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Alter Clothes

Learn all these sewing and alterations you can do yourself to make your wardrobe fit well and last longer. Don’t pay for these alterations!

Clothing is made to fit an average body that doesn’t exist. It’s the average measurements of people done by doctors from more than fifty years ago. It’s really hard to get ready to wear clothing fit you perfectly right off the rack. It’s great to learn simple ways to alter clothes to get a beautiful, custom fit. A custom fit is the best way to make your clothing look well-made and expensive.

There are lots of ways to alter clothes like lengthening or shortening hems, taking in the sides or letting out the sides, adding darts or removing darts, lengthening or shortening sleeves, mending holes, etc.

There is no end to what you can do with clothing, and you can even do additionaly refashions like adding a skirt, chopping off sleeves, and adding pockets to make something you love.

A lot of these clothing alterations work well for women’s clothing, but the majority of these work for all: men, women, and children. You can always take excess fabric in, and you can often let clothing out by using the side seams or adding fabric.

Should I prewash the item?

If you have not washed the item yet, and it doesn’t fit the way you want, then I recommend washing and drying the item the way you will treat it when you wash and wear it. You want the fabric to shirnk or settle into the way it’ll be permanently. Then any changes you make will be accurate.

The Basics of altering clothing:

  1. Put the garment on with the correct underwear and shoes on.
  2. Check to see if the seam lines are in the right place.
  3. What parts of the clothing need to be taken in or let out?
  4. Is there a seam where you can take in or let out?
  5. Satefy pin the excess to measure how much is needed.
  6. Do the alteration by seam ripping open all the sections adding or removing extra fabric.

Read the articles below for details on each way to alter!

How to Make a Dress Longer // heatherhandmade.com
Alter Clothes

How to Make a Dress Longer

Make your dress that is too short fit better with one of these two great sewing tutorials. Learn how to make a dress longer with lace or with fabric. If…

Read More How to Make a Dress LongerContinue

add sleeves to a dress
Alter Clothes

How to Add Sleeves to a Dress

Learn how to add sleeves to a dress. This sewing tutorial works well with any sleeveless dress or a dress with straps. Dress shopping is hard because there’s so many…

Read More How to Add Sleeves to a DressContinue

sweater to shorten sleeves
Alter Clothes

How to Shorten a Sweater

Learn how to shorten a sweater or a jumper that is too long with a sewing machine. This sewing tutorial keeps the ribbing intact for a professional finished hem. It…

Read More How to Shorten a SweaterContinue

how to sew back darts
Alter Clothes | Refashion

How to Sew Back Darts

Learn how to sew back darts to get the best fit on your top or dress. It’s a simple way to pull in a waist for a flattering fit. I…

Read More How to Sew Back DartsContinue

How to Fix a Torn Pocket on Suit Pants
Alter Clothes

How to Fix a Torn Pocket on Suit Pants

Learn how to fix a torn pocket on suit pants. Suit pants often rip at the base of the pocket opening due to stress and it’s easy to repair! One…

Read More How to Fix a Torn Pocket on Suit PantsContinue

how to sew a cuff on dress pants
Alter Clothes

How To Sew A Cuff on Dress Pants

Learn how to sew a cuff on dress pants with just a sewing machine. This is an easy way to hem nice pants without sewing by hand. My husband’s cuff…

Read More How To Sew A Cuff on Dress PantsContinue

How to Make a Dress Fit Tighter
Alter Clothes

How to Make a Dress Fit Tighter

Learn how to make a dress fit tighter with this sewing tutorial. This alteration is a great way to make a loose dress fitted. I love finding a fantastic dress…

Read More How to Make a Dress Fit TighterContinue

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I believe small sewing moments can create great joy. Find your own “right” way to sew. Learn more about my sewing journey.

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  • Start Here
    • Learn How to Sew
    • Sewing Clothing: A Beginners Guide
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Newsletter Signup!
  • Sewing Projects and Tutorials
    • Sewing 101
    • Easy Gifts to Sew
    • Baby Sewing Projects
    • Holiday Sewing Projects
      • Valentine Sewing Projects
      • Summer Sewing Projects
      • 4th of July Sewing Projects
      • Back to School Sewing Projects
      • Fall Sewing Projects
      • Halloween Sewing Projects
      • Christmas Sewing Projects
    • Home Sewing Projects
    • Clothing Alterations
    • DIY Costumes
    • Refashion
    • Upcycling
  • Free Sewing Patterns
    • Free Sewing Patterns for Kids
    • Free Baby Sewing Patterns
    • Free Christmas Sewing Patterns
    • Free Halloween Sewing Patterns
    • How to Get My Free Sewing Patterns
  • Shop
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