How to Alter Armholes Too Small

If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where the armholes of a garment are too tight, you’re not alone. Whether it’s a favorite shirt, a dress, or a jacket, a too-small armhole can be quite uncomfortable and even painful to wear. The good news is that altering armholes is a relatively straightforward process that you can do at home with just a few basic tools. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps on how to alter armholes too small, ensuring a better fit and more comfort.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

– Seam ripper
– Measuring tape
– Fabric marker or chalk
– Scissors
– Sewing pins
– Thread that matches your fabric
– Sewing machine (optional)

Step 1: Assess the Armholes

Take a close look at the armholes of the garment. Determine how much you need to take in. If the armholes are too tight, you may need to remove up to 1 to 2 inches of fabric to achieve a comfortable fit.

Step 2: Remove the Seam

Using a seam ripper, carefully remove the seam along the armhole. Be sure to go slowly to avoid damaging the fabric. Once the seam is completely removed, lay the fabric flat on your work surface.

Step 3: Mark the Adjustment

Using your fabric marker or chalk, mark a line along the armhole where you will be taking in the fabric. The line should be parallel to the original seam, and the distance between the line and the original seam should match the amount of fabric you need to remove (1 to 2 inches).

Step 4: Cut the Fabric

Using your scissors, carefully cut along the marked line, being sure to leave a 1/4-inch seam allowance on each side.

Step 5: Pin the Adjustment

Pin the cut edges of the armhole together, right sides facing. The pins should be placed every 1/2 inch to ensure that the fabric is evenly gathered.

Step 6: Sew the Adjustment

Sew the cut edges together using a straight stitch, ensuring that the seam allowance is 1/4 inch. If you have a sewing machine, this step will be quicker and more precise.

Step 7: Press and Neaten the Seam

Press the seam open with an iron, and then press the entire armhole to neaten it up. If necessary, trim any excess threads.

Step 8: Re-sew the Seam

Finally, re-sew the armhole seam using a matching thread and a straight stitch. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to secure it.

Conclusion

By following these simple steps, you can easily alter armholes too small and achieve a more comfortable fit for your favorite garment. Remember that a little bit of tailoring can make a big difference in the way you feel and look. Happy sewing!