How to make a t-shirt fit perfectly - Beginner level sewing technique! How to use a sewing machine

In this video, I show a very simple trick that can turn a T-shirt, into a fitted and tailored shirt that fits you perfectly!
I just used my Brother ST150HDH: brother.pxf.io/R5qQo7
Overlock Machine - Brother 1034D: brother.pxf.io/MmEzDo
and you'll need a T-Shirt, and Iron, and maybe some chalk or a pencil.
You can support Tock Custom through Patreon here: / tockcustom
For high quality fabric scissors and cutting tools, take a look at Famore Cutlery here: famorecutlery.com/?aff=3
To see my personal recommendations for sewing tools and supplies - here is my amazon shop: www.amazon.com/shop/tockcusto...
Making purchases through these links helps to support Tock Custom through various affiliate and partnership programs. I appreciate your support, and I'm happy to make recommendations based on what I've found helpful with my sewing projects.
Thank you so much for watching!

[@meganwalker27]

I have a giant stack of my late husband's tees in front of me to take in, thank you for this tutorial! 💛 PS I was also inspired by you to decorate my sewing machine with stickers and it looks great, thanks again!!

[@TockCustom]

It makes me happy to know that you'll be able to keep and use your husbands clothes. I feel honored that I can be part of helping you keep those memories alive. Thank you so much for your comment

[@meganwalker27]

@@TockCustom I've done five so far, wearing one now, can't express how happy this makes me - thank you for your lovely reply 💙

[@TockCustom]

Your comment was very special to me, I am thrilled that you've already made some much progress. Excited you'll be able to bring your husband with you through the New Year! All the love

[@judahotto2258]

Instablaster

[@willbephore3086]

@@TockCustom @MeganWalker this little thread is beautiful in a heartcatching way.

[@user-tq8pi8vq3f]

KZbin University for the win. Learning everything, taking over the world. What a time to be alive. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and skills.

[@Claaavio]

As someone who is new to sewing/embroidery, I found your videos among the most helpful. Keep it up, you're doing awesome work!

[@TockCustom]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the support. It really does help to have so much positive feedback to keep making content for newer folks. Hope you have a fantastic New Year this year!

[@miketheweaver923]

Your tutorials are absolutely awesome, I noticed you’ve not made any in a little over a year I hope as a content creator that you’ve not given up on the channel I look forward to more of your super videos I’m just getting into sewing now and I’m really finding your content Thorough. Thank you so much for the share

[@EnlightenedFlamingo]

You deserve ten MILLION, man! I needed this video; I'm losing weight & all my cool tees look like nighties! 😂 Diggin' all your videos!

[@TockCustom]

Yay! Happy to hear this is helpful! Grats on losing weight and modding your clothes too

[@sarahduffy6964]

See this channel's practical approach to modern ready to wear clothing and materials makes it a gem among the sewing KZbin sphere

[@TockCustom]

That's a super high compliment, thank you so much

[@atlas_the_great]

Wow, I think I’m buying a sewing machine because you man! Great work!

[@TockCustom]

Awesome! Hope you start making some cool projects soon. Thanks for the positive comment! :)

[@laneatkinson6441]

Thank you for these tips, I've lost almost 70 lbs but I didn't want to get rid of my whole wardrobe!

[@AggieKristy]

I absolutely love your videos! Thank you for what you share ☺️

[@doubloon4224]

You’re so good at teaching! Thank you!

[@angie3629]

You are a very good instructor! Thanks!

[@lcolon9032]

Great tutorial, you explain the process very well!

[@AhoraMiMusica]

Thank you for this tutorial!

[@joshgarcia6505]

Another great tutorial. Thank you

[@douglasbergwall8656]

Great tutorials Tock! Keep up the awesome work!

[@lisamendez985]

Loved this 😍thank you for sharing!

[@zanaq3]

thank you so much, this makes so much sense

[@CupcakesChainsawsCrafting]

Exactly what I've been looking for for an easy way to alter!! Thank you so much!

[@IwhimIwhim]

BEST how to on a t-shirt!! Thank you!!

[@francisarsenic9371]

So much good info for a beginner.

[@TockCustom]

Thanks for the positive feedback! I appreciate you watching :)

[@even7steven]

Glad I found this channel.

[@arizonamountainwoman3750]

Thank you for this video and all of your other ones because I learn so much from you. You break concepts down so even the beginner sewer can understand and follow along. 💖💖

[@jasoncabreros]

Great video! I want to attempt narrowing the shirt sleeves of a t-shirt so I've been watching a bunch of videos. Surprisingly you were the first that I came across that mentions using that lightning bolt stitch. I was seriously going to try it out with a straight stitch with light tension. Really appreciate your descriptions and the speed at which you deliver them.

[@Phredrika1]

ty love your tutorials

[@Kortyan.cosmin]

I apreciate your work , thank You !

[@TockCustom]

Very happy to help! Thank you so much for watching :D

[@jensueru]

Who in the world would give this a thumbs down?! Great tutorial!

[@TockCustom]

Probably someone who hates Tacos... Thanks for the positive response!! :)

[@1BostonTerrierGirl]

Yet another fantastic video! Every time I watch one of your videos, I'm learning something. Thank-you!

[@lbthingsstuffmore9513]

Thank you. I can never find a tee-shirt that fits my boyfriend right without spending an arm and a leg. I'm gonna try it💝

[@TockCustom]

He's gonna be crazy happy when he starts getting fitted shirts from you! It makes such a big difference :D

[@lbthingsstuffmore9513]

@@TockCustom you know I was going through your vids, do you have a T-shirt tutorial? Or can you recommend one of your vids that could work for a T-shirt? Thank you, Latonya😸

[@klinekeele3065]

Great video, thank you! You make it look so easy. Excited to try this. Keep em coming!

[@TockCustom]

Thank you so much! And for once (maybe), it actually is that easy!

[@BungalowGlow]

I look forward to studying all of your beginner videos to learn how to use this sewing machine I’ve had for years! I’ve been intimidated for too long. This will be one of my first projects.

[@TockCustom]

Oh yay! It's wonderful to see you here! Yes, this would be an excellent beginner video for just about anyone. Please let me know how it goes! Happy New Year's!

[@kellyhipkins5616]

Thank you for sharing. Wonderful!!!

[@TockCustom]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for all your positive comments :)

[@RabbitCrafts]

Another great tutorial my friend! I really like how in depth you are with every topic!

[@TockCustom]

Oh dude, for you!! The Fitness King! You're probably gonna have to tailor every shirt you have to show off that steaming hot body of yours... Whoa, I just realized this is public, and strangers can see this post. Well whatever, I love you buddy! Excited about MagFest!

[@ursulagiles6687]

Wonderful video, love the body positivity and making sewing accessable for everyone. Not actually what I was looking for, (was looking some for specific draughting information) but was good enough that I watched the whole video and left this comment. Some tips from someone who's been sewing for years: 1 - Ripping out narrow zigzag stitching sucks, so do t be afraid to pin (use safety pins if you're worried about being stabbed) or baste (long loose temporary hand stitches) and check for size if your going for a close fit. Trust me, the time it takes to do it is nothing compared to how long it will take to rip out the zigzag, nevermind the risk of damaging the fabric as you do. 2 - if you already have a shirt that fits the way you want you can use it as a pattern, make sure you completely iron both shirts first though. Most importantly, the shirts have to have the same amount of stretch in both directions. If they don't stretch the same they won't fit the same, so always check first. I usually lay a single layer of each together and pull in both directions, if they both get tight around the same time in both directions then you're good, but not if one's tight and the other still feels loose or floppy. 3 - if your lucky enough to have the right type of overlocker/serger and your sure you've got the fit right you can do the sewing, cutting and edge finishing all in one go. Lucky you, I'm jealous, one of those is on my wishlist. 4 - If you're feeling up to a challenge and you want the nice neat edges to the hems and cuffs that it came with, or the lumps in the cuffs against your skin from the new seam rub or irritate (they do for me) you can carefully unpick a bit of the hem at each side where you're going to see, unfold it, sew it up, then refold and carefully resew where it was. You can snip the hem before you sew so you can usually get away with only unpicking an inch or so either side of the seam. If you sew it in slightly overlapping parts of about an inch or so you can get away with a straight stitch for short lengths so the stitches will still look the same on the outside. Leave a long tail and don't back stitch at either end of each section, once your done sewing, gently pull each back thread then grab the loop that appears to pull the front thread through to the back. Take each of the threads at the back (8 assuming 1 set of stitching each side of the side seam) and use a needle to run them down inside the tube of the seam, I find if I put the needle in close to where the thread came out and bring the needle back out as far from that point as I can is fine, then pull the thread tight and snip right up against the fabric and the end will disappear back inside the seam, leaving it all neat and nothing to unravel.

[@pjsmith4369]

That is what I have always done with the hems at both ends. I thought he would too, but I guess it’s not necessary. 😳

[@dantesantoyo3460]

Thank you so much!! I’m completely new to sewing and I’m learning so much from just watching your videos! Hoping to expand what I can do/make when it’s comes to cosplay. It is much appreciated 🙏🏽

[@EmperorSheevPalpatine]

Excellent video. Thank you for sharing the knowledge.

[@Mark-Huigen]

I just started to get into sewing and I have to admit it's mind blowing to how easy this is, or looks rather. I'm going to get a stack of shirt right now and start on my first try!

[@a2guru]

You are awesome! I’ve been taking in my T shirts and now they fit perfectly. Thanks to you. It’s so great that you’ve chosen to take the time to make these videos for us beginners. Thank you.

[@LauraStrongMD]

Thank you for sharing how to modify a tee! This is great for thrift shopping. Happy Holiday!

[@TockCustom]

Very happy to help! Perfect timing for this during the holidays, Happy New Year!!

[@stacykidd926]

Thanks so much for the tutorial!

[@TockCustom]

You are so welcome! Hope you were able to tailor some shirts to look great!

[@serialseb2841]

Just started getting into Sewing and your videos are a great help. Thank you.

[@TockCustom]

You're very welcome, I really appreciate the positive comment :)

[@vanessaallen3810]

I am new to the sewing community, regret that it took me so long to take interest but I ABSOLUTELY luv it. I've watched soooooo many tutorials about the craft of sewing and then I stumbled into your tutorials and I have to tell you that you Mr Man are FANTASTIC. I really appreciate your teaching style you make it so easy to understand and fun. I need you to show more, more, more 😂 your teaching style is most VALUABLE!! 🤩

[@codyhughes148]

Good stuff, thanks!

[@wildkarde2406]

Awesome man! I’m totally doing this!

[@TockCustom]

Oh dude... you're going to be light-sabering women off you left-and-right at cons if you start tailoring your shirts... forget about it!

[@danielkalcsa5792]

I love how you explain every thing So throughly as you you teach how to sew ! Great work ! Patience's is needed ! 👍

[@TockCustom]

That makes me happy to hear, I often worry I'm too long winded... but it seriously helps to hear feedback like this :)

[@auntyprema]

Good job. Explained the weLl

[@lawrencemoss4164]

Thank you.

[@dakotasonney2142]

This is the most informative/ simplified video on KZbin covering this topic. Funny t-shirts are a passion of mine and I also struggle with body dysmorphia so any shirt I buy never fits right. But this seems to be what I need!!! Thank you so much

[@PrimoLife2]

I just found your channel and loved the tshirt tutorial. Please keep up the teaching!!! More more more!😀

[@TockCustom]

You got a deal! there'll be a lot of new stuff coming soon :) Thanks for watching!

[@Linda_Rella]

Wow, I never even thought to tailor a T-shirt like that before. I like that you give options to those of us without sergers. Thank you so much 😊

[@TockCustom]

Happy to help, thank you so much for watching 😊😊

[@filipmatyja]

Taco you for the video!

[@fredrikbystrom7380]

I've been putting off doing this for sooo long since I've been afraid I'll mess it up, but today I finally tried it on one of my t-shirts. It actually is easy. If you can sew curtains on your sewing machine, you can do this as well.

[@aprilmattox3606]

I'm loving your videos. They are so easy to understand and follow. Thank you for explaining things in a way I can understand without making me feel like an idiot. It is greatly appreciated.

[@TockCustom]

Thanks so much April! Very happy to be helpful, hope you're having fun with your projects!

[@fredcdobbs823]

Best pro videos of tailoring

[@TockCustom]

Thanks buddy!

[@sarmada]

Thank you so much mannn!!

[@shawnmoody7855]

You are a very great tailor and an awesome teacher.... keep up the good work!!! I’m thankful for you🙏🏽👍🏽

[@TockCustom]

Thank you so much 🤗 I'm so happy this was helpful! Hope you're doing terrific!

[@luckychucky3426]

just bought a new machine don't know anything about sewing but I learned a lot just from this site thank you very much you did a great job

[@FrantzB3472]

I have found what i was looking for. Just bought a sewing machine to do exactly what i see here. You have a new follower.

[@hondatuner83]

Nice video. I always wondered how to do this. I'm going to give it a try. You made it look so easy. That shirt looks so much better on you after you tailored it. I like my shirts to fit as well. Kudos. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@vendettaink7567]

Personally, I find this video the most informative for beginners like me who have no clue. Great job!

[@peterkoenen4095]

thanks just great

[@greggb1969]

Great tutorial! I do my shirts the exact same way, but I've been using a small straight stitch. I will definitely will use a strech stitch the next time I do this. Thanks for the tip!

[@TockCustom]

It's such a great technique! Glad to help out a bit, thank you very much for watching :)

[@joejustjoe3926]

Dude, your vids are really dope. I think I will try this one for my first beginner project.

[@davey3765]

just started sewing to fix jeans but this is going to be my first project, Im watching following along lol this is great

[@lmariehilgers8223]

Just bought my first sowingmachine.Your tutorials are detailed and clear 👍🏼 . Absolute a beginner I am but feel that your tutorials are great.Keep it up bro 👍🏼🌴🙏

[@TockCustom]

I'm so excited for you to get started! Thanks for your support, I'll keep the videos coming as long as people are excited about learning new stuff :)

[@janinewuerz7831]

Thanks!

[@ellymae00]

Hey, Tock thanks for the tutorial. I have a stack of t shirts that will now fit great.

[@TockCustom]

Hell yeah, you're gonna look terrific!

[@buddy77587]

Fabulous

[@hadyabibisouma1541]

Great video!!..thanks.

[@TockCustom]

Thank you so much :D

[@havevanmusttravel1441]

I have a few T-shirts that are too long. This video inspires me to trim them down. Great job on instruction and video production!

[@TockCustom]

Thank you so much for watching! Hope you're able to make some nice fitted shirts soon :)

[@leaplap8180]

This is an awesome tutorial. Thank you! My son wants to alter his t-shirts to fit more to his liking. He is a beginner, and this video will help greatly.

[@kevinmonceaux2101]

I might get brave enough to give this a try. I started collecting vintage sewing machines a while back, intending to learn how to perform some basic repairs on them, tune them up, etc. I haven't gotten around to repairing any of them yet. At the time I didn't sew. I started looking around for hobbies to put some of my collection to use. I've done a little quilt piecing. But it's too hot most of the year in Texas for quilts. I haven't done any sewing in a while. KZbin keeps trying to find more hobbies for me than I could possibly have time for, and I tend to cycle through them. A few days ago I added a Singer Featherweight to my collection. So now seemed like a good time to cycle back around to sewing. I think I watched a video or two on your channel in the past, and just recently watched a few more looking for sewing projects that would be useful year round in Texas. I've lost a bit of weight, but can't seem to get rid of the front of my gut. I rarely find cloths that fit well all over. Learning some basic alteration techniques could prove to be very useful. Thank you for your very helpful channel content. Any tips for those among the zig zag impaired? All of my functional machines are straight stitch only. I do have a Singer 457, but it has a broken nylon gear I need to replace. It's the machine that made me decide to focus on collecting older all-metal machines.

[@FlipMacz]

So cool ty🌿

[@richardlionheart3965]

This was great, i followed along and now have a much better fitted T. We won't talk about the first one i forgot to turn inside out...Thanks Tock!!

[@TockCustom]

For sure! You'll find yourself wanting to do this to ALL your shirts now lol Thanks for watching :)

[@cecemeyer5902]

You have taught me so much about alterations. I feel like Goldie locks. Small is too small, medium too big. Everything needs tweaking. Thank you!

[@Nonnie1227]

Thank you! This was very helpful. I'm a beginner and recently lost weight and will try this on some of my favorite t-shirts!

[@TockCustom]

This sounds like the perfect video for you! I'm so excited to help out :)

[@cindersla]

Thank you so much! I've lost weight and need to take in a lot of shirts. This is so helpful.

[@williamhanna5224]

Great work awesome video

[@TockCustom]

Much appreciated!

[@dumdumm3299]

oooh thank you so much for the tips on sewing with stretchy fabric!! my first project is to hem a stretchy sweater dress that i shortened, and i couldn’t figure out for the life of me why it was coming out so awful every time. i’ve been using a straight stitch and kind of pulling the fabric through the machine. totally gonna try again tomorrow!!

[@TockCustom]

Excellent! Happy this was so helpful! Hope everything turns out well :)

[@Leoxbased]

beutiful work brother!

[@TockCustom]

Thanks so much for watching, hope this was helpful!

[@deathbright107]

Great video!

[@TockCustom]

Thank you so much! Hope you've had a wonderful holiday season. Wishing you the best through 2020!

[@sherryberardino6032]

Nice job !

[@TockCustom]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@50tmack]

I would dearly love to see a tutorial on taking in a T-shirt’s shoulder seams! Thanks for this tutorial!

[@mariamendoza4326]

Thank you for your tutorial. I am a beginner and just bought my new sawing machine 😄

[@TockCustom]

That's terrific! Hope this helped you out with some beginner level stuff :D

[@helenannelder8860]

You are AWESOME!

[@TockCustom]

YOU are awesome! Thanks for watching :)

[@rodia9364]

Great video

[@TockCustom]

Thank youuuuuuuuuu!

[@callumari3199]

Thanks Tock. I am new to sewing, this is my new born interest/hobby. The videos have been most helpful and I like your straight forward approach. Great job Thank you form Oz

[@TockCustom]

Very happy to help! I appreciate your support and positivity :) Let me know if you have any questions as you're learning!

[@GrammaPatriot]

I hope youre doing well Tock....

[@vickihorner2203]

Just saw my first video from you, and so incredible, I'm now following you and going to catch up on all the ones I missed, you make it so easy to understand, that you, your new follower 😁

[@Dramatik4Real]

Good job man! I got a Singer 4452 for Christmas but I've been afraid to sew my first ever stitch. I have a bunch of boot cut jeans I'd like to make in to slim-fit or skinny jeans and some tees I'd like to make slim like you did here. Thanks for explaining and showing us how to do it!

[@TockCustom]

Very happy to help! Thanks for sharing such a positive comment. Hope you have a terrific weekend 😊

[@angelaponder3348]

Thank you! I hope to loose weight this next year and hope to not have to toss out all my shirts. Very nice! And that said I have a very tall daughter and a very tall son... we have to quite often by a larger size to get the length they need so I can now fix those up also. Thanks.. you just saved me a ton of money.. Time not so much... LOL

[@TockCustom]

Happy to help!! Yeah I tailor pretty much all my T-shirts now, makes them look so much better :)

[@janetmckinney2487]

great video

[@TockCustom]

Glad you enjoyed it, hope you were able to tailor some shirts to get a better fit

[@TheJudeJane]

Thank you!!!!!!!

[@TockCustom]

You're welcome! 😀

[@queenlokilani]

I love how you stickered your sewing machine! 😂🤣

[@billofalltrades1468]

Very cool

[@TockCustom]

No.... You're breathtaking!

[@violethendrickson6080]

Hi, just found your channel and love your clear, common sense instructions! Im sorry to see that you aren’t currently doing videos. Hope you come back!

[@markwagner4909]

Very nice I have some shirts I need to do this on

[@TockCustom]

Excellent, one of my favorite little sewing techniques... easy to do, and makes a very noticeable difference :) Hope you have a great 2020!

[@jendai8607]

Thank you for this video! you are awesome! and OMG i need to decorate my machine as you did with all my stickers! :)

[@TockCustom]

You're welcome! and yes! Always put stickers all over everything!

[@CrystalChristianStore]

Please ❤do more alterations videos I really want to improve in this

[@TockCustom]

I'll see what I can come up with. Got some new stuff waiting for approval to post! Thanks for watching :)

[@HeyWatchMeGo]

10,000 subscribers when you made this video...55,000 subs today. Nov 14, 2020. You must be doing something right :) Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@TockCustom]

I know....... the growth of this channel has been very overwhelming lol - thanks so much for watching!

[@jpvintage]

Awesome video! Perfect, straight-forward instructions. Thank you 😊 Do you have any recommendations regarding modifications to the neckline? Making it a scoop neck or v neck?