How to Do Alterations
If your pants do not fit in the waist or are too long, alternations can be done to help them fit better. If you have lost or gained weight, your clothes may not fit anymore. Tailors charge for alterations but you can do them yourself by following a few basic steps. This article will instruct you on how to do alterations.
How To Do Alterations
- Pants Or Skirt:
a. Put on the pants or skirt and use tailor's chalk to mark where you would like the hem. Take off the garment.
b. Fold the edge of the garment up to the hem mark. Use tape or pins between the fabric.
c. Thread your needle and make sure you tie a knot at the end of the thread. Hem the garment by starting on the inside of the garment and push the needle through the garment using small stitches. Continue around the skirt or pant leg. Tie a knot at the end of the threat and trim it when done.
- Let Out A Skirt:
a. Look at the seams to ensure there is enough fabric to let out the garment.
b. Take measurement of your waist and divide that measurement in half. Measure the width of the dress and subtract it from the waist measurements. The result is the amount the seam should be let out.
c. Divided the amount you need to let the seam out by four. Draw a line outside the seam with tailor's chalk. Repeat on each side of the dress.
d. Use a seam ripper to remove the original stitches.
e. Create a new seam by sewing along the chalk. Sew the fabric along the chalk line. Try on the dress to ensure it fits.