VMan
Distinguished Member
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2003
- Messages
- 4,996
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A forum member PM'd me about how to take in the sides of a shirt if it fits too baggy. Â I figured this would help a few more people, since its a very basic thing to do (I learned in an afternoon). Â (he had asked how to do a shirt with side gussetts) As far as gussetted seams, there's nothing you can do, unless you cut out the gusset and re-attach it. Â My aunt is a skilled seamstress so she taught me the basic techniques. Basically, what I do is turn the shirt inside out and lay it flat. Â I then use a pencil and trace the line on the side for the general shape I want the shirt to take. Â You're stuck with width near the armpits, but you can change anything below the arms. Â I measure the shirt at the middle to get the general width of the shirt (usually about 23"). Â I want mine to be 39" total, so 19.5" while laying flat. Â I subtract the 19.5" 23" (or whatever it is), and divide that number by two to find out what I need to mark off on each side. With this you'll end up with a simple seam. Â I don't mind this - hardly anyone notices and if you're arms are at your side (or if you're wearing a jacket) its completely covered up.
When you get more skilled, you can do a flat-felled seam (like most commercial shirts have). Â It takes a bit more work and time, but it looks like the original seam. You can then trim the excess material, or fold it over and re-sew it to make a nice finished edge inside. Turn the shirt inside out and Voila.