How to Alter Clothes to Make Them Bigger

When you find that your favorite outfit is a bit too snug, don’t despair. With a few simple alterations, you can easily make clothes bigger to fit more comfortably. Whether you’re dealing with a tight dress, a too-small shirt, or a pair of jeans that are just a touch too tight, here are some effective methods to help you alter clothes to make them bigger.

1. Adding Length to a Dress or Skirt

If your dress or skirt is too short, you can easily add length by taking in the sides. Here’s how:

– Lay the dress or skirt flat on a large surface.
– Measure the desired length of the dress or skirt.
– Mark the new hemline with pins or a fabric marker.
– Cut off the excess fabric, leaving a 1-inch seam allowance.
– Sew the sides together, leaving the bottom open.
– Hem the bottom of the dress or skirt to the new length.

2. Widening a Shirt or Blouse

If a shirt or blouse is too tight, you can add width by taking in the sides. Here’s how:

– Lay the shirt or blouse flat on a large surface.
– Measure the desired width of the shirt or blouse.
– Mark the new side seams with pins or a fabric marker.
– Cut off the excess fabric, leaving a 1-inch seam allowance.
– Sew the sides together, leaving the bottom open.
– Hem the bottom of the shirt or blouse to the original length.

3. Expanding the Waistband of Jeans

If your jeans are too tight around the waist, you can expand the waistband by following these steps:

– Lay the jeans flat on a large surface.
– Measure the desired width of the waistband.
– Mark the new waistband width with pins or a fabric marker.
– Cut off the excess fabric, leaving a 1-inch seam allowance.
– Sew the sides together, leaving the bottom open.
– Hem the bottom of the waistband to the original length.

4. Adding Width to a Pair of Pants

If your pants are too tight around the hips or thighs, you can add width by taking in the sides. Here’s how:

– Lay the pants flat on a large surface.
– Measure the desired width of the pants.
– Mark the new side seams with pins or a fabric marker.
– Cut off the excess fabric, leaving a 1-inch seam allowance.
– Sew the sides together, leaving the bottom open.
– Hem the bottom of the pants to the original length.

Remember, when altering clothes to make them bigger, it’s important to use a sewing machine and quality thread for a professional finish. If you’re not confident in your sewing skills, consider taking your clothes to a professional tailor for a more precise alteration.