YES, you can make a sweater bigger! (and shorter!)

Let me show you how to turn a snug sweater into one that fits just right! This video also shows how you can make a sweater shorter. Don’t be afraid to cut into your sweaters!
MY FAVE SEWING TOOLS: My sewing machine - Babylock Sofia 2
My serger - an old Kenmore
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Thank you, Matthew Inwood, for help with editing! You're awesome! [e-mail]
#sustainablefashion #sweaterupcycling #DIYFashion
Music: No Indication by Track Tribe from the KZbin Audio Library
EMAIL: [e-mail]
TIKTOK: catherinesews
INSTAGRAM: @cathbhay
Thank you for watching and supporting the growth of my channel!
Until next time, take care!
~Catherine
0:00 Intro
1:47 Cutting
3:00 Opening the Side Seams
4:43 Cutting the Gusset
7:16 Sewing in the Gusset
9:01 Fitting
10:15 Taking in the Sides
14:47 Attaching the Ribbing
17:24 Finished!
DISCLAIMER: Some of the above links may be affiliate links, meaning if you purchase a product or service via these links I may receive a small commission/reward, at no additional charge to you, and I promise I will never try to sell you something that I don’t think is an EXCELLENT product!!

[@susanpendell4215]

I really like it, it's unique too. I watch because I'm hoping to expand a couple of sweaters that I love and just couldn't part with. It seems like whenever I find a sweater that I really like, it's always too small. Thanks for the tutorial and encouragement.😊

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

The side panel complements the colors in the stripes. I think it makes the sweater look more vibrant.

[@CarrieC73]

Wow!! I absolutely LOVE that the sleeve cuffs do not match the side panels and bottom trim! That gives me so many new ideas! Thank you! Surprise inspiration!!

[@lifeofjoy9404]

Oh, thank you!!!! COVID lockdowns and my weight gain went together like popcorn & extra butter for me, and now my favorite sweaters are too tight.🤭

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

Don't get me going on popcorn and butter! I love it way too much.

[@cherylbolender697]

I LOVE watching your upcycle videos. They give me so many ideas on what to do with clothes that don't fit me anymore but still have a lot of wear left in them.

[@KSMP]

I think that was once a child's dress 😂. But you made it into a lovely ladies' sweater! 😊. The pink definitely looks like it's supposed to be there!

[@patriciatufts4969]

You have made a lot of adjustments to a thrifted sweater and made it your own.. Great job! I just came across your video in my feed and you have really impressed me. I have been sewing for about 50 years and I even had an alterations business for a while but you can still teach an old girl new tricks. Thank you.

[@saundraweed9738]

As an avid thrifter your ideas and instructions are invaluable. I can make almost anything fit me using your suggestions !

[@marionmathews9852]

Another fabulous transformation. You are genius at this.

[@deedeefitch933]

Cute! I’ve been watching your videos for awhile and always enjoy them. Inspired by you I took 2 black cashmere sweaters that were given to me and did the same thing! I also took off the turtleneck and made a pretty boat neck. I love it now and you can’t see the gusset at all on the black. Thanks for your inspiration!

[@CatherineSews]

That sounds fantastic! Good for you!

[@dianejohanson98]

Looks great. If you wanted to step it up you could use some more of that pink sweater and replace the sleeve cuffs and the ribbed neckline. Then the purple wouldn’t matter at all. You are such a great seamstress, you find ways to up several notches on everything you put your mind to! Love your work and I’ve learned so much from watching your videos. Makes me wish I had not donated most of my sweaters! 😁Thank you!

[@PeonyLadyKim]

Loved this video - such a timely demonstration for something I needed to know. Thanks Katherine.

[@QueenAmethyst55]

Sausage stuffed in a casing 😂 thanks for the laugh. It's perfect now and will go with lots of other colours

[@judih.8754]

What a great idea and the execution was perfect. Thanks for the inspiration Catherine!

[@lauriepayseur5897]

This might be my new fav of all your projects

[@bonniecrowe1531]

I learn something new with every video. I had my doubts about this one but you pulled it off again! It's adorable.

[@jeanfeller4961]

I will absolutely look at sweaters from a new perspective! Great job, as always.

[@elizabethbryant-richards2419]

I love these sweater designs and mods. I like thrifting cashmere and finding ways to reuse. Your videos are easy to follow and you are always positive and sweet. Thanks!

[@juanitar.miller5210]

I think those cable knit side panels are a WONDERFUL color!! It’s not a match, exactly, maybe “partner”😊!

[@MurphysEveryWhim]

Since you cut off some of the striped knit, I would have used it for the gusset. I’d orient the stripes for the gusset perpendicularly to the stripes of the sweater. That way I wouldn’t worry about matching the stripe. I haven’t done it yet, but I wonder if instead of adding a crocheted edge to the bottom instead of a ribbing would work.

[@susanpendell4215]

I thought of that but I don't see how it would work because it's stripes going in one direction, to make a gusset that is long enough and the stripes match, I don't think that there's enough fabric for that. Stripes always take more fabric for matching them up, like flower and other patterns to look professional and not eye jaring.

[@deannadenmead9780]

Great idea for expanding a dresser! Now I’d love to see a video on making the neck of a sweater smaller!

[@altaroberts5105]

I think she already did one. Have a look through past videos.

[@annfhallahan4347]

OMG, so timely for me. Just what I needed. You do amazing transformations. I must try some of you ideas. I've been too scared to cut the sweater but now I know it can be done. Thanks a mil😊

[@dianahall5170]

You are such an inspiration! I think the bit of shaping with the added side pieces is very flattering.

[@annastebelskyj580]

I always love your knitwear hacks! Sewing with knits is my first love, and you always do such a great job of inspiring me with creative solutions.

[@nicolecrethar8116]

I would like a video on thread chains. 😊❤ I enjoy your videos. Thanks!

[@englishrivieravanessa]

Definitely stylish with that shaping and 'intentional' colour blocking. Elevates that sweater to a more expensive looking brand. Beeeautiful!

[@larryharmon8731]

I think that sweater looks good on you cat, your beautiful!!

[@dianahampton8768]

It’s so funny to see that you made a video about this because just the other day I was looking at a sweater and imagining that I might be able to Make it larger that way. Thank you so much for this demonstration of a great technique.

[@carolyndann]

Yes please, I would love a video on how to make and uses of thread chains.

[@1wolfpup]

The sweater turned out beautiful. Nice job.

[@NewsfromtheGrove]

Adorable! Again you have encouraged me to up-cycle my closet! I really did need this one as I had thrift-ed some cashmere sweaters! Oh yeah you could use the ribbing from your mom's sweater sleeves for more pink matching if the purple forearm bothers you! But it is super cute and looks much more comfortable :)

[@heidij7374]

Wow, that turned out so cute! I had no idea you could cut sweaters and resew them. Hmm I think I might try shortening a couple of my sweaters now.

[@sarahscott-ze1th]

A few years ago when I quickly put on a humungous amount of weight due to a disease and my thyroid stopped working, I couldn't fit into any of my clothes. So, I spent a long time turning long dresses into shorter skirts and putting gussets into everything, usually by turning two pairs of something into one. I have a lot of jeans shorts now where I chopped off the legs and used them as a side panel to make them bigger. However, I never thought to bring the panel in on tops to make it more like a princess seam; a good idea!! Thanks.

[@annewhitney8809]

Thanks for this. I see many gorgeous sweaters at the thrift store that are tiny. Unlike felted wool a garment like this will ravel if given the chance😆

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

So cute. I found fabric for my vest addition, enough for a skirt too. First, I just turned an unused Snuggle into a warm underskirt for the last of winter. I am going to use the remnant for an undershirt. Easy peasy, and a warm undergarment for my skirts at home instead of a robe over top, since I don't like answering the door looking like I am still in pajamas or just off the ski slope. Not to mention knocking things over with the robe. You are teaching me new skills, and I love fixing my old clothes or getting a pretty thrift item. Thank you.

[@nicolehubbard3536]

I love your videos. You're such a good teacher!

[@jimack7817]

Another good presentation! Cheers.

[@ConnieAcree]

Beautiful job on the sweater. I would not have thought you could have remodeled a sweater. Thank you for sharing. Love it!! God bless.

[@mrsliptrap]

You gave me confidence to extend the size of a hoodie my 9yr found today while thrifting today. Times like this I wish comments could include pics! TY 💚

[@suno8911]

Whenever I upsize and shorten anything, I prefer to use that extra length to repurpose as gusset/cuff/sleeve/whatever. Yes, the pattern will run sideways, but it always looks more intentional and organic because the material, style, colours, and weight are the same. You could use the remains somewhat diagonally and it would look like a design feature and add some bias power too. I have tops where you could never tell the pattern is sideways unless you looked really close! - and I’m an avid upsizer. No small top scares me!

[@masuahkokro8957]

You are the master of sweaters. It came out so beautifully

[@lucilledaub5991]

I love your redo of your sweater.

[@lana7422]

Wow!!! Love these videos on editing sweater knits. Has given me the courage to resize one that I bought new, but is one size too big. Thanks!

[@Mrs.Patriot]

Glad you cut those hanging straps off. Sweaters shouldn't be hung up! That is so cute and yes the side panels curving in at the waist is most flattering!

[@macuisinesanssulfites4101]

Agreed! I don’t hanger mine either. Instead I fold the sides and sleeves (Mari Kondo style?) then roll the resulting rectangle over a cardboard tube saved from the inside of a roll of paper towels. Less creases than if you fold and pile up the sweaters in a stack.

[@Mrs.Patriot]

@@macuisinesanssulfites4101 That's a great way, and good for old textiles and linens. 👍🏻

[@magsohara7908]

Great job Catherine. Looks like it’s “meant to be”. Thanks. 🙋🏼

[@matrixmom3300]

Oh fooey! I just donated some sweaters that didn't fit, and was always scared to add gussets to sweaters because I believed it would unravel on me as I tried. But def will save your video for future sweater fixes! Also, moral of the story - if you can't find the color you need, raid mom's closet! 🤣

[@belieftransformation]

Wow, great makeover on that sweater! I know I can do this now to my fav sweaters! Thanks!

[@JulieLewin]

Absolutely love this. I have a sweater I didn't know how to make it bigger. Now I do. Thank you for a great tutorial 😀

[@cheryl3366]

Great sweater, thanks for showing some serger tips.

[@Dingle1234]

You could make a cute toque with that bottom bit.

[@jayneevanderheym352]

Just love your videos. Thank you. Sweater looks amazing. 😮

[@jenniferhofstede4587]

Excited to watch! Perfect timing, I am currently widening a sweatshirt!

[@bethmagill4449]

Love this tutorial so much! You are the BEST at alterations!!!! Thank you!

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

The sweater turned out so wonderfully. Definitely will be keeping this in mind as I begin spring cleaning!

[@wjathome]

It looks fab! love the colours. I have tried this before, but did have that problem you mentioned about the bulk under the arms. Can you link to a video that shows how to solve that? Thanks!

[@mymai5859]

I did something similar with a cotton knit top. However I cut a long stretch fabric strip that went from the bottom hem right thru to cuff of sleeve. I tapered the fabric as it neared the sleeve as it didn't need much enlarging

[@doudou53d44]

Again a winner !!!

[@cherylrice3049]

❤ another winner!

[@bookswithatwist-vanvelzerp9262]

I have a sweater dress from the 80s .... and I LOVE it - but I am well beyond that size now LOL I think I will do this with that !!! Only I will like the dress - but it will be so much fun to wear around the house

[@mymai5859]

Brilliant!

[@kimmie-kat]

Very cute!

[@lynnries7729]

Very clever and so pretty!

[@user-tg9ij1te7o]

Love it!

[@sarahferrell5458]

It’s cute! Thanks for sharing. ❤

[@FOPYSFrance]

Love it Catherine ❤

[@lyndseybeaumont7301]

I love your videos. Thank you x

[@annekelly8168]

Super cute! Another great video!

[@almaslakhani6693]

Sooo good

[@cathym1257]

Great job, Catherine. You look great in that sweater. Very well done. Thanks for teaching us so much!

[@DarleenAPerry]

Loved it

[@tracyfrost]

Excellent

[@annholmes9650]

Great stuff, love it!

[@user-sc9bq9eu6f]

You are fantastic !!! I enjoy every video. Thank you for all the tricks. ❤

[@trinitysweet1]

I learn from all of your thrifting videos, especially since used clothing is currently the thing and may be for a long time. Would you consider teaching how to make a skirt vent with a lining. There are many vids but some don't have your skill in teaching. Thanks

[@lynnerobyn]

I am so thrilled to find this - THANK YOU!!

[@daxxydog5777]

I love that! Great save for such a cute sweater.

[@carlam.9529]

I do love it, too !!

[@lindascott6968]

Great up cycle!

[@foxeymoore]

Great video!❤

[@guliazyulfigarova1597]

Good job 👍

[@dagnolia6004]

love it

[@aminahawa7237]

You always get the right colours. Love it ❤

[@theresaromatowski9536]

Such a clever remake. I would have used the cuffs and neck bands on the sacarfice sweater to match the bottom band. The mix of the purple and raspberry bands throws me off. I would have used the back of the sweater with the flat knit, so it doesn't overpower the stripes on the original sweater. But I loved seeing and learning the technique of how to do it. I will be using this on some of mine . I'm excited to "save" my favorites. Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge, you are so easy to follow.

[@gloglos100]

Thanks, yes a very useful video. And the new sweater looks great.

[@jamieomahen2656]

Love this and all your upcycled clothing!

[@user-gu2js9zp7g]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, the sweater is adorable.❤

[@user-rn5tb4vi4c]

Learning from you many ideas, love it👌

[@bludeetu321]

I wonder if you could have used the bottom of the striped sweater dress to make your gussets. You would have had to piece it to get the length, but think it would have blended in... I love your two sweater meld as well.

[@rosalie4069]

Thanks for sharing, this is a great idea ❤ have a good day :)

[@bluestar.8938]

Great. Thank you : )

[@carolinedelisle589]

Yes please to a video on thread chains.

[@linkay6]

Looks great! I might have to try that on one of my sweaters, if I can find one to use on the sides. Thanks for the video.

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

Nice.

[@ShettikkaWoods-jl8iq]

Blessings 💞 and crochet 🧶 awesome 👍🏾

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

I love this! I've lost almost 200 pounds and my upper arms are very large because of my "lunch lady flap". Some of my sweaters fit my body but not my arms and they fit my arms they don't fit my body properly. Now I know how to fix that!

[@trish3580]

Love it!!!!I have a (mostly) cotton/spandex top I really love- but it was too small when I got it and now it's really too small. If I can find a matching fabric some day I will definitely try this. Thank you so much for talking us-and showing us - through this. You are awesome as usual :)

[@nancyingram966]

I love this video. Thank you, Catherine! Could you maybe show how to enlarge a hoodie, using this technique? TIA

[@coalsparks]

I’m trying to do something similar, but I’m using the sleeves for the gusset fabric and making it a vest. I’ve been stuck trying to figure out how much fabric needs to go between but basting it and trying it on had not occurred to me! I guess I know what I’ll be doing later!

[@Orpilorp]

Hello! That is a beautiful meld of 2 sweaters. I have been doing this to cotton blouses already as I have a senior issue I am dealing with. I have shrunk in height. Though I am not overweight, I have a pooch in front. I imagine it's because all of my insides are in a smaller space now. ❤ I don't have a serger, and do all my sewing by hand, so I wonder if I could single crochet on the edges, and join them that way. Now I feel more confident if I see that perfe t little sweater that is too small, I can resize them. Per another youtubers suggestion, I have unraveled sweaters to get the yarn from them. I love recycling clothing.

[@CatherineSews]

Yes! If you’re good with a crochet hook then that would be a great solution!

[@melissad7855]

That is so darling!! Have you ever done a video on making a sweatshirt wider? I need to do that, but it's got a kangaroo pocket in front and ribbing so not sure how to tackle that.

[@henriettelinkshanderin1449]

I would have used the plain part for the gussets and made them smaller instead of the front and back part. And I would use the cut off to make the arms longer because now they look too short. But that's just me and you do you. ❤