seam ripper to carefully take out the stitches you just sewed. Go back to your drawn line (or draw a new one further out) and sew again. It’s always better to sew a little bit at a time and try it on than to cut fabric away too soon.
Trimming and Finishing Seams
Once you are happy with the fit, turn the t-shirt inside out again. You have extra fabric outside your new seam lines. You can leave it, but it might feel bulky. It’s better to trim it.
Cut the extra fabric away, leaving about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of fabric outside your new seam line. Be careful not to cut your stitches!
To keep the raw edge from unraveling (knit fabric doesn’t fray like woven, but the edge can curl or get messy), you can finish the edge:
- Use a serger: Sew right next to your new seam line with a serger. This trims and finishes the edge in one step.
- Use a zig-zag stitch: Sew a zig-zag stitch along the raw edge of the fabric you just trimmed. This tidies it up.
Pressing
Iron your new side seams flat. Pressing makes the alteration look smooth and professional. Press the seam allowance towards the back of the shirt.
Shortening T-Shirt Sleeves
Sleeves that are too long or too wide can make a shirt look sloppy. Changing them is easy.
Deciding on the New Length
Put the shirt on. Fold the sleeve up to the length you want it to be. Note where the new hem should fall. A common sleeve length is mid-bicep for short sleeves.
Take the shirt off and turn it inside out. Measure from the shoulder seam or the armpit down to where you want the sleeve to end. Add 1 inch (2.5 cm) for the new hem allowance. This is where you will cut.
Cutting the Sleeves
Lay the sleeve flat. Measure down from the edge the amount you need to remove plus the 1 inch (2.5 cm) hem allowance. Draw a line across the sleeve at this point using your fabric marker or chalk.
Carefully cut along this line using your fabric scissors. Do this for both sleeves. Make sure they are the same length!
Creating the New Hem
You have a few options for the new sleeve hem:
Option 1: Simple Fold
- Turn the sleeve edge up towards the inside of the sleeve by 1/2 inch (1.25 cm). Press it flat with an iron.
- Fold it up again another 1/2 inch (1.25 cm). Press it flat. This hides the raw edge inside the double fold.
- Pin the folded hem in place all around the sleeve opening.
Option 2: Using the Original Hem (If Possible)
If the original hem is the right width for the new sleeve length (often works for just shortening without narrowing), you can cut off the original hem plus about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of fabric above it. Then, reattach the original hem piece to the new sleeve edge. This is a bit more advanced and keeps the original double-needle hem look. For simplicity, Option 1 is better.
Sewing the Hem
- Set up your sewing machine: Use a ballpoint or stretch needle.
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Choose your stitch:
- A zig-zag stitch (width 1.5-2.0, length 2.5) works well. Sew near the inner folded edge of the hem.
- A twin needle stitch is great for a professional look like store-bought tees. Thread two spools on top and use one bobbin thread. The machine sews two straight lines on top and a zig-zag underneath that stretches. Sew with the right side of the fabric up, keeping the needles about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) from the folded edge.
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Sew slowly and evenly around the hem, removing pins. Try not to stretch the fabric. Sew the hem on both sleeves.
- Backstitch a few stitches when you meet your starting point.
Pressing
Iron the new sleeve hems flat from the inside and the outside.
Shortening the T-Shirt Length
If your t-shirt is too long, you can easily cut off the extra and create a new hem at the bottom.
Deciding on the New Length
Put the shirt on. Fold the bottom edge up to the length you want. Mark the desired finished length with a pin or chalk.
Take the shirt off and turn it inside out. Measure from the shoulder seam or the armpit down to your mark. This is your desired finished length.
Now, measure from the original bottom hem upwards to your desired finished length mark. This is the amount you need to remove. Add 1 inch (2.5 cm) for the new hem allowance. This is where you will cut.
Cutting the Bottom
Lay the t-shirt flat. Measure up from the original hem the amount you need to remove plus the 1 inch (2.5 cm) hem allowance. Draw a straight line across the shirt at this point using your fabric marker or chalk. Make sure the line is even all the way around.
Carefully cut along this line with your fabric scissors. Cut through both the front and back layers at the same time for an even cut.
Creating the New Hem
This is just like hemming the sleeves (Option 1: Simple Fold):
- Turn the bottom edge up towards the inside of the shirt by 1/2 inch (1.25 cm). Press it flat with an iron.
- Fold it up again another 1/2 inch (1.25 cm). Press it flat.
- Pin the folded hem in place all around the bottom opening.
Sewing the Hem
- Set up your sewing machine: Ballpoint or stretch needle.
- Choose your stitch: Zig-zag stitch (width 1.5-2.0, length 2.5) or twin needle stitch.
- Sew slowly and evenly around the hem, removing pins. Start and stop near a side seam. Backstitch a few stitches at the start and end.
- Try not to stretch the fabric as you sew.
Pressing
Iron the new bottom hem flat from the inside and outside.
More Ways to Reshape Your T-Shirt
Once you are comfortable with the basics of taking in the sides, shortening sleeves, and hemming, you can try more changes to reshape t-shirt styles.
- Making Sleeves Narrower: If the sleeves are not only too long but also too wide, you can take them in along the underarm seam. Turn the shirt inside out. Draw a line along the underarm seam, starting at the armpit and tapering down towards the new sleeve hem. Sew along this line with a stretch stitch. Trim and finish the edge. Then hem as usual.
- Tapering the Body: Instead of just taking in the sides in a straight line from armpit to hem, you can draw a curved line that is wider at the chest and narrower at the waist, then flares slightly towards the hips. This creates a more tapered or fitted shape, like a true slim fit t-shirt. Use your well-fitting shirt as a guide for this curve.
- Altering the Neckline: This is a bit more advanced, but you can change a crew neck to a wider neck or even a V-neck. This requires cutting the existing neckband off and sewing on a new band or finishing the edge with a facing or binding.
A Simple T-Shirt Alteration Guide
Let’s put it all together in a step-by-step plan for a typical alteration (sides, sleeves, and length):
- Prepare: Wash and dry your t-shirt. Gather all your tools and materials.
- Measure and Mark: Put on the t-shirt. Figure out how much you want to take in the sides, shorten the sleeves, and shorten the length. Use pins or chalk.
- Use a Guide: Lay your well-fitting shirt on top of the t-shirt to be altered (turned inside out). Draw new seam lines on the side and mark the new length/sleeve hems. Add seam/hem allowances (usually 1/2 inch for seams, 1 inch for hems).
- Cut: Carefully cut off the excess length from the sleeves and bottom hem. (Do not cut the side seams yet).
- Pin Sides: Pin the front and back layers together along your drawn side seam lines.
- Sew Sides: Sew along the pinned lines with a stretch stitch (zig-zag, stretch stitch, or serger). Start at the armpit and sew down to the hem. Backstitch at start/end.
- Test Fit: Try the shirt on right side out. Check the fit of the body, sleeves, and length. Adjust side seams if needed (sew closer in or rip and re-sew further out).
- Trim Sides: Once the body fit is right, turn inside out and trim the extra fabric from the side seams, leaving about 1/2 inch (1 cm).
- Finish Side Seams: Finish the raw edges of the side seams with a zig-zag stitch or serger.
- Prepare Hems: Turn up the raw edges of the sleeve openings and the bottom edge by 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) twice. Press flat. Pin in place.
- Sew Hems: Sew the folded hems in place using a stretch stitch (zig-zag or twin needle).
- Press: Iron all your new seams and hems flat.
Now you have a t-shirt that fits you much better! You’ve successfully learned how to make t-shirt smaller and achieve a great T-shirt fitting.
Tips for Great Results
- Practice makes perfect: Don’t start with your favorite shirt. Use an old one or a cheap one to practice your stitches and techniques.
- Go slow: Especially when sewing curves or working with stretchy fabric. Let the machine do the work. Don’t pull the fabric.
- Press as you go: Ironing seams flat at each step makes a big difference in the final look.
- Use the right needle: This is critical for sewing knit fabric without causing holes or skipped stitches. Ballpoint or stretch needles are a must.
- Test your stitch: Before sewing on the actual shirt, sew a line on a scrap piece of the same fabric. Pull the fabric to make sure the stitch stretches.
- Check fit often: Try the shirt on after sewing the sides, before trimming. It’s easier to adjust stitches than to add fabric back!
- Pin carefully: Use enough pins to keep the fabric layers from shifting, especially when sewing curves.
- Consider hand-sewing for small areas: While machine sewing is best for seams, you can tack down a small folded edge or fix a tiny spot by hand using a backstitch or a flexible stitch.
Facing Common Issues
Even with care, you might run into problems when tailoring knit fabric.
- Wavy seams: This happens if the fabric gets stretched out as you sew. Try lowering your presser foot pressure, or using a stitch that has less forward feed motion. Sometimes, just pressing with an iron and steam can help flatten wavy seams. Using a serger with differential feed set slightly higher than 1.0 prevents this.
- Skipped stitches: This is often a needle problem. Make sure you are using a ballpoint or stretch needle that is the right size for the fabric (usually 75/11 or 90/14 for t-shirts). A worn-out needle can also cause skips; put in a new one. Check that your machine is threaded correctly.
- Thread breaking: Your stitch doesn’t stretch enough! Switch to a different stretch stitch option on your machine, or lengthen your zig-zag stitch slightly. Make sure you are using good quality polyester thread, which has some natural stretch.
- Holes in the fabric: This almost always means you are using a sharp or universal needle instead of a ballpoint or stretch needle. Change your needle immediately.
Table of Knit Stitches
This table shows common stitches used for sewing knit fabric on a regular sewing machine.
| Stitch Name | Look on Fabric | Purpose | Machine Symbol (Typical) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Stitch | ——– | NOT for stretchy seams! | — | Will break when fabric stretches. Use for woven only. |
| Zig-Zag Stitch | /\/\/\/\/\ | Seams, Seam finishing, Hems | —/— | Versatile. Adjust width/length for stretch. |
| Stretch Stitch | /–/–/-\ | Seams | Lightning bolt, specific icons | Designed to stretch with fabric. |
| Triple Stretch Stitch | ——— (looks like straight but thicker) | Very strong seams, Topstitching | Usually an icon with three lines | Strong but can be bulkier. |
| Twin Needle Stitch | ======= (two lines on top) | Hems | Double needle icon | Needs twin needle accessory. Makes stretchy hem. |
Fathoming the Final Look
After sewing and pressing, your t-shirt should look much better. The sides will follow the curve of your body. The sleeves will end at the right spot. The length will be just right. You’ve transformed a basic shirt into a custom-fit garment! This T-shirt alteration guide gives you the skills to achieve that perfect fit every time. Keep practicing on different shirts to get better at tailoring them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I tailor a t-shirt by hand?
A: Yes, you can. Use a backstitch or a special hand stretch stitch. However, machine sewing is much faster and gives a more durable, stretchy seam that works better for t-shirts.
Q: Do I need a special sewing machine for knits?
A: No, most modern sewing machines have the necessary stitches (like zig-zag) and can use the correct needles (ballpoint or stretch). A serger is ideal for knits but not required.
Q: What needle should I use for t-shirt fabric?
A: Always use a ballpoint needle or a stretch needle. These needles are designed specifically for knit fabrics to avoid making holes or skipping stitches.
Q: Why do my seams look wavy after sewing?
A: Wavy seams usually mean the fabric stretched while you were sewing. Try not to pull the fabric. Use a stitch with less feed motion or reduce the presser foot pressure on your machine if possible. Pressing with steam can sometimes help flatten them.
Q: How much seam allowance should I leave?
A: When taking in sides, leaving about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of fabric outside your new stitch line is usually enough before trimming. For hems, fold up about 1 inch (2.5 cm) total (two 1/2 inch folds).
Q: Can I make a t-shirt bigger?
A: Making a t-shirt significantly bigger is very difficult or impossible with the existing fabric. You would need to add panels of matching fabric, which is a complex task. Tailoring is mostly for making clothes smaller or changing the shape.
Q: How do I learn more about different stitches for knit fabric?
A: Check your sewing machine’s manual for details on its built-in stitches and how to use them on stretchy fabrics. Online sewing tutorials and books also offer lots of information on sewing knit fabric techniques.
Tailoring your own t-shirts might seem scary at first. But with the right tools, a little practice, and this guide, you can achieve a perfect fit and make your clothes look and feel amazing. Give it a try!