How to ALTER tops to fit you! Resize oversized t-shirts to fitted, DIY sewing alteration thrift flip

[@gigilaroux762]

I love the feeling after altering a garment it becomes much more meaningful and almost a favorite item in one’s closet. It doesn’t matter if it’s expensive or not.

[@SlewLiving]

Yes! This is definitely a wonderful aspect of mending and altering our own clothing :)

[@janellelandry7287]

Much easier to do and understand.😊❤

[@JB---]

Mom used to do this for me after shopping for clothes. I was not the average size - a little tall, a little thin - and we would buy things that were long enough and she would then take them in for me. Or, if we got something that fit me width wise, she would let out the hem, if there was enough material there, or add a complimentary fabric to the bottom of the pants legs or sleeves. She also made beautiful garments that fit me perfectly, from cheerleading uniforms to Easter dresses to maternity dresses. Thanks, Mom! Unfortunately, I never learned to sew very well, but I can do something like this. Now I'm inspired to "edit" the tops I bring home that have too-big necklines, too-wide shoulders, or gaping waistlines. Thank you for a very clear and simple tutorial! So helpful!

[@andyk4676]

You gave this shirt a whole second life it wouldn't have otherwise had, especially with the holes. That's awesome, more people should be like that

[@SlewLiving]

Thanks for leaving such a lovely encouraging comment! I appreciate it :)

[@panickingpagan4264]

Thank you so so much for telling me what stitches you used!! Far too often people say “just sew it” but it’s hard to know what to use as a beginner

[@smartbanter]

I love to see young people sewing!

[@susanrussell8195]

This is one of the best thrift flip videos I have watched. Your instructions were very clear. They were simple enough for a beginner sewist but not too over simplified for an experienced one.

[@SlewLiving]

Thank you for your lovely comment 😀

[@JudgeJulieLit]

A few moth holes may turn into many, if the parent moths are still in the textile. So first wash with Woolite in cool water. When dry, touch up the moth hole area with steam from an iron, taking care not to hold iron overlong over the area, so not to burn the fabric. Then store the clean, pressed garment in a polyethylene bag, ideally with cedar blocks (to repel moths) periodically refreshed with cedar oil.

[@clothingalterations]

Wow Julie it is very good idea. I did not know that. Thank you very much Julie

[@carolefletcher]

Freezing the garment for two weeks in a ziploc, defrosting, then refreezing for another two weeks also helps. The repeat freezing kills off any eggs that hatch during the defrost.

[@RobinSampsonMcCarthy]

The best part abut your video compared to others is the before and after; thanks for going the extra mile.

[@claudiamiller7730]

Ha-ha!! “Overly confident when I do my alterations…” Girl - you have got some confidence to cut into a shirt like this…I love it!! I am a bit of a wild woman myself, when it comes to doing alterations… And I’ve usually been very lucky with my guessing technique for sizing. This kind of approach isn’t for everyone, certainly… But I love to see you tackling this project such gusto and zest. And it looks lovely on you, too! Well done, my dear!

[@Isabela2024-yr]

I lost so much weight. I need to make my clothes a little smaller. Thank you for this video. Before, I don't know what to do with it but now I know where to start. ❤️😊👍

[@IsabelGhosh]

My husband bought me a sewing machine for my birthday. I’ve had a sweatshirt that’s too big made of tshirt material. Followed this tutorial and it turned out great. Thank you!!

[@SlewLiving]

Excellent! I'm glad it turned out well :)

[@laurenpomerantz6202]

I love this video. I love how you don't drag it out and speed up the parts that are not necessary to see at normal speed. All smart and I'm am always fixing up clothing too. Thanks. You are simply delightful.

[@terrielouisemisell8237]

Wow at last a bullet point description that's exactly whats needed to know without going all round the houses! Great I've subscribed 😊

[@louiseeckert1574]

Stitch the sleeve into the garment first. Then stitch the underarm seam closed from hemline to cuff all in one action. Way easier. Louise, Australia 🦘

[@SlewLiving]

Great tip, thanks!

[@carlastaton4150]

This also makes it easier to to make fine adjustments to the depth of the sleeve to match the armscye.

[@lkbs1013]

This is perfect for me. Having breast cancer changed my shape so I buy oversized t-shirts and swim in the top. I have been sewing all my life but never knew this tip! Thank you so much for helping me. Now I have lots of work to do!!

[@SlewLiving]

All the best! ❤️

[@JudgeJulieLit]

Instead of wearing oversized tops, try a bra amply padded, as with light foam forms.

[@hannahperlotto139]

They say your never to Old to learn new things!!! Thank you soo much. Especially for the darning!

[@Auction_Henry]

Watched half a dozen videos on taking in a top/jacket and yours is the first to show how to do the shoulders. Thanks so much. Love the Aussie accent too, BTW. 😉

[@SlewLiving]

Thank you for the kind comment! Hope yours turns out great :)

[@lindawinn2568]

Wow! This really is thrifty. Brilliant video. So many things covered and with all the little details needed to show us how to do it but without it being too long that you lost my attention. Thank you so much. I love it.

[@SlewLiving]

Thank you so much for your kind comment :)

[@jackiejones3163]

This is the video I've been looking for for soooo long! I can't wait to get started. Well I did it! I'm so happy with my shirt! Can't wait to do more.

[@toltec13]

I always wanted to be a tailor but I never knew where to start. There's so many people that wear descent looking clothing & suits but poor fitting.

[@SlewLiving]

Start small and you'll build up your skills 👍 Hehe, yes fit is very important for good style I believe!

[@ccc4102]

Do it !

[@gayemarianesfox2405]

This was a great tutorial. I’ve just been doing about the same thing to a dark gray top also. It gives a piece new life!

[@SBL1932]

What a difference. You made it look easy, you explained it well so anyone can do it

[@SlewLiving]

🤗❤️

[@bunnybgood411]

Bravo! Thanks for the video. I dislike the dropped shoulders and sleeves nowadays. I can't wait to try these techniques!

[@Themsbeatlesrock]

When I was a younger all I wore was baggy long sleeves for like a cool girl fit lol but now I’m in my mid 20s and I want all my long sleeves more fitted and presentable I guess lol so I’m gonna do this to all my long sleeves ! Thank you. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.

[@SlewLiving]

Haha can relate! Hope they turn out great!

[@Sharon-pb7so]

I've been sewing for years and I learned something from you today. You've more than earned a new sub. 🌼

[@tinaspilman1548]

I just got a sewing machine to take in my big shirts, I lost weight and wanted to tailor my own shirts. I used to sew for work, but never owned my own, Singer yay! Thanks will be doing this soon!!!

[@SlewLiving]

Glad to hear you're getting back into sewing 🤗 All the best!

[@raindrops21_9]

This was strangely satisfying to watch. I don't even have a sewing machine 😂

[@enriquet548]

That’s awesome, great video and encouraging for anyone who wants to reuse older clothing.

[@tarahstiktoktea]

OMG!!!! THANK YOU!!! EVERYTHING WAS TO SIZE UP, maybe bc this is easier. But I'm appreciating this video bc it's EXACTLY WHAT NEEDED!! HALLELUJAH SIS!!!

[@jacquelinemccully912]

Beautiful! I'm so excited to find my next treasure at a thrift store and give this a try. Thanks so much for the great video!

[@Anikanoteven]

Sewing skills elude me, yet I’m addicted to these KZbin’s. Love them!

[@SlewLiving]

Haha, if you ever wanted to try you know where to look :)

[@Gwyneth28]

I just found your channel and this is so perfect! I've been hoping to find a tutorials on how to alter my clothes! Thank you so much

[@VallanaTrue]

Wow! I'm so impressed. Thank you for bringing new life to a sweater no one else would have given a second glance to. It looks so cute now!

[@CLight-vc9pe]

love your relaxed method. It gives me confidence to try myself. I am petite and find myself altering often but have avoided knits. I will definitely go ahead with new projects!

[@SlewLiving]

Best of luck!

[@jacquireddy1466]

WOW I LOVE THE NEW LOOK FOR THE JUMPER

[@elainegothard]

I've always loved wearing my husband's t's. He recently passed away and I treasure these but they are huge. I'm thrifty and good with a needle but not a tailor. So found this video so helpful. Thank you

[@Mimi-fe2gm]

One thing... I studied design: you never mark your garment inside out. The body slopes and changes, and can be different sizes on each side. When you mark and cut inside out its the wrong side... when you put it on correctly the right will be on the left, etc. You should try it on as you'd wear it. Mark with pins, baste. Then transfer the basting to the other side and sew. 💗

[@SlewLiving]

Ah that's true! Thanks for the tip

[@Samantha-sy7ww]

By far the BEST video explaining this process. 👁️‍🗨️👁️‍🗨️I have searched and searched. INCREDIBLE JOB!!!💅💙 THANK YOU!

[@SlewLiving]

Thanks for your lovely comment 😀

[@a.sobriquet6220]

This was absolutely wonderful…thank you!! A friend darns holes by using embroidery floss. Of course it takes longer with a more delicate thread, but the results are excellent!

[@martyperry3327]

I have to have most my shirts altered. I wish I had your skill-set. Very impressive!

[@pure50bliss]

Exactly what I was looking for. So glad to discover your YT channel. Thanks for sharing.

[@libbylandscape3560]

Excellent, thank you! I bought 2 beautiful patterned sweaters that I knew were oversized but when then they arrived they were massively huge, been wearing them but I want to resize to fit better. Now I know how thanks to you! ❤️ ….and thanks for the darning info too!

[@rachelmaloney3863]

Great video- thank you! Someone has probably already mentioned this but when darning you get the best results if you match the thickness of the yarn that you are using with the iwool used in the garment so a finer yarn would have given an even better result. Love the way you nurtured this garment and made it look really special

[@SlewLiving]

Thank you! Yes, this is a good suggestion, I will definitely do that for next time!

[@jayking2698]

I do a lot of thrifting, and garage sales buys, and I also fix garments that I like and don’t fit me. Thank you I learned a little bit more about resizing a shirt. 👍🏽❤️

[@SlewLiving]

Great sustainable practices 👏 Thanks for leaving a comment 🙂

[@retroredo9850]

I know how to do all this but it popped up so I took a look how yo do it. Great job and instructions! As another said not mainy explain enough details for beginners. If Im taking in at sides too I open up side seam and the sleeve. Then sew sleeve to the top, then sew the underarm seam of sleeve and side seam all in one. I had a pattern to make a shirt for my brother in the 70s that had instructed that way so I do all my sleves like that unless I'm only replacing sleeves. Like I make lace ones for tshirts etc. Also for the bottom hem but not sure how it would work on this as you said made all in one, I cutt off bottom hem leaving a seam allowance and sew on right sides together, iron the seam up towards shirt then top stich the seam on the shirt side. I also use bottom seam to replace the neckline binding if I lower the neck and also adding lace to bottom hem to make longer. Just some ideas but as said your instructions were great!

[@SlewLiving]

Yes could definitely work that way! Great suggestions too, thanks!

[@TravelingMissD]

This is so helpful, tha k you very much. I've had a significant weight loss and as I lose, there are many items which need altered in just this way!

[@dianafromaustralia3244]

Will try it! You could have used wool scraps from the garment (where you cut off from the hem) to darn the holes!🌸

[@SlewLiving]

Great idea!

[@trinidad2450]

One of the best things I love about you is your adorable accent!!!! Love, Love, love. So now, let me look at your video.

[@b1232r]

This is a skill that I am excited to start learning, looks so useful and would save so much

[@adelyn16]

Just got a few tops from my dad the other day and I just LOVE the patterns on them (green with very well-matched vertical purple stripes and a stripey red one). They have sewn in collars (which are adorable!) and I had NO idea how to make them fit me. The wool sweater part was a great resource, and now that I've gotten my measurements it'll (Hopefully!!) go well!

[@SlewLiving]

Happy altering!

[@marynguyen6417]

I love your video, hope to see more of these. I am a pettite person and all the time find myself adjusting clothes to fit me, as I like to wear well fitted garments. I am not trained in tayloring, but managed to alter many of my clothes and make them look far better compared to their original shape. I sure will enjoy your video series.

[@allisonclark694]

Oh my goodness that was so great, the instruction on how to darn those little holes in the wool sweaters was super, because I hadn't done this since I was little and you make everything look so easy, I have to watch it again and try this out. Thanks from Cold Canada

[@FUUNNIIEEE]

Thank you for making the video. I’ve been trying to figure out how to resize large clothes to fit me, since people don’t need it And just give it away, I want to make them fit me.

[@cathys949]

That turned out very nice! i thought you might use some of the yarn from the piece you cut off the bottom to mend the holes with, but you bought a nice match.

[@Cekatu]

This was clear, simple and easy to understand.

[@jpeood32]

thanks for a no nonsense video! To the point and well presented. I’m going to try this

[@marlenebean]

Nice work, that looks way more flattering! Why is it so hard to find fitted tops these days?!

[@taylorwebb2765]

Hi there!! I just started my sewing journey and I really want to thank you for making this and making it easy to follow!

[@SlewLiving]

Thanks so much for your lovely comment! All the best for your sewing journey :)

[@sarahb.6475]

So that is how you resize stuff! Need to learn how to do this.

[@elizabethrowe7262]

Thanks for sharing your way of taking in a big top to fit you. I have a cotton knit long sleeve top which seems to have grown a lot and I have lost weight so will be doing something similar but the neckline is too big so got to figure out how to make it smaller. Thinking of cutting it and serging all the raw edges first and measure myself and transfer onto the top and hopefully it will look ok.

[@SlewLiving]

Good idea! Best of luck

[@cindykq8086]

You're a good teacher--thanks for explaining and demonstrating so clearly how to do this.

[@SlewLiving]

Thanks for your kind comment 🥰

[@Sloanmatthews]

Perfect! Thanks- I wanted to learn the darning also. Looked difficult until someone actually showed how 😊

[@SlewLiving]

Thanks for your comment! It takes a little practice but once you get the hang of it you can do it on just about anything! :)

[@fryefoto]

Thank you for this tutorial. Thank you for this tutorial. Now I know what I can do with some of my late husband’s shirts.

[@blyatcyka8105]

That's great ! Definitely keeping that video somewhere for when I lose all the weight I want to lose. Maybe I won't have to use all my current tops as pajamas.

[@kalsp4989]

Tried this on a zip up hoodie and worked so good thank u so much, but later I realised I wanted to show my curves so I cut the waist so it was curved a little and that worked perfectly too!!

[@SlewLiving]

Oh great work! I'm so glad it worked out! Thanks for leaving such a kind comment :)

[@d.h.fremont3027]

You did so brilliantly. Thanks for the training.

[@wendyshaddick9314]

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH !! I have a few items that need to be made smaller after loosing lots of Weight and they've been hanging around for ages. In bed not very well so I thought I would view some sewing which I truly Love to make me a little happier. Came across this video and absolutely Love it. Can't wait to get at my Machines again to alter my best Clothes so I can Wear them again. THANK YOU FROM LITTLE OLD (but very beautiful) ENGLAND ! :)

[@SlewLiving]

I would love to visit England again and venture outside of London! Thanks for your lovely comment and happy sewing 🤗

[@raynacurtis]

Wow...just wow! I am shaking my head at how easy you made this look, while still being impressed as all get out. I just finished reading Conscious Closet and have developed a whole new appreciation for thrifting / altering / reusing / redesigning clothing. I have lost just enough weight lately that a couple of my favourite tops are large enough to now be unflattering and want to take them in to fit better. I will definitely be seeking out more of your videos. You have a new subscriber!

[@SlewLiving]

Thanks so much for your lovely comment! I hope you achieve lots of successful alterations for your wardrobe ❤️

[@bethwilliams9486]

thank you for this. Gave me the confidence to finally try it.

[@SlewLiving]

You're so welcome!

[@Heideberry]

Great video thanks. I have some clothes that I'm either fixing or upcycling it. I'm a beginner so my sewing is basic right now. I have started to use old material from old clothes or scraps bought from charity shops to make use of them and repurpose them. I'm going to be making cushions, pin cushions and various small things and pin boards too. So I'm just starting out. I have fixed some of my fiancés clothes and mine. I bought a 50's style dress but it was from a website that sends you something that doesn't look exactly like the picture so I didn't know that. The material was really thin and see through and the hems were all falling apart and the neckline of the dress wasn't sewn together so it bowed when you lean forward so I have to see that and found a pretty bit of material to add there to make it look better. I bought a slip skirt to go underneath and will add more material so it's not see through. The skirt is the only see through bit but I have a lot to do to be able to wear it. It's pinned right now ready to sew it.

[@SlewLiving]

Hope it goes well! ❤️

[@S2sharon]

Best video ever! All the other videos make it seem like a daunting task but this looks so simple! I am enthusiastic to give it a try now. 😊

[@SlewLiving]

Thanks so much for your lovely comment! Let me know how you go! :)

[@S2sharon]

@@SlewLivingalready altered 2 shirts, on to 3 :)

[@michelehegarty7725]

Thank you, I'm heading off to resize my shirt

[@SlewLiving]

Good luck!

[@Heideberry]

I'm using some old cushion filling and pillow filling for cushions and second hand material or new material too. Mainly second hand material though.

[@karladoane7323]

Thanks I needed that knowledge recently got a sweater from a granddaughter that's a bit big no I know how to handle my problem

[@michelecraig9658]

Great video. This came up on my feed and you have a new subscriber!

[@elenikominos7404]

Great to see how to alter clothing being taught👍😊🙏🇦🇺

[@unichan5]

Maybe somebody else already mentioned this but you could’ve used a single ply of that wool yarn to mend your renewed sweater, then it wouldn’t have stood out so much. The fact that everything is a dark grey hides stuff pretty well I think 🙃 Nevertheless I’m a sewing noob and really appreciated your tutorial! It was nice that you explained the stitches as well, it’s hard to know what to use for knits and stuff 💌

[@SlewLiving]

Oh that's a great point! I will keep that in mind for future mends, thanks 😊

[@KP-nx8lo]

Thank you thank you THANK YOU! I have always wanted to know how to fix lil holes in my clothes from pulled thread or snags or whatever. And you showed me how to do it! Just need the mushroom thing

[@SlewLiving]

Glad it was helpful! I've heard you can use an orange or a tennis ball if you don't have the mushroom 🙂

[@MrSurfferchik]

Thank you for this video! ❤I now know how to darn my son's wool socks 🎉! Also I can use the tips to alter my daughter's shirts ❤.

[@tracygillon6078]

It's absolutely amazing what u did with resizing the jumper. But just one tip,on use 2 stands of the wool for thin jumper like than,and just go up with more strands the thicker the jumper.

[@SlewLiving]

Great tip, thank you!

[@pskeith333]

Maybe because it's a more of a baggy/oversized and unisex look, but I liked the before way more. Not to dismiss your craftsmanship and deep knowledge of the matter, (and you look great in both, regardless) just as someone who is very new to the idea of custom fitted clothes, I might just noticed a preference, that I'll try to incorporate and keep in the back of my mind, when sewing for myself. Great Video all around, cheers :)

[@SlewLiving]

Thanks for leaving a comment! Yes I think I agree with you, I preferred it less fitted in the end!

[@paulwharton1850]

Brilliant - Really clearly & simply explained. Many thanks......all the way from London !

[@donaldwarriner1640]

Terrific, concise and informative. Thank you.

[@SlewLiving]

You're welcome :)

[@vickiivins3288]

I didn’t know how to darn so thank you very much for the detailed description.

[@SlewLiving]

You're welcome 😊

[@susannaqian9611]

Thank you! Omg finally a video I can follow and I feel like I can do it 🤣❤️

[@MaryBarranti]

Very impressive work. The sweater turned out great.

[@SlewLiving]

Thanks for the lovely comment ❤️

[@annann4786]

I have two jumpers to adjust , and I’ll follow your video, God help me

[@SlewLiving]

You can do it!

[@mayloo2137]

I am short. I have this problem, and also with shirts which are too long. I admire your lack of fear when you started cutting.

[@ck7130]

For the holes I have seen where they used the scraps of the same material chopped up & glued with fabric glide back into the sweater & flattened between 2 books to set.

[@tallpaska5913]

This is a great flip. I'd add that before cutting you might mark up each part with tailor's chalk, starting with the left sleeve, right sleeve and the inside 'wrong' surface. This way you can keep track of where each piece is going.

[@SlewLiving]

Good tip!

[@helenmf2024]

Great video with easy to follow directions. Thank you!

[@mdavisscadedu]

Very helpful instructions. I'll use a lot of what you taught in this video.

[@ts-eu6mp]

This is great, Ms Esther! I believe and have seen that the way too oversized, almost sloppy looking does one no favors! It is better looking by far to have these clothing articles more fitted! If one is overweight, for example, floppy tops can make a person look less neat, less tidy and actually makes one cooer even larger than what thy are trying too hide! The form fitting is slenderizing! Plus, for anyone, it looks better and well-fitting clothes can make you feel better, look better and feel better! Thank you so much for doing this tutorial! It is helpful for you to talk us through this- very well-spoken directions are extra nice! Too had breast cancer-no one offered me reconstruction, and it really does change everything! Thanks :)). ts

[@SlewLiving]

Well fitting clothing makes a world of difference agreed! Thankful that I could help you in your journey in a small way 🙂

[@bellacucina3209]

Love your tute! Simple - clear and a keeper. Thank you

[@SuperKath25]

excellent job, and its such a nice sweater and now looks perfect on you. :)

[@GRACEGRANT-ni8kq]

Well done the result is lovely thank you for all the information✂️👕👏😉

[@SlewLiving]

You’re welcome 😊 Thank you for your lovely comment!

[@slptp]

If a wool garment feels like it just can't be remade into clothing, I've taken wool clothing and felted it for stuffed animals. It's easy to cut around holes and issues for pattern pieces.

[@ruthietreselan]

Ha...u make it look so easy!!! Great job!!!

[@mermaidrocksoapcompany6540]

You are talented and absolutely beautiful. Thank you for your video! 😊

[@nyrockchicxx]

Enjoyed the video. Many years ago as a teen, I trauma-ed myself with an alternation. I took my favorite shirt to alter and while I did have a few years sewing skills I messed it up and have never attempted it since. Other sewing yes, but not shirts. Now I will try again. And will offer that when darning I would have taken a length of yarn (abt 18") and separated out a couple of strands, as yarn is basically many strands twisted, to make a less bulky 'thread'. I do some fine darning myself with a darning egg.