Make a T-Shirt BIGGER: 5 WAYS

[@lynnephelps2370]

VIDEO REQUEST: Love your upcyling videos and I need your help! Now that I'm in my 60's, I don't want my upper arms to show! I have so many clothes where the sleeves are now too short; I'd like them to go to the elbow or three-quarter. I also have sleeveless shirts that I love and I'd like to add sleeves. I live in Florida so I can't wear sweaters or jackets most of the year to cover that upper arm sag. Please help!

[@DiannaAtherton]

I have been sewing for over 55 years and have done it all but I watch you and I feel like a kid learning something new & fun Thank you

[@liliswenson6144]

Felt the same way.

[@kimers12660]

I’m in your boat! I love the idea of a contrasting pattern like in the first shirt. This video got my juices flowing!

[@sharpenwithcheryl9533]

I just found The Bob Ross of sewing! I can't wait to watch more of your videos!

[@MiMiLfE]

Thank you for making mistakes and not editing them out ! 1) it makes me feel better knowing “ picking “ happens to everybody and 2) I learn how to fix mistakes watching this ! Thank you !

[@CatherineSews]

You are so welcome! Mistakes happen to everyone!

[@theresalayton9286]

Oh my goodness ♥️ I couldn't agree with you more!!! I'm a reborn doll artist and I'm completely self-taught, so everything I've learned is from doing it wrong and having to fix it LOL just part of the process! I agree I love seeing it in the video cuz it's a mistake I probably would have made and now I'll know how to fix it 😊❤️🇨🇦

[@LauraJCDuke]

Yeeees!!!!🥳🙌

[@alanakimler8025]

Absolutely agree!! Thanks

[@debbiew.7630]

Well this was so fantastic. I’m going to watch it again. And I have to save it. I have a great little T-shirt that I just love. But it’s just too tight. And at 72 I just can’t wear those cute little tight T-shirts anymore. So now I know what I can do. Thank you so very much. This is going to be fun. I love watching every one of your videos. I thought the only thing I could do with it was make it into a pillow. Lol thanks for the great ideas. You’re my favorite. Thanks so much.

[@CatherineSews]

Awww, Debbie, that is such an amazing comment! Thank you so much for engaging in such a positive way. I appreciate it more than I can tell you!!

[@ellatricoche596]

Yes, love this! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheSuzberry]

Yes. As we grow older our favorites seem to grow smaller. 😎

[@immerBeginner]

Love this! Thanks so very much for this Video! Do you have any tips for adding length? I have so many shirts from the 2000's, when hipster jeans and peekaboo shirts were in ... neither of which I would wear now LOL

[@b.visconti1765]

WoW you took the words right out of my mouth! I'm a few years younger and totally agree stay warm an take care👍

[@sophiabright8371]

Ahhh lovely! Just low-key, simple, well-explained & executed tips. No sound effects, no snazzy flash. I can watch you ALL. DAY! Too sensitive for my own good... but learning to choose the KZbin teachers wisely. THANKS! Can't wait to set up my sewing area!

[@lyndaallaby2131]

It was so nice and quiet to listen/watch - like you, background music, etc. will make me shut off a video of any kind .

[@ilanas3190]

I don't know how it came to be that this video was in my "recommended" section since I've never sewed a day in my life, nor have I ever watched another sewing tutorial before. But since it was there, I decided to give it a watch. And OMG, you are crazy talented and creative! I truly enjoyed watching this, even though I'll never attempt it myself 😄 And your personality is everything. You're seriously adorable!

[@charlyheather1822]

[@selucea]

You could have used a woven fabric for your side insert, provided you cut on the bias. And most lace yardage conforms to solid knits better on the bias, too.

[@cindathomas3245]

This was just what I needed! An artist friend of mine was giving away extra screen printed dresses, and I loved them…however, WAY TOO SMALL. I thought about shortening to a top but still too tight. I had given up and put them in my goodwill bag last week, then I saw your video today. Dug them out and made a fun and decent little summer dress that I can wear with leggings also. Thank you! I wanted to post a pic, but I don’t think it will let me 😔

[@CatherineSews]

Wonderful! I'm thrilled to hear this! What a great save.

[@jameswalker-vp8gs]

(This is Lydia, James' sister.) That's a GREAT idea! Thank you for sharing!

[@lisacurran2299]

I LOVED THIS VIDEO!!! I'm a 3x gal - so a lot of tees don't fit well (especially in the "suffocating" armpit area). I just bought my first serger - and in this video I learned SO MUCH! My favorite part was I learned what to do with those pesky serger 'tails' ! ❤❤❤

[@CatherineSews]

So glad you liked it, Lisa! It's awesome to have you on board!

[@ruthsmith4741]

You are awesome

[@beverlykoehler817]

One way to hide the serger tails is to thread them through a large eyed needle then hide them in the hem of the garment.

[@dawnmason9558]

Try adding godet panels & patchwork type patterns & colours, clashing & coordinating!

[@sharonmaykovich1165]

​@@CatherineSews😮 6:28 6:28

[@leafyrox]

I admit, I buy clothes on clearance, sometimes a little small, sometimes a little big, but when a shirt is $1 to $3, I can't resist. You've got some great ideas so I can hopefully customize my bargains into something new. I'm not a great sewer, hopefully it won't matter.

[@bobbiegallia1188]

I’ve done that too and one thing I like to do is to get two $1.00 specials of the same color/design and then I will have matching fabric to add longer sleeves, a color, extra length, and extra width in the extra bargain item.

[@1time4younme]

Well.... I was looking for a video showing how to add side panels to a shirt to make it larger.... and you had to go and show me 5 cool ways to do that! Thanks so much for the neat ideas. Now I'm gonna go look thru my older shirts and see what new shirts I can make. Thank you so much for sharing these ideas. This is gonna be so fun to do! 🙂

[@karenpatrick6498]

I just discovered you today! Thank you for your channel. I'm 77 and learned to sew in junior high school. I've been browsing sewing channels for some time wanting to learn something new. I've been making quilts for nearly 30 years but now I've tried to go back to garment sewing. Your channel is like both a refresher course and a master class in one. Thank you!

[@CatherineSews]

It's great to have you on board, Karen! I love your description: a refresher course and a master class in one. That'll be my new mandate. ❤️

[@justjessy0115]

I'll never have the skills or patience to create these shirts but love watching what you do. You have a sweet, funny & calming vibe, i think that's what makes your videos so enjoyable to watch even for ppl like me that like your shirts but could probably never have the outcome you have😂

[@happycook6737]

For the people saying why didn't you just buy a bigger T-shirt? At my job we wear a company T-shirt every Friday. The biggest size is 3x and they shrink even in cold water. Each year we get a new one with a new theme. I contacted a local screen printer and they want $65 to copy it in a 4x. So this tutorial is a blessing.

[@stacymcintyre1796]

Right! I work in local theatre and every show has its own t-shirt designed. They don't differentiate between women's and men's cuts, they are all just long rectangles and fit fine on my waist but are too tight on my hips. Because of this, there are some I don't wear, but wearing it during a show's performance is a treat I can't always participate in.

[@NWAdventureGal09]

All of the ideas were great, Catherine, but the last one (pink and gray with customized neckline) really did it for me! I've gained over 50lbs due to medications for atrial fibrillation that I cannot seem to get off. I have a few t-shirts I absolutely loved when I was 50lbs smaller and I've been thinking about trying to find a way to "save" them--aka make them wider and possibly longer. Your tutorial sparked ideas for me of what I need to do in my particular circumstance and I thank you for that. I didn't have much of a tummy until the medication-related weight gain, but do now and want to lengthen a few too. I've decided to go with the idea of the princess seam inset all the way through the sleeve and finish off the bottoms with a more decorative item such as wide, stretchable lace (3"-4" wide) or moderately sheer fabric in the color of the side inset. I've sewn for years and years and should have been able to figure this all out, but watching your video saved me a few days of tweaks to get the method right -- thank you! Another idea would be to do a wide pie-shape inset underarm and down the sideseam in a soft, drapey knit or even drapey woven to make the t-shirt into more of a "swing top", if that makes sense. The narrow end of the pie wedge would go at the armpit and the wide end of the pie wedge at the hip. Just another idea for you if you feel like trying it out. I think that one would work best with a t-shirt that is already a really soft knit versus the t-shirts that are a bit thicker like you usually get at concerts and other events. Keep up the great work! Much appreciated!

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

The v neck is nice. Gives me some ideas for thrift shopping, the cutest stuff never the right size...

[@CatherineSews]

Right?! I rarely buy something that doesn't need any altering!

[@merriepine5213]

I am an experienced sewer for many decades and I have to tell you, your ideas are some of the best I have ever seen. I will definitely be using this technique many times I am sure for myself, my granddaughter, and for doll clothes. Thank you

[@CatherineSews]

Wow, thank you! That's lovely to hear!

[@alamedadanceparty]

I don’t know how to sew, but I love your calm, positive, light hearted teaching method. You’re amazing!,

[@AnnieofBlueGables]

Genius! I’ve been serging for over 30 years, and have never seen the trick with the serged tails! Genius!

[@vanessaboatwright2362]

I used your technique to add a panel down the sides of a hoodie that was just a little snug round my middle yesterday. Super easy to do and looks great. I can now wear it easily. Thank you for the tips 😊

[@OMich-jb6fw]

I don't care about t-shirts BUT YOUR SEWING MACHINE SKILLS are unbelievable!!!❤

[@amberlindsey7112]

This is perfect!!! I broke my back a few years ago and then also being on steroids, I have put on 40 lbs. I just hate buying new clothes when I already have some. I also love the trick with stitching over your thread chain. Perfect way to hide it! I have been sewing for 35 years and never thought of doing that!!!

[@tropezando]

Steroids are so rough, I feel you! I lost half my body weight before being put on long term steroids, and have gained so much of it back 🥲 They're such a double edged sword!

[@sallyescrader1434]

Catherine! You’re a star! My t-shirts have mysteriously all shrunk post Covid! I’ve been sewing for over 50 years, specialising in bridal wear for the last 30. So my experience with interlock fabric is limited. You’ve given me many great tips - and this is the first time I’ve seen you! New subscriber from the U.K. Not so much bridal business these days as I think the “youngsters” think I’m past it! So, new business idea… upcycling, reusing… and it’s all thanks to just ONE of your videos!! Thank you sooooooo much 🪡🧵📍

[@CatherineSews]

Wow, Sally, that is an amazing comment! Thanks so much! I think upcycling would be a very satisfying and rewarding business to be in. So happy to have inspired you!

[@sallyescrader1434]

Catherine… I ran the idea past hubby & he agrees that upcycling/recycling all the “old stuff” we’ve accumulated over the years is a great idea. 2023 looks like it’s going to be a craft-filled delight! He’s already given me a huge pile of t-shirts to transform into gnomes, cushions, rag dolls, etc, etc. so excited! Thank you again. xxxx

[@CatherineSews]

@@sallyescrader1434 You're awesome, and so is your hubby! You should start a YT channel and show everything you make!

[@sallyescrader1434]

A YT channel??!!! I’m not sure about that… I don’t think I even replied to the correct comment here, let alone managing the complexities of recording/downloading (uploading?) videos & everything else. I have trouble learning all the techy stuff! May I email you with some questions, please?

[@CatherineSews]

@@sallyescrader1434 sure! Csn you DM me on Instagram? @CathBHay

[@lizzyanthus1]

It looks like it was always there!! Nice job! The pink stripe matches the pink flowers beautifully too! Love it!

[@debrahart4888]

I just watched this one again, start to finish !! Thanks so much for showing so many options, Catherine !!

[@sheilacarsins6222]

The grey v-neck on the contrasting pink and grey tee shirt really makes it look more finished than leaving the collar pink! So cute! 🌹 I love the stripes on the sides of the 1st shirt, the floral graphic tee, too! Adorable! Would love to see a floral shirt mixed with both stripes, AND a different section with large polka dots, too! ⚫️🔴🟣❤️⚫️🔴🟣❤️🟣🔴⚫️❤️🟣🔴⚫️

[@CatherineSews]

I love mixing prints too, so I'd love to do a floral/stripe/polka dot tee! Fun idea!

[@TamarKnochel]

Oh my goodness! Princess seam T- SHIRTS! I am freaking out! I know what I'M doing this afternoon now!!! This is such a really great informative inspirational video!!! You're amazing! Thank you so much for sharing! ❤❤❤

[@CatherineSews]

I'm so glad you found me, Tamar! I love your enthusiasm!

[@samanthasova2094]

I LOVE that you gave us 100 tutorials in one. I have outgrown a lot of my favorite clothes and am not a great sewer. I can't wait to try some of these skills on some random tees and flip my clothes into fresh styles. Thank you!

[@denisebarker9288]

Sometimes when you are shopping at the thrift store you find shirt that you know will be tight. This is such a great idea.❤️

[@bekesize]

Thanks! Brilliant hacks! You are the first person to explain how to efficiently unpick a serged seam! I have a favorite top that is stained and I want to unpick it to use as a pattern, but it has about 10 seams and I was intimidated! I also appreciate the tip on encasing the serger ends! Thanks again!

[@CatherineSews]

My pleasure, Beke! So glad you found this video helpful!

[@happycyclingphotos]

Love the pink stripes tshirt. The stripes matched perfectly with the flower on your tshirt.

[@mjdevorick8404]

This is terrific! Thanks for showing the v-neck again so it’s easier to see. I can’t believe that I am sewing on my own clothes!! I’ve made some things for so much better.

[@CatherineSews]

Oh, great! I'm so glad this version of the Vneck was easier to follow. I'm so thrilled that you're sewing your own clothes successfully!!

[@barbarayoungblood2935]

yes i love this vedio .Have a lot of tee shirts to remodle for grand childeren .Thank you !

[@evansfamily8156]

I have been sewing for over 30 years. My newest adventures have been to alter slacks. Thank you for all these! I am stoked to dig into the leftovers of my kids T-shirt quilts!

[@trashcatlinol]

....I found a boutique in the house I bought. I hate some of the clothes, but not the colors. And some gorgeous shirts a little too small, despite all the weight loss. Love these ideas! Hopefully I can help my niece as well!

[@belindasmith8790]

I love how you explain the little details ( like how to edge the hem and then fold it over). Please keep making these videos.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, will do!

[@sherylnsmith2095]

Really cute & I’ll soon be 74. Enjoyed the technique also. My Mom was a Tailor. I wanted to learn to sew but because I was young & didn’t know or appreciate having to take things out ( seams, stitching, etc). I now know It all works together and there can be more than one solution regarding construction and/ or reconstruction of a garment. I wish she would have shared that it was all part of learning and there is joy in knowing. She took the sewing from me saying “Then you’lI never make it as a seamstress!” I did begin sewing again after I had children later in life. I enjoy your voice and style of teaching❣️🌻🤗 TY so much.

[@kimcastle4081]

Great ideas and so well explained! I have a favorite tshirt that experienced Covid shrink, and I’ll have to find a mate to use to biggen it up!

[@CatherineSews]

Haha, I love that. Yes, post-pandemic is probably the perfect time for a video on "biggening up'!

[@creolekitten]

Kim, some of your clothes shrank during Covid too?!? I was just talking to friends about that today. 😝

[@carriesconfettiutube]

You popped up after another video , I’m totally thrilled with how clear you filming is and the speed . I thrift almost out my outer wear , so this is a tool I will surely use .

[@bleudragon9]

Loved all five of those tees! Surprised that the pink striped side panels looked so good, as if they were part of the original design. Thanks for the great demos and instructions. Request (time and interest permitting): demo for soft fold-over waist yoga pants with straight or wide legs. I know there are other videos out there for yoga pants, but I like your style and method of showing/ teaching.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Charlie! I like your idea, so I'll add it to my To Do list!

[@shawnholbrook7278]

Thank goodness! I was upset that all my "ladies" tshirts shrank so much!! I am so happy that I found this video. I like loose clothing and pockets. I also shop at the thrift stores because: 1. cheap 2. I can find cotton and older styles. 3. I have kids and a limited income. I have my grandmas sewing machine, just have to learn how to use it. 🥰 p.s. subscribed

[@CatherineSews]

So nice to hear, Shawn! Good luck developing some beautiful skills on your grandma's machine!

[@juliapope7663]

Shawn, when I was 8 years old, using my grandma's old pedal sewing machine, I taught myself how to sew by taking old clothes apart and restyling them. Sure I made some mistakes early on, but by the time I was 10, I was sewing like a pro. If I could do that as a child, I know you can too. All it really takes is a strong desire. Good luck!

[@donnacook581]

I love your videos, especially the fact that you include those little incidents we all encounter like a missed edge, running out of thread midway in a seam, because you show us how to recover neatly! One thing I like to do to increase a size is to cut the side seam and add a small bust dart. It means losing a little length but as long as the garment can afford to be a little shorter it works well and looks much more flattering than a ‘unisex’ shape, especially if you curve the side seam slightly. This process makes room for a bigger bust and I’ve used it a lot in the past :)

[@CatherineSews]

Oh, that's a great tip! I've had questions about that but I didn't think it would work out great because of the loss of length. But now it makes total sense! Thanks!!

[@YepItsMeSilly.]

What if you were to even the bottom edge after the dart then add material to the length. Same color or another. 🤷🏼‍♀️ Maybe with your pink shirt add the bottoms of unused shirts pieces from both pink & gray. Or add White 1½-2" around bottom. Like a shirt showing at the bottom 🤷🏼‍♀️I know Crazy ideas.

[@cherylanon5791]

confusing, how would making a dart (which takes away fabric) increase the bust circumference? I get how it would be more shapely for a full bust, but for a larger bust you need to add both width, and also length to the front.

[@jessicacastrodad5652]

Cutting the graphic into strips is such a genius idea!

[@spiritmatter1553]

The first one was the same technique a friend used to improve the fit of a secondhand designer dress. The second one was unexpected, the third one was amazing and a very flattering red on you. I love it that you use a Kenmore machine. My mom worked for Sears in the 1970s and all our appliances were Kenmore (Sears brand). Thanks for bringing up some nostalgic memories. Edit: And the last one, the color blocking, was gorgeous!

[@CatherineSews]

I love my old Kenmore! Thanks for watching and your kind comments.

[@justinacarothers2699]

I miss Kenmore! My first machine was a hand me down Kenmore. I still have it & its a great back up when my new machine is in the shop (always). Being so old. It has feed dog issues & only straight stitches these days. No new parts to be found. ❤

[@sunshine3914]

@@justinacarothers2699 Watch Randy the Sewing Machine Guy. Wouldn’t trade my old kenmore for the latest tech - sews like a dream. Edit: or could be “Randy Your Sewing Machine Guy”

[@annastebelskyj580]

I haven't added a side panel to a tshirt since like 2008, so thanks for the refresher! Cool flip over trick to fold the hem, too. Thanks to you, I've saved my old Jurassic Park babydoll tee.

[@dillonmclittlegee7462]

Thank you for your tutorials and leaving in the parts that go wrong. It really makes me feel better and not like it only happens to me. I’m very new to sewing and I love your tutorials and encouragement ❤

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Dillon! So glad you found my channel!

[@TriciaLBarber]

I think putting the v neck on the red and grey shirt totally transformed it. I made it look meant to be. You are an Awesome teacher! I have learned a lot from you.

[@Lynn-kh5rs]

I'm of an age were it was mandatory that girls learn to sew. Although I hate sewing I'm glad I know how as it has been handy a few times in my lifetime. (Gifts, making the odd piece of clothing, masks 😉, etc) This is another very helpful piece of info. Even at my advanced age I'm very much a t-shirt loving woman. Now I know how to do simple modifications for some favorite shirts that are currently too small. Thanks so much for this video.

[@CatherineSews]

I agree that sewing is an important life skill. Whether you love it or not, it is definitely useful!

[@Wise-Lady-La-Aura]

Wonderful tips and ideas to use the clothing we all bought and love! We all have favorite things that have shrunk, or we have grown and we need them bigger. Thanks for showing me what to do at the side of any garment. What I am going to try to apply this to are two different things. 1.) A sleeveless dress that I used to love to wear in the spring and summer, some years ago, and I still love the colors of it, but it is now tight to zip. I see I can pick a color and open it at the seams under the arms and add one of the colors in the flowers to the sides of the dress. Thank you! 2.) Have you ever opened a beloved jacket to make it bigger for use in the winter? I would still use it! It seems thick, yet I think maybe it could be done on a black ski style winter jacket. I have a new sewing machine to start using and take out of the box! Thank you!

[@ohjoannabanana]

I have a short attention span, and this video kept me totally focused. So many good ideas. Great video.

[@CatherineSews]

Great to hear, Joanna! Thanks!

[@tanyarodgers472]

Thanks for this! I have a couple t-shirts from a friend who good-naturedly assumed I wore a much smaller size. I didn't want to seem ungrateful, so I just took them without saying anything. Now I can try and make them wearable.

[@yodrikwhite9380]

I appreciate this tutorial so much! I have T-shirts with sentimental meaning that I have not worn in years due to weight gain. Now I know how to make them wearable again. The tip on hemming is so helpful. I love that you did not edit out your mistakes. It's refreshing to see someone not afraid to show imperfection. Your explanation about removing serger seams is helpful, since I have always found removing serger seams so frustrating. Thank you!

[@joantadisch7128]

I'm impressed. Five ways to enlarge a T-shirt and they are all cute!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much, Joan!!

[@maryjokruer6127]

I’ve heard the added fabric at the side seams called a godet. You sure make it all look so easy! Thanks for all the details!

[@CatherineSews]

Yup, you're absolutely right. Godets are more often used in skirts, so I wasn't really thinking of it that way, but it's the exact same thing!

[@KitKat-tl7zv]

Catherine, You just popped up on recommendations from utube today. I really enjoyed your tutorials on the five-shirt resizing. I’m not little like you, I’m a big girl and like my shirts to be mid thigh to help camouflage my hips and thighs. For the most part I find cute dresses in my size that are well above the knee and then wear it as a top over whatever bottoms I have. I love to sew, would call myself an intermediate seamstress in clothing (though I used to make one off bridal gowns based on the brides desires which included pattern making and spending hours upon hours sewing on one of a kind laces and of course 30 years ago girls wanted the sequins and beads. My favorites were the ones I was asked to make that looked like red carpet gowns from the mid century and were body huggers and absolutely beautiful! It’s been so long that I was at the machine I’ve lost a bit of courage. I feel I’m a master seamstress in soft decor for the home. I found your vlog very informative. Up cycling is new for me and from what I’ve seen in the stores(from thrift stores) it doesn’t seem it will work so much for the reason, I believe, large ladies are not so comfortable with our size, so we wear our favorites until the “die”. so it seems the cute stuff isn’t in the thrift stores in our/my. So I’m very interested in finding a way to up cycle the nice things I do find and doing something similar to what you did on (August 25) plus add length without adding bulk such as gathers unless they are minimal. I saw a gift given by someone who took thrifted sweaters and cardigans and made a beautiful circle skirted dress for her which was large patchwork and by touch the fabrics of each knitted item was the same. It had a hood so a hoodie was used, it was button up so a cardigan was used, the circle skirt was a bit drop waisted. At my size I kind of don’t have a waist so empire waist with circle skirt is ok I think. I know I sound like I’m commissioning you to make this I’m not. I no longer have a serger and my machine I do have is a Singer from the late 50’s early 60’s, which I feel like is heavy on the pressure causing stretching on any form of knit. Would a walking foot make a difference(?) or is it even necessary? I have no clue if you demonstrate sewing for large women but I’m hoping through you, you could show me and others who are on the large spectrum (sz 20) how to up cycle T’s for the length I stated and how does a person cut up thrifted sweaters and cardigans to make a lovely dress. Same thing I’m only interested in something not longer than 4“ above the knee. I know I said and asked a lot for s new subscriber and hope I didn’t go too far. I haven’t yet looked at any of the other vlogs in your library. Thanks for a great first, for me, show! Katherine

[@CatherineSews]

Wow, Katherine, thanks for taking the time to write all of that! The gift you describe sounds amazing. I will try to incorporate more videos for making thrifted items larger and longer. I think that is really important. Thanks for your thoughts!

[@GiannaFiore]

great video Catherine. I LOVE upcycling my clothes and thrifted items. I'm on a "no buy" month and this video is helpful👍

[@saseim1]

I did the same thing with a tshirt I bought at a thrift store when I was visiting my friend. (Added a strip on the side) Next time I went for a visit and wore it, she thought I was so smart! 😊

[@CatherineSews]

Nicely done! And yes, you are so smart! 🥰

[@robincrowflies]

By the way, and sorry if this has been pointed out: you can slow the video using the settings (cog wheel) > Playback speed. This is great, and I so appreciate the visual process. I haven't sewn on a sewing machine since I was in 8th grade (early eighties), but now I'm determined to alter dozens of giant T-shirts into fitted. :-) Much obliged for giving me the ability to turn a couple of my favorite tees into wearable again with this here vid.

[@debbiepalmer4447]

I'm a seamstress and I learned a lot from your video, thanks!

[@CatherineSews]

Awesome to hear, thank you!!

[@chrisharrison5974]

Oh my word what an awesome tutorial, love that you show each step clearly but the techniques of switching up 2 T-shirts is genius. May thanks for sharing 🙌🤩🥰

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks for your sweet comment!

[@Helgatwb]

Lace inserts, embroidered inserts, and painted inserts are my go-to.

[@TheCalucita]

yaaaaasss!!!! ma'am, thank you. from every corner of my heart, thank you! i have a bunch of tshirts that need to be smaller, and a bunch that could be a bit larger 😌 i am hoping that some of them may be a match made in heaven 😌😌😌💜💜💜 and i'll have little to no waste fabric ✨💜

[@CatherineSews]

Oh, good! I hope that your t-shirt upcycling turns out great!!

[@georgettesledge6079]

This has happened tome so many times, don't have to give the ones I love away any more💯💯💯💯💯

[@annejohnson7983]

I am so happy that I found your channel! Thank you for your amazing and inspiring videos! I have been teaching sewing for over 28 years and am still learning. You have already taught me so much (in just 3 videos 😊 so far) and I applaud your up cycling efforts. I think your Jacket restyle turned out great! I was seriously worried and pleasantly surprised with the marker accent!

[@CatherineSews]

Wow, that's amazing to hear. For someone with your level of experience to leave such an encouraging comment really means a lot. I'm so happy that you found me too!

[@annaibrahim2052]

I love everything about your videos. your voice, your pacing, your phrases and most of all your mistakes and fixes. It helps so much.

[@aliceswann4148]

Fabulous ideas! I loved how you redesigned and enlarged those T-shirts. V-neck was my favorite ❤️

[@Veryberryrosie]

Completely agree about living sustainably, resourcefully, upcycling, and it's economical.

[@SashasRevenge]

It’s still tight enough that you can put your stripped material across the shoulders for mor arm room. Hey thanks for the “sew the serger tail down trick”, that was good to know. 👍🏼😉 The pink and grey shirt might be a bit challenging for someone that hasn’t worked a lot with fabric but that really came out so cute and it looked even better after you added the V neck collar.

[@CanadianOrchidLady]

I think adding the grey v-neck made it perfect. It tied the whole thing together, making it look complete.

[@TheAud1out]

It is a small component of the video, but THANK YOU sooooo much for showing how to pick a surged seam! I had no clue!!

[@CatherineSews]

Great to hear. I'm just about to post a short video where I show the same skill but with different coloured threads. It should be out on Friday.

[@jerriehattery6116]

I love the first floral tshirt. I would buy one if I seen it in the store. The alteration turned out great with the striped material.

[@CatherineSews]

Thank you so much! That one is my favourite too💖

[@judyhumphrey4365]

I love the striped fabric with the flowers. I like longer T-shirts or tunics. I bet the striped fabric would look nice along the bottom too.

[@terribarnard7549]

You’ve inspired me. I just sorted all my tshirts and am going to have a sew-a-thon with your great ideas. Thank you, and keep sewing. ❤

[@ninariggs816]

Wonderful! I’ve been sewing for 60+ years and I’m learning new ideas.

[@AnneluvsKatz]

This was FABULOUS! I have a few crew necktshirts that are too small now and I’d love to make them a V. I never thought of grabbing a V off another shirt… duh! Perfect solution. Thanks!!! Also thanks for showing us in depth how to deal with the V!,❣️

[@CatherineSews]

Yes! I never realized how much more flattering a Vneck is until I was editing this video and could compare the Before and After photos. What a nice difference!

[@LauraJCDuke]

Yess!!Yes!!! So many shirts I love, but definitely prefer Vs over crews! EPIC!!!

[@kkkkkkk7]

You are blessed with nimble fingers and a keen mind. May you continue to live healthy & prosperous 🌹

[@vivianramsay2527]

I have just the tees in my stash pile!! The pink and gray mash up design will work for the shirts I've been hanging on too! Yay!!😁😁🤩

[@CatherineSews]

Great to hear, Vivian! Have fun upsizing all those Tees!!

[@tanyapruitt8043]

Thank You Sooooo Much for being willing to share this information, and especially about using the zigzag stitch on the stretchy fabric. I didn't know that, and I was getting so frustrated with my T-shirts that I stopped trying to make them better. Now I can go back, and make them better, and enjoy sustainable clothing fixes. I thank God for you!😊

[@lauraingersoll981]

Really great tutorial. Great explanations and I like the way you show what you’re doing so clearly.

[@broganmckoko]

Just the video tutorial I needed. I have 4 old Disney t-shirts that were too tight when I bought them. I kept them preserved for the day I could have enough skills to remake them.

[@moremytrees8339]

I love that you take a useful piece and save it with an adorable touch and it’s better than before! Very inspiring as I love t shirts!

[@candyclemens4432]

I just found you my "sewing goddess" LOL 😆💕SMILES! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! You are a blessing to me. 😁👍

[@CatherineSews]

Awwww, Cindy, that's so sweet! I'm so happy you found me!

[@penelopefp]

I ALWAYS change the neckline in a standard crew tee!! My Vs in the front aren't consistently nice and now I know why. I found them easier to manage sewing by hand. I also like just making the neckline a gentle scoop or even square-ish. These are super inspiring ideas!! Now to find a video on threading my old serger!!

[@CatherineSews]

Yes, if you have a serger, it's time to dust it off! Maybe my video on serging will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3bMZXd8n6p0b8U

[@tonillanes1505]

I’m just discovering your channel and I am enjoying learning new things. You are a great instructor and I look forward to seeing more of your creations.

[@JuliaSophia52]

Great video! I'm only 5' tall so EVERYTHING has to be altered. So many times I'll shop thrift stores and not even bother checking sizes, I just go for nice fabrics. Long T-shirts get cut to a shorter flattering length and if too snug, the extra hem goes into the side seams and same for woven fabric tops. Sometimes the snug woven tops just need an underarm gusset for extra movement, cut hems to the rescue. Love the curved side seam from two shirts. Thank you

[@CatherineSews]

Yes! Kudos to you for your thrifted DIY wardrobe! And yes to the underarm gusset. I had an example of that but had to cut it because the video was getting so long! I'll work it into another video soon!

[@JuliaSophia52]

@@CatherineSews Can't wait! If you can, I would like to see pant gussets demonstrated too. They allow comfortable range of movement for active people. Thank you.

[@sherrydatta8810]

I really like the second hand find with the pink flowers and adding the pink striped fabric! Such a unique shirt!

[@m.b.ortega544]

Great!! I never have thought doing some of the makes you have sewn today. I am definitely going to save this video for future use. Thanks!

[@CatherineSews]

Great to hear! Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@angelinajohnson9625]

This is so cool and there are so many fun ideas here. I came to make a shirt bigger with wedges and I will have fun saving a print from another one that is too small. Thank you so much for this easy and cool video!

[@Changeling]

Awesome tips. I have a rather large bust so I tend to have to choose between comfort or not wanting to look like I'm wearing a tent when it comes to shirts and dresses. I knew how to alter the ones that were too big, but was at a loss for how to alter ones that were too small (or had become too small over the years). Any chance you might be planning a tutorial on how to make shirts and sleeves longer by giving them a mock layered look?

[@CatherineSews]

I've had a few requests for making things longer so it's on my list!

[@Dindasayswhynot]

Learning how to rip out serged stitching is priceless. How I have struggled with that. Can't wait to prep a pair of pants for a new waistband.

[@elizabeth79547]

Thank you for sharing your techniques for enlarging t-shirts. I think I learned from that, thanks again. 😊

[@CatherineSews]

Great, thanks for watching, Elizabeth!

[@TamarKnochel]

OK. The part where you show how to wrap it around the existing hem and then flip it over! 🤯 I've added panels to my shirts before but never thought of doing the flip part of the hem!!! GENIUS!

[@WenBat]

This is a great video! I'm new to sewing and I started sewing, because my size is generally sold out in stores, gets an insane plussize fee, or old clothes that are still awesome, but don't fit anymore. This is exactly what I needed to save some of my wardrobe :D

[@marymorizio5637]

I love all of your ideas about making the shirts bigger. I would love more videos like this and also about making tops longer.

[@TheGardenKitten]

Thank you for this. I have several t-shirts and t-shirt dresses that a bit too snug, but did not want to throw away. I am going to follow you suggestions and give them new life. I really appreciate this. Thank you again

[@CatherineSews]

Oh, I think some of these techniques would look GREAT on a T-shirt dress! I'm excited for you!!

[@jennifer_452]

Thank you so much for this video! Not only did you solve some wardrobe improvements, you gave me the knowledge and confidence to resize and reshape a gifted winter dog parka for my 80lb pooch who has a deep and shallow chest. Have a fabulous 2023.

[@CatherineSews]

Wow, that's a direction I did NOT see viewers taking this video! Way to think outside the box!

[@tsmith5740]

EXACTLY what I needed! Such a great video. Thank you for making this. I recently ordered a t-shirt for an event that came way smaller than the size chart. I don’t have time to exchange it so I will add a panel to the side seam. I want to try the Princess seam that goes into the arms but I would definitely need to practice that first.

[@bornfree0507]

I have gained some weight and don’t like tight shirts so this is a great way to keep my clothes.

[@nwunder3]

t.h.a.n.k. y.o.u. so very very much for making this video and sharing so many tips. you are infectious, charming, real, and such a wonderful teacher. i was so happy for each new idea you tried out and shared. i will be watching this over and over again b/c there is so much, for an inexperienced and brand new t-shirt customizer, like me. rescuing great graphics is now my new mission! lolz,. you are awesome.

[@CatherineSews]

🥰🥰 That is probably the sweetest comment I've ever received. Thanks so much. You made my day!!

[@nwunder3]

@@CatherineSews awesome.

[@nwunder3]

and, also, thanks, catherine, for not editing out any problems you have. it's soooo valuable to see how you recover and your thought process. i am learning a lot from you. i've never ventured into clothing modifications, but because i am a bag maker, as long as i know what to do or how to think about it, i have confidence it'll work out. i recently cut off the forearm portions of many of my long sleeved t-shirts (under my work scrubs), to re-sew on other prints, to jazz them up. it's so addicting. i got the confidence by just watching you.

[@georgieboyist]

Finally, a show that really helps!