For some of us, we happen to buy a shirt or blouse that is a bit too large for us. However, we still decide to keep it as it was a good deal and it fits us in every other aspect – aside from just being too big. In this article you will learn how to make a shirt smaller without making use of a sewing machine.
The first step to making this shirt smaller without a sewing machine is to shrink it in the wash. Start by soaking the shirt in the washing machine with warm water and a mild detergent. Let it soak for about 10 to 15 minutes then rinse thoroughly. Place the shirt on a flat surface and pull it tighter in all directions. Doing this will help the fabric to shrink naturally and make the shirt appear smaller. If the fabric is cotton or polyester, then the shrinking process is better as these fabrics tend to shrink more than other fabrics like rayon.
The second step is to use steam to make the shirt smaller. You can use either a handheld steamer or an iron. With the help of steam, the fabric will shrink, giving the shirt a more tailored fit. When steaming, it is important to be careful, as too much heat can cause the fabric to burn or weaken the fibre. When steaming, apply the steam, then press the fabric firmly for about 10 to 15 seconds and repeat the process all around the shirt.
The third step is to knot the shirt. This method works with shirts that have a drawstring or tie, such as a hooded sweatshirt. If the shirt has a drawstring or tie, you can adjust it to make the shirt smaller. Simply tie the drawstring/tie at the end as tight as possible and you will see a visible difference.
The last step is to use safety pins to make the shirt smaller. This is a great way to make a shirt smaller and gives it a nice shape. Start by pinning the seams in place, then the sides and back. You will need to keep on pinning and adjusting until the shirt fits you the way you want it. Once you are done, you can remove the pins and you will get a nicely fitted shirt.
Use Altering Kits
Another way to make your shirt smaller without using a sewing machine is by using an altering kit. They are specially designed kits that come with fabric, elastic and tools that you need to take in the fabric of your shirt. With the help of an altering kit, you can adjust the shirt’s fit with ease. There are a number of altering kits available in the market, so you can choose the one that suits your needs.
Altering kits are also great for making alterations such as hemming or taking up a sleeve. They offer detailed instructions that make the process of taking in the fabric fast and easy. The only thing you have to be careful about is to follow the instructions correctly to avoid any issues.
Upcycling
If the shirt is too big and you don’t want to take it in, then you could consider upcycling the shirt. This is a great way to make use of an ill fitting shirt and turn it into something new. There are a number of ways you could upcycle it. You could add details such as pockets, turn it into a dress, add patches, etc. It is a great way to give your shirt a new look and make it smaller in the process.
It is also possible to upcycle an ill fitting shirt into a shirt dress. Start by cutting off the sleeves and the collar, then hem the bottom. Next, attach the sleeves to the side seams and sew a drawstring at the bottom. You will then have a shirt dress that fits you perfectly.
Change the Fabric
You can also make a shirt smaller by changing the fabric. You can make use of fabric scraps or buy a few yards of fabric and get to work. Start by removing the stitches that you can and take in the sides, neck and sleeves. Then, cut out the extra fabric and re-attach the shirt to the new fabric. You can then sew the new fabric together and have a shirt that fits you perfectly.
This is a great way to make a shirt smaller without having to make use of a sewing machine. You can also use fabric paint and other accessories such as buttons, lace and embellishments to give your shirt a new look.
Alter in Online Stores
You can also make your shirt smaller without using a sewing machine by altering in online stores. There are a number of online stores that offer alteration services. You simply upload a picture of your shirt, specify what alterations you want, and they will do the alteration for you. This is a great way to make sure that your shirt fits you perfectly without having to resort to using a sewing machine.
These online stores offer alterations services at affordable prices and they also provide detailed instructions that you can follow to make sure that the alteration is done correctly. You can also ask them to make alterations such as hemming and taking up a sleeve as well, which can be very helpful.
Hire a Professional Tailor or Seamstress
If you want to make sure that the alteration is done correctly, you can also hire the services of a professional tailor or seamstress. They will have the knowledge and experience to make sure that the shirt fits you perfectly. You can also have them make alterations such as hemming or taking up a sleeve as well.
However, hiring a professional can be more expensive compared to the other options. But if you want to make sure that the alterations are done correctly and with quality, then it is worth the money.
Conclusion
Making a shirt smaller without a sewing machine is possible and there are a number of ways by which you can do it. You can shrink the shirt in the wash, steam it, knot it, use safety pins, use an altering kit, upcycle it, change the fabric, or hire a professional. All these methods are relatively easy to do and will help you achieve a perfect fit.
