Crafts : Alterations : Adding, Removing Seams : Home & Garden Television

Seamstress Jan Zallee demonstrates how to make clothing adjustable by taking seams in and out as needed.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Adjusting a Cuff

Steps:

Cut off the cuff as close to the folded edge as possible, then cut into two pieces (figure A).
Turn the piece that is left on the shirt underneath slightly and sew up to make a small hem.
Roll up the cuff and position the tab piece under it (figure B).
Pin the tab in place and stitch across the tab (figure C). Remove the pin.
Fold the cuff up the rest of the way, then fold up the tab.
Mark where the button should go with a water-soluble marker.

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

Remove the button from the other side of the cuff and sew it in place (figure D).

Making a Small Shirt Bigger

Steps:

Choose a fabric panel that matches the shirt and stitch it all the way down the front of the shirt on the button side (figure E).
Sew all the way down the other side of the panel to make a hem (figure F).

Figure G

Figure H

Move the buttons over onto the panel (figure G).

Adjusting a Jacket That no Longer Fits

Steps:

An easy way to mend a jacket that no longer fits around the waist is to simply move the buttons over (figure H).
Be sure to measure each button accurately, so that when it is buttoned, the buttons line up.

Also in this Episode

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-709
•	Five-Minute Meals
•	Adding, Removing Seams
•	Timesavers
•	Tip of the Day

Adding, Removing Seams