How To Narrow the Shoulders on a T-Shirt and Make It Less Big and Boxy

[@steventurcios2477]

Alterations newb here! I always thought there was no fixing the shoulder size but you made it effortlessly and easy to understand. Thank you for these tutorials. You gained a new suscriber.

[@TailorItYourself]

Thank you very much! There's always a way to alter something. It just depends how much you want to spend and what you want the end result to look like. Thanks for watching!

[@Eekyellie]

Such helpful tutorial. I am a big bust, small shoulders lady and my t-shirts never look right. I will try this with an older top first and when confident, do some more. Thank you very much. From UK

[@TailorItYourself]

You're welcome! Good luck with your practice. Thanks for watching!

[@loverlyme]

I have EXACTLY the same problem. I'm always experimenting but most of the time my tops just look sloppy. Let me know if you come up with a good solution. From Australia.

[@loverlyme]

PS The large bust is why I have to re-cut the neckline on almost every bought tshirt/top I have. I feel claustrophobic (like it's choking me) to have a round neckline too high plus it makes the bust look really bad. Then there's the problem with all the extra length under the sleeves- especially when using a tank top which leaves a gaping 'peep' hole under the arms.

[@lastchance6845]

I've got broad shouldersand ive had to cut the neckline off many tshirts or nightgowns as the neckline is too high n i feel like I'm chocking and im fed up with having to keep pulling the garment away from my neck because it's very hard to find a nightgownthats not a round neck. Joanne uk @@loverlyme

[@Wally535]

Haven’t even watched this yet and already saved to my sewing playlist! I’m slowly loosing weight, don’t want to buy new clothes and have lots of t-shirts that I’d like to keep. So when I read the description you’re an answer to so many questions. Thank you!

[@TailorItYourself]

You're welcome! Good luck when the time comes. Thanks for watching!

[@bobbinsew]

It was a real eye opener the day I discovered my neck to shoulder measurement was so much shorter than average (3 inches! Instead of 5) , bra straps always fell off my shoulders and shirts of course were far too wide! Being able to refit everything has made clothing so much more comfortable. Great explanation of the process 😊

[@TailorItYourself]

It can be life changing when you learn a fix for those little things! Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@roslyngraf1737]

Same here.😊 Me: Tiny on top, Big Hips.

[@roslyngraf1737]

​@@TailorItYourselfPriceless advice, tutoring. ❤

[@vivienlee610]

Exactly the same here!

[@bernadettecummings8945]

​@@roslyngraf1737 I know exactly what you mean, my shoulders seem to be the smallest part of me 🤦🏼‍♀️😂

[@KC-gn8fd]

You have no idea how happy I am to have you back! You are a wonderful teacher.

[@TailorItYourself]

Thank you so much! I'm very happy to hear that.

[@katlambert3649]

New subscriber! I am a petite woman (5’) and nothing fits me. You are a Godsend . Now I know exactly how to alter them and I haven’t even see any of your other videos! I bet you were a teacher in another life 😂. So glad you’re sharing your amazing talent. It has made my day ❤ and my wardrobe!!

[@TailorItYourself]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@melissad7855]

I've always had this problem with my t shirts! Thanks for this demo--now I know what to do. Looking forward to the rest of this series!

[@TailorItYourself]

Good luck with your projects! Thanks for watching.

[@cherylanon5791]

Be sure to mark the sleeve where it met the Front/Back seam (shoulder seam) so it lines up once again. Another tip is that the amount to reduce from Back may not necessarily be exactly the same as what you had marked on Front--- to be more precise, have someone else mark the Back. It's usually the case you need a little more on the Back.

[@TailorItYourself]

This can certainly be the case. Sometimes you need to adjust one way or the other. Thanks for the feedback!

[@brettnelson2020]

I went to my local chain sewing store (still 3 0 mi away) - no one in the store had heard of wax tailor's chalk, the main reason I was in there! Now have a supply ordered from Amazon. 70-year old dude tailoring my T-shirts w/ serger (borrowed) and sewing machine. Wish I had found your channel years ago. I have trouble pulling seams to cut them with a razor knife but think I will start using a woodworking spring clamp to clamp one side of the seam to my work surface.

[@TailorItYourself]

There are a lot of speciality sewing supplies they don't carry at big box fabric and craft stores. Luckily we've got the internet where almost anything is available. Glad you found what you need and are keeping at it! Thanks for watching.

[@dale3404]

I have something that I bought at asewing conference called A Third Hand. It clamps to a table just like you’re discussing.

[@kykwiltz402]

I think marking/pinning where the shoulder seam meets the center of the sleeve would be helpful in easing the sleeve back into the body of the shirt. New sub.

[@TailorItYourself]

You certainly can do that. Whatever makes things easier for you. Thanks for watching!

[@nancya8262]

WOW, I watch a LOT of sewing videos and you are clearly the BEST!! I have subscribed to ALL your videos so I can see the whole process. Great teaching style and presentation. Thanks so much you have a new fan!!

[@TailorItYourself]

Thank you very much! That's very kind. I'm glad you found them so helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@lorrainedempsey3320]

This video is exactly what i have been looking for. My shoulder measurement is a size 14, but, as I measure down to my waist, it goes to a size 16; so, my sleeves are always falling off my shoulders. This video is soo helpful for me. Your directions are very concise. Thank you. Please keep these great videos coming. 😘👏👏👏

[@TailorItYourself]

Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@lezlieb29]

New subscriber here....this was the first video I have watched and already learned so much. I am 52 and all my life I've had issues with the shoulders to big (except when shoulder pads were in style). I feel confident enough now to tackle my simple shirts. Time to binge watch more of your videos.

[@TailorItYourself]

I'm glad you found it helpful! I hope it goes smoothly for you. Thanks for watching!

[@lauramcd680]

Thank you! I have a large middle and my Tshirts always hang so far off of my shoulders. I will be doing this to a bunch of shirts.

[@TailorItYourself]

I have the same problem. Luckily there's a fix! Good luck with your projects. Thanks for watching!

[@sheilawoods1521]

I loved this .....dohickies, whatchammacallits, and nothing is earth shattering is my language. Thank you

[@TailorItYourself]

Haha sometimes these things just fall out of my mouth. Thanks for watching!

[@katlambert3649]

BTW: If you use the red ball on the seam ripper underneath the stitches rather than the pointed knife end, you can just run under the stitches in no time! Just make sure you hold the seam tight or you can cut the fabric. I speak from experience. 😂

[@TailorItYourself]

This is a good tip! I generally use a razor so my seam ripper skills aren't as robust.

[@bettykroll]

I was going to say the same. She’s using the seem ripper wrong. Just as fast if not faster than her razor blade if the seem ripper is used correctly.

[@TailorItYourself]

Sometimes the ball end is not fine enough for precise cutting. So I often lead with the pointed end to get into tight spaces. There are two perfectly usable ends of the seam ripper, depending on that you need it for.

[@bettinavanhassel1576]

I run the blade of my spring cissors cutting the threads one in a while with the tips. This way I dont accidently cut the fabric. I always have issues with the seam ripper unsowing longer seems , with eithet ends. I feel confortable using the razor blade for tougher material like coat zippers.

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

I'm retired, but back in the day, my company gave everyone "unisex" shirts. They fit the men, but the women looked sloppy... especially us pears. This tutorial addresses that issue, and will be so helpful to all the women having to wear uniforms that cater to men. Don't get me started on how they modified men's slacks to "fit" women. Haha.

[@TailorItYourself]

Indeed! There are so many shapes and sizes, luckily we have tailoring to try and make it work. Thanks for watching!

[@dale3404]

I’m, also, a pear, so share your pain. Decades ago, sports team shirts were made for men, so I always looked sloppy. And, don’t get me started on men’s pants having waist and length measurements, while women are lucky to have short, average and long lengths. Vanity sizing be d*****!

[@rabbitos]

Thank you for the video! Your instructions are very clear and your voice is calming. I'm very small with an androgynous build so it's incredibly hard to find clothes that fit. I've hand hemmed pants before but never had the balls to do anything to a shirt cause it's much more complicated. I finally got fed up and bought a sewing machine and am practicing on an old t-shirt. Currently just have the stitches removed since it's midnight & I can't wake the neighbors with the machine BUT with any luck I'll finally be able to have shirts where the shoulders sit right yay :)

[@TailorItYourself]

This will be a game changer! Kudos for making the leap. If you find that it doesn't work prefectly the first time, try again. If you get stuck and you need help, you can email me at [e-mail]. Best of luck! Thanks for watching.

[@YogaladyToronto]

Great video! Everything is perfect; the teaching, audio, camera angles!

[@TailorItYourself]

I appreciate that, thank you!

[@copperfalls2417]

Hi Danni, it was fun to hear your location bc I’m in the cities to the north. Thank you for your vids and congrats on your business :). The only additional thing I would do for this adjustment is mark the unpicked sleeve cap where it originally joined the shoulder seam. Then while sewing it into the new armscye I would feel assured I was stretching it appropriately when I reached the shoulder seam. Thanks again!

[@TailorItYourself]

That's a great tip! Sometimes I do it, but I usually get it all apart and realize I've forgotten. Thanks for watching!

[@AK5of8]

Good tip!

[@dianegreene2300]

So glad I found this!! I had been trying other ways and it was so hard - this is NOT hard. You are a great teacher! I have searched as best I can for Part 2 to learn how to do the darts and sides. Is there a link? Or other way to find it? Another thing I have been looking for but can't find is how to alter the bra straps to be less spread apart for the same reason - narrow shoulder, small cup size (B) and large band size. (42-44)

[@TailorItYourself]

If you go to the main page for my channel the video for the sides should be right there. Thanks for watching!

[@karencreighton7939]

Hoorah! I’ve been wondering for years about how to do this. Thank you!

[@TailorItYourself]

You're welcome! I'm glad you found what you were looking for. Thanks for watching!

[@pamelairvin3164]

Nicely presented with clear instructions and demonstration. Glad I've found your channel. Blessings!

[@TailorItYourself]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@MsBflat]

Thank you so much--this is JUST WHAT I NEEDED!!! YOU WERE SO DETAILED--JUST WHAT I NEEDED--THANK YOU AGAIN--JUST SUBSCRIBED !

[@TailorItYourself]

Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@MsBflat]

@@TailorItYourself Thank you--been looking for a way to shorten the shoulder and to make the scalloped hem...just what I've been looking for...Thanks again!

[@MaryAchieng-u4t]

This has been very helpful. I always wondered how to reduce over sized sleeve t shirt

[@TailorItYourself]

Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@aw8655]

Oh my goodness! What an amazing teacher!! I just found your channel.Thank you. Your closeups are amazing!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@TailorItYourself]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@momzilla9491]

Thank you for this lesson. I watched "Gentleman Jim" tailor the shoulders on a suit Jacket, but sometimes got lost between the coat lining and fabric. This simplified thing so nicely.

[@TailorItYourself]

Jacket shoulders are a whole different ball game! But I'm glad you found this video helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@momzilla9491]

@@TailorItYourself Yes, the Jacket has a lot more steps. Jim's videos are hard to find now, but he had such quality alterations. He disappeared around 2020, which wasn't a good sign for a tailor with 40 years of experience. I once watched him remove that turtle collar affect around the back neck of a jacket. LOL I always hate to see a man's jacket bunch up on his back. Enjoying your calm manner in tackling a job. Keep up the good work!

[@TailorItYourself]

@momzilla9491 Thank you very much! Lowering the collar on a jacket is a very satisfying job.

[@cynthiasymons]

I have searched and searched for just this alteration! Thanks!!

[@TailorItYourself]

I'm glad you found it! I hope it's helpful.

[@deloriscoleman6735]

Thanks for making it's understandable and easier for me... First and most importantly,you had dark fabric on lighter board to make it easier to see

[@TailorItYourself]

Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@lauralake7430]

Great tutorial! I have been taking in side seams for years, but it never crossed my mind to alter the arm scythe. Nice!😊

[@TailorItYourself]

Thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@Frank55987]

This is a fantastic video. So informative. You are a wonderful instructor.

[@TailorItYourself]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that. Thanks for watching!

[@suz567]

I think I can use this for my current project, a lovely pre-loved unlined jacket that has big shoulder pads. I was hesitant to start but I can see how to do it now. Thank you! 😅

[@TailorItYourself]

You certainly can use this method! Depending on how stretchy the fabric is you may need to take in the side seams to make the armhole a bit smaller if the sleeve doesn't fit back in the same.

[@rendmendecclesiastes3728]

I'm so excited to see that you are doing videos again because you are the best!

[@TailorItYourself]

Thank you very much. I appreciate that. Thanks for watching!

[@FloridaDumpling]

I sew by hand quite a lot, and it is indeed possible for hand sewn items to be sturdily sewn, and professional looking. I have a machine, but prefer to hand sew frequently. I know the seams I sew will last perfectly well.

[@TailorItYourself]

Glad you have a method that works for you! I just don't have the patience for hand sewing. Thanks for watching!

[@sarawelder1]

This is exactly what I needed... all my shirts need this! How do you keep the wax chalk so sharp?

[@TailorItYourself]

I shave the edge with a razor blade, kind of like peeling an apple with a knife. Thanks for watching!

[@sarawelder1]

@@TailorItYourself thank you!

[@claireg3299]

Awesome video ‼️ You did great in every area🎉 camera, sound, editing, explanation and especially your expertise and obvious years of experience ‼️ Also I woulld like to mention you are a great teacher! ‼️I also enjoyed eye balling all of your machines 😁‼️ I love machines! It's fun to create‼️ New subscriber here👍🏼

[@TailorItYourself]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@jeanferdinands2003]

Thank you very much for your demonstration. Really appreciate it. I am going to try this method really soon. Thanks again. ❤️

[@TailorItYourself]

Best of luck! Thanks for watching.

[@bonniestevens6932]

this is a great basic tutorial. I have found out that I have one shoulder shorter and forward and slopes....I have to alter the majority of my t-shirts. I also take my sleeves off completely, the side seams usually have to be taken in, then I don't have to stretch the sleeve to match the bigger armsyce,it usually fits perfect after taking in the sides, I also mark the top shoulder seam on the sleeve to match that first. Please understand not everybodys bodies are symettrical...thank you

[@TailorItYourself]

Yes indeed! There are many ways to alter things, depending on what's needed and your preference. Thanks for watching!

[@swaters3462]

My shoulders are sloped, as well as narrow, so the sleeve cap usually goes in quite well. Thanks for making a good color contrast between garments and background.

[@tinkertailorgardenermagpie]

Love your thread wall! Looks like a work of art. Shoulders are better but now it seems the armpits are too big - is it just more difficult to cut the entire sideseam, remove the whole sleeve, recut armscyes, reattach sleeves, then sew sideseam again (adjusting for taking in at the waist)?

[@TailorItYourself]

In this video, I just wanted to focus on the shoulders individually. In the next video I take in the sides and address the fullness.

[@bgcrow1]

Thank you so much! Great instructions and easy to follow. I have a couple of tops I have been needing to redo and now, hopefully lol, I can get them completed correctly.

[@TailorItYourself]

Best of luck! You may need a little practice but it's doable. Thanks for watching!

[@lbowen9432]

You are a very talented teacher. Thank you❣️

[@TailorItYourself]

Thank you very much! I appreciate the kind words.

[@samotheba]

Small instructions like "sink the needle in so the fabric doesn't move around" are so useful.

[@TailorItYourself]

I'm glad you appreciate the details! Thanks for watching.

[@dale3404]

If you can find the chain on the serged sleeve seam, it’s easy to undo the stitching. I’ve also used an electric razor to unpick.

[@TailorItYourself]

There are many ways to go about it! Sometimes undoing chain stitching can be tricky to get started, and you end up spending just as much time as you would ripping it. Thanks for watching!

[@MyMike509]

Great tutorial! Can I ask what model your Brother machine is? Will it sew lightweight fabric as well as denim? It's a beautiful machine!

[@TailorItYourself]

It's a very old industrial Brother DB2. I bought it on consignment from a sewing shop probably 20 years ago. It sews on everything except very thick and dense denim and leather. For those thicknesses you need a walking foot machine.

[@MyMike509]

⁠@@TailorItYourselfThank you! I’ve seen this Brother on TikTok lives and really like the look of it. Figures it might be on the older side. I’m looking for the same type - that does garment and semi-heavy weight. Thanks again!

[@madypennisi4823]

Very helpful and useful video. Thank you!

[@geraldineyoung3491]

What a wonderful easy explanation. Thank you.

[@TailorItYourself]

You're welcome! I appreciate the kind words. Thanks for watching!

[@mcafton]

I need to get a sewing machine. My daughter bought a few shirts at a concert too big and was super bummed out. I did them all by hand but it took 5 or 6 hours per shirt. I have hemmed dresses for my wife as well, but again all my hand. I am not that good, but with ADHD hyper focus it comes out acceptable. daughter was happy, but it could be so much quicker. I buy 2X to accommodate my abdomen, but my shoulders are more XL. I didn't pay attention in the class where w learned to use a sewing machine, so I am clueless. Thanks for a great video!

[@TailorItYourself]

Sounds like you know enough to get the job done, you just need the right tools! Best of luck with your projects. Thanks for watching!

[@capaeo5532]

@mcafton hi! If money is an issue to getting a sewing machine, look at thrift stores and estate sales! Just be sure to oil oil oil those old machines before even plugging them in!

[@TailorItYourself]

I would also check if you have a local sewing machine shop or quilt shop that may have used machines. The older ones are better quality, and cheaper. You don't get as much computerized stuff with an old one, but it'll last you forever.

[@mcafton]

​@@capaeo5532 Thank you. I have one on my Christmas list.

[@mcafton]

​@@TailorItYourself Thank you. I haven't shortened shoulders yet, but your video was a great help as I have a few I will attempt to do. I keep working on my wife to let me get a sewing machine. lol. I'm thinking Christmas.

[@deechild4713]

I agree with the previous comment that you are a wonderful teacher! Thank you for this very informative video.

[@TailorItYourself]

Thank you very much! I appreciate the kind words. Thanks for watching!

[@deechild4713]

I plan to catch up on all the previous episodes. Lots of interesting topics.

[@tangledthreadworks]

I'm plus size and every single T-shirt I own is too big in the shoulders! Thanks so much!

[@TailorItYourself]

You're very welcome! As a busty gal, I understand those challenges. Thanks for watching!

[@sandrakicklighter2735]

Watching you pin the one shoulder made me wonder if that could be used to make a dart descending from that pin that drew the sleeve up. I liked how that looked, and wondered if that was doable?

[@TailorItYourself]

Certainly. I've done this when I'm feeling lazy and I don't want to take the whole sleeve apart. It just creates another seam. If that doesn't bother you, dart away!

[@IMOO1896]

Now YT is mind reading. I was just thinking of downsizing a RTW t shirt, and this popped up!

[@TailorItYourself]

Glad you found it! Thanks for watching.

[@yourmelody1493]

Omg please continue making youtube videos this is so helpful !! 💖

[@TailorItYourself]

Thank you for your kind words! I hope to keep making them, it just takes a long time to film and edit so I tend to do these in the winter when I have more time to work on it. Thanks for watching!

[@lastchance6845]

A great video with really helpful information 😊 the only thing I noticed was when at the beginning you marked the shooders the actual t-shirt was not laying correctly it was lower on your left side on pur right-hand side of the screen, and it was higher/ closer to your neck on your right side/ our left side of the screen. Was this deliberate or you didn't realise? Plus had you brought a t-shirt that was a size bigger than your actual size? Would these techniques work for any garment? Could you do the opposite and use the techniques to say lengthen the garment? Tnx so much 😊

[@TailorItYourself]

If you watch the full video, you’ll see that I explain that it is a rough marking while it’s on my body. I even out the markings when I lay on the table. This technique would not apply if you’re lengthening something, because to lengthen you need to add fabric, which is a completely different process. I did intentionally buy a shirt that was a size or two bigger than my regular size so that I could demonstrate these techniques with a visible result.

[@acuarelacubana]

hola esta muy esplicito tu video y me gusto, recuerda que los alfileres no se puden poner en la boca en ningun momento aunque de vez en cuando se nos olvida y lo hacemos pero las principiantes en la costura deben tener eso muy prersente cuando esten preparando sus prendas para coser.; gracias por compartir

[@nylirama]

Very thorough and detailed tutorial. I think that now the shirt doesn't look quite right at the level of the upper bust when you move your arms.🤔

[@TailorItYourself]

How you'd like the shirt to fit is subjective. The alteration method is still the same. You can alter yours however you prefer. Thanks for watching!

[@darihernandezstudio]

Hello! Great instructions. Did you use a normal straight stitch with this knit fabric? I am just curious if the stitch can pop in this area of the bodice, or the extra length in the stitch helps with that? Also, this sounds like it only works on knit since you can stretch the sleeve to the larger armscye . For wovens do you just add darts in the shoulder area instead?

[@TailorItYourself]

This method works on both knit and woven fabrics. But on fabrics that don't stretch as much you may need to take in the shoulder seam, or create darts to take up extra fabric if you're narrowing them a lot. The longer stitch length, and stretching the fabric as you go, will allow extra ease in the thread and help with popping stitches. But I find it's not really a problem in this area. That's more important if you're doing the hem as that area needs more stretch to get on and off.

[@lbowen9432]

Do you have a tutorial on changing a neck line from round to V neck?

[@TailorItYourself]

I do not! But perhaps sometime in the future.

[@Theincrediblespud]

3:58, could I use fabric clips instead of pins to avoid stabbing myself?

[@TailorItYourself]

Sure can!

[@donnajoseph2004]

New subbie. YOU ARE GOOD! Excellent tutorial. Thank you so much.

[@TailorItYourself]

I appreciate that, thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@queeneywarren9474]

You explain that very well thank you

[@TailorItYourself]

Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@maryamaza1815]

please teach us how to hem a bell button jean too. thank you

[@TailorItYourself]

I have a several videos showing how to do hems. Check them out!

[@susanjohnson5824]

Very informative thank you for the demonstration

[@TailorItYourself]

You're very welcome! Thank you for watching.

[@IMOO1896]

Did you mark the apex of the sleeve to fit the armhole?

[@TailorItYourself]

You can!

[@jennifermarielshaw3324]

This is fantastic! Thank you!

[@TailorItYourself]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@petercane6376]

Excellent video and thank you. Which brand of sewing machine are you using and what are you using to mark the lines. Its a good sharp line which seems better than chalk. Thank you.

[@TailorItYourself]

It's wax tailors chalk, which I certainty talk about in the video. I'm using an old Brother machine.

[@petercane6376]

@@TailorItYourself Oh thank you so much for answering my questions so promptly. I am almost deaf so cannot hear a lot what people say so I have to guess. I love sewing machines and I repair vintage machines. My thoughts were that if you, a seamstress use a flatbed, it answers my question on the need for a free arm machine. Can you please tell me what model the machine is? It looks to be in pristine condition. I use a flatbed Singer 99 made in 1935.

[@mahira.sharma]

Hey sis, Recently I ordered a crop t-shirt but its shoulders are a bit strange. After wearing them, the shoulders start looking boxy, so what should I do to correct them? Pls help sis 😢

[@TailorItYourself]

Hard to say without seeing how it fits. You can send me pictures to [e-mail].

[@Pearlflower1]

I buy clothe oversize and plan to alter it , have problem with shoulder and yt just pop up this , timing !

[@TailorItYourself]

Good luck with your projects, thanks for watching!

[@jenniferdruding742]

Do you knot off your serger ends? I have trouble knowing how to make sure they are secure. I generally try to surge over it to lock it

[@TailorItYourself]

You could do that, tie them in a knot, just pull them tight, use a large eye needle to pull the tail through the stitching on the end, or just leave it.

[@debrizzo7031]

Thank you! Just found your channel!

[@TailorItYourself]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@judyl.6550]

This is a very informative video….thank you! One question, did you adjust tension, or increase/decrease stitch length on your serger? When I’ve tried this before, on my serger, I’ve had lots of wavy lines.

[@TailorItYourself]

I leave my machine as is. I'm not sure how to address yours. What do you mean by wavy lines?

[@judyl.6550]

@@TailorItYourself I checked my server again this morning, and I shortened the stitch length.

[@TailorItYourself]

@judyl.6550 Glad you found a solution! Every machine, and every fabric is different, so it may need adjusting depending on what you're working on.

[@normawas3114]

Thanks for sharing. This looks like something I can use.

[@TailorItYourself]

I hope you find it useful! Thanks for watching.

[@Roseheartworks.]

Thank you, this was very helpful

[@TailorItYourself]

You're welcome! I'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@IceCream-hp7mm]

I wonder if this could work with woven fabrics? Like a linen shirt?

[@TailorItYourself]

Yes indeed! The same method applies. You may just be limited on how much you can narrow them. If the fabric doesn't have a lot of stretch you may have difficulty fitting the smaller sleeve back into the larger arm hole if you cut a lot out. If that happens, you can take in the shoulder seam a bit or add a dart in the armhoke in the front or back to make the arm hole circumference smaller to fit the sleeve back in.

[@IceCream-hp7mm]

@@TailorItYourself indeed the stretchiness will be important but it’s good to know it can be done. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@TailorItYourself]

No problem, thanks for watching!

[@lisascenic]

Thank you so much for this tutorial

[@TailorItYourself]

No problem, thanks for watching.

[@FeverSwarm]

Super helpful! Thank you 😊

[@TailorItYourself]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@pamelawolf313]

I’m new to sewing so I appreciate this video. But my question is, for just a basic tee shirt, wouldn’t it be easier for you to just sew your own custom tee to save time and money, or no? Seems like a lot of work for a basic tee. It did look better after the adjustment, no question about that?

[@TailorItYourself]

This shirt was just a basic tee to use as a sample. Normally the shirts I alter have a fun pattern, or were gifted to me by someone. Sure making a shirt from scratch can give you a better fit, but you also have to have a pattern you know works, and the fabric can make a difference in the fit as well. it all depends on the person and the situation. Thanks for watching!

[@hotjanuary]

Not who you asked, but I’ll give you another perspective. My fabric store doesn’t sell cotton knit, so this is the only way that I can get a basic well fitted T. It’s absolutely annoying that I have to buy extra large cotton knit shirts just to have access to the fabric, and then I’m limited by what kind of designs I can make. I’d have to buy two shirts if I wanted to make a cotton knit drawstring peasant shirt with raglan sleeves.

[@TailorItYourself]

Very true! It's tough to find quality knit fabrics in yardage.

[@muttshouse]

How do you narrow the shoulders AND raise the armhole?

[@TailorItYourself]

If you want to bring the armhole up, you'll need to take in the seam that runs from the collar to the edge of the shoulder.

[@charmainekirk1512]

Excellent!

[@TailorItYourself]

Thank you!

[@cncrsstrg4092]

what type of thread are you using for those stitches, as it seems to be a regular strait stitch that is being sewn.

[@TailorItYourself]

Regular straight stitch, regular weight thread. I mostly use Gutermann or Coats and Clark from Joann Fabrics.

[@cncrsstrg4092]

​@@TailorItYourself and how about the elasticity of the stitches and the thread? Do the stitches support wearability and washing without breakjngs?

[@TailorItYourself]

@cncrsstrg4092 That all depends on how stretchy the fabric is, and how rough you are with things. I have altered hundreds of garments for others, and dozens for myself, and very rarely do I have an issue with popping stitches. But if you do, it's a quick fix that you'll be capable of doing.

[@cncrsstrg4092]

@@TailorItYourself I wash everything in the top load machine washer. I´ve had stitches coming undone after washing altered stretch fabrics. That´s why I asked how you do it.

[@TailorItYourself]

@cncrsstrg4092 It depends what caused the stitching to come out. Sometimes stretchy fabrics are chain stitched with an overlock stitch, which once it starts to unravel the whole thing can pull out. A regular straight stitch won't do that, but if you just crank on the straight stitching it can pop.

[@sacredrose5477]

stick the seam ripper into the shirt with the ball end underneath. It will be the fastest method of the seam ripper is sharp

[@TailorItYourself]

Sometimes the ball end is too thick to be precise. If the stitching is tight or really close together, it's easier to use the fine point.

[@ca6177]

Thanks!

[@TailorItYourself]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@NoonSkyWings]

Thank you very much!

[@TailorItYourself]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@MissDebi]

What do you do with the tail at the end of the serged seam?

[@TailorItYourself]

You can either leave it as is and it may slightly unravel at the end, tie a knot, or thread it back into serger stitching with a large eye needle.

[@DedeSews]

Drove me crazy when you were measuring at the beginning with the shirt on. The t-shirt was not sitting even around your neck.

[@TailorItYourself]

If you watch the whole video you'll see and hear my explanation for pinning. It's a rough process that is refined when you lay the shirt on the work table. It's easier to pin straight when you have someone helping you with the fit. I'm doing it in my own while looking in the mirror, while talking and explaining at the same time. If it's not perfect, I'll correct for it in the next step. The process is still the same.

[@ideasOfaDiyer]

would this work for knitted sweaters also?

[@TailorItYourself]

It can! You'll just need to be careful to secure the cut edges as they will unravel easily.

[@Wally535]

Knitter here…@TailorItYourself is correct in her reply here. (just found this channel and she’s answering soooo many questions I have!) I would pay close attention to fiber content in the sweater. Cotton is going to “grow” when worn, and can be stretchy, unless there is polyester or nylon in the cotton blend. So called bamboo or viscose (which are really rayon) will be the same. Remember, acrylic and polyester are actually a type of plastic, a result of refining crude oil. They’re fine as lesser content in a yarn, but I would avoid something made entirely of them. They, like nylon, are used in blends to keep the natural fiber from stretching or loosing shape in the finished garment. Wool blends usually have a stabilizing element of nylon or polyester also. To prevent raveling, before cutting, running a tight stitch on the knitted fabric just to the inside of where you estimate you will cut, may help. If you don’t put in a stitch to prevent raveling before you cut, watch out! Looser and lacy knits will fall apart, literally, when cut. Both of these can also be tricky when taking out the seams because it’s not always easy to see the seam stitches separately from the fabric. And yes, I’ve had to “deconstruct” both hand knitted garments and taken apart commercial pieces. Usually on the commercial it’s to pull the fabric apart and use the yarn for something else, so I don’t want to randomly cut a seam and wind up with short lengths of yarn.

[@carolg.6838]

Subscribed. Immediately. Store bought t-shirts on me: *Shoulders are too wide *Sleeve opening too wide *Where sleeve joins side seam--too low. (This is the only alteration I made so far. I sew a wider underarm seam and taper it to 2" into the side seam for modesty.) Even if no alterations, fabric bunches on side of bust. I do not think my measurements require a full bust adjustment. I want a loose fit, but a much better fit. I wear a 2x, probably made for a much larger bust. A 1x is way too small.

[@TailorItYourself]

Thanks for subscribing! If you're asking me to help assess the fit, you'll need to send me a picture. You can send that to [e-mail].

[@madewithlove_ianny]

I'm so glad I stumbled upon your video today! I was having a bad day because I couldn't seem to do it right and had wasted a lot of clothes, LOL. Good thing all of them were just thrifted. Thank you for making this video clear and easy to follow! 💗

[@TailorItYourself]

I'm sorry you were having trouble! But I'm glad you're on the right path. Thanks for watching!

[@hollyannpardue7670]

Thank you for this video. I am retired from a mens clothing store, but I am doing more tailoring at home, and I need to set up my tailoring tools again. Please send me contact info for cuff rulers, various measuring tools, pressing iron, and industrial machine, etc. I enjoy your channel.

[@TailorItYourself]

In every video description is a link for a recommended tools list.

[@tstancioff]

Could you show us how to make the shoulders wider?

[@TailorItYourself]

For that I would suggest buying a larger shirt that fits in the shoulders and then taking in the sides to fit the torso.

[@savvygood]

I learned to scratch out my old chalk lines. So many times I’ve always assumed I’d remember which one was the right line, but I never do.

[@TailorItYourself]

If you're using wax tailors chalk you can always hit it with steam and start over. But otherwise crossing out the incorrect line works as well. Thanks for watching!

[@Wclifford7]

You did not shape the sleeves at the armhole, before setting it back.

[@TailorItYourself]

Not sure what you mean.

[@mc2fran]

@@TailorItYourself In this case the underarm fit well, so that part of the seam could be left alone. I noted that if the shirt was laid flat on the table the alteration ended at the crease formed by the s curve of the sleeve edge. In other words at the place where the seam goes under the arm.

[@youcanimaginetoo]

Can’t you just fold it exactly by the middle and do the marks?

[@TailorItYourself]

Not sure what you're referring to.

[@chanderbhansital-sk8gu]

Thank you very much with God's blessings very great video 💞💞🌺🌺🎖🎖🏆🏆

[@TailorItYourself]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@michelletwigg5928]

I noticed you did not center the neckline on your collar bone which seems like something you would want to do.

[@TailorItYourself]

This has been commented on by others. The pinning process is a rough estimate. I even things out when I lay it on the table and fine tune the marks. You're losing sight of the bigger concept by focusing on these tiny details.

[@LynnHermione]

Interesting, i want to do the opposite, lower sleeves on a hoodie thats not oversized enough

[@TailorItYourself]

The only way to do that is to add fabric to the shoulders. Or buy a larger size and take in the body.

[@mayrajscortes]

I just don't know what kibbe body tipe I have, the only thing I know is that I look terrible in T shirts😢

[@TailorItYourself]

You may just need to adjust the proportions. There are certain cuts and fabric types that I think I look terrible in. But you can use this series to make those improvements.

[@anncarmody147]

Before I sew ,I would have pin it, very good service

[@TailorItYourself]

You certainly can pin it. I'm used to not using pins as it can take more time.

[@rebkatesfaldet5050]

Great❤❤❤

[@TailorItYourself]

Thank you!

[@Locomaid]

Good stuff. It bothered me that she didn’t straighten the collar first, though 😅

[@TailorItYourself]

Not sure what you're referring to.

[@Locomaid]

@@TailorItYourself Hahaha! The neckline was askew when you marked the shoulders. I worried that it would end lopsided (it did not)!

[@TailorItYourself]

Glad you watched it all the way through to see that I'm a tailor with 18 years experience and know what I'm doing!

[@Locomaid]

@@TailorItYourself I watch them all 😁. And learn something every time!

[@TailorItYourself]

I'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@nilgunbaylan1190]

👍 🤗 Şahane

[@TailorItYourself]

Thank you!

[@jeannedeshazo8851]

It appears that the T-shirt now is tight at the arm and lift up the entire shirt when you lift up your arm. If you were making this from scratch would be arm fabric, be shaped differently.

[@TailorItYourself]

Yes it would. But it's not from scratch, it's altering an existing garment. So the methods are different. Your preference also factors in. You do whatever works for you.

[@lauralake7430]

Altering a premade garment is always a second choice over making a garment made to measure. But, my personal feeling, T shirts are so inexpensive and frequently are made to commemorate events such as fund raisers, concerts, running races, etc, and women get stuck wearing a mens garment. Being able to wear the event shirt AND look good is so wonderful! Altering what we have is also such a money saving activity. Fabric and patterns have just gotten so darn expensive! I, personally, do not enjoy sewing t shirts, but a quick alteration like this doesn’t bother me and allows me to take advantage of what i already own!