If you're like many people, you've got a lot of clothes in your closet that you don't wear because they simply don't fit right — after all, off-the-rack garments rarely provide the perfect fit for everyone. Fortunately, you can unlock your wardrobe's full potential by learning to alter and tailor your clothes for a custom look. Here's what you need to know about the basics of tailoring and the key adjustments you can make to achieve that flawless fit you've always wanted:
Understanding the Tailoring Process: Pinpointing the Problem Areas
Before diving into alterations, it's important to understand the tailoring process. This begins with identifying the problem areas of your garments. Try on each item and assess where it feels too tight, too loose, or simply doesn't flatter your body shape. Common areas that often require adjustments include the waist, hips, shoulders, and sleeves.
Once you've identified the areas in need of adjustment, it's time to determine the type of alteration required. This could involve taking in or letting out seams, shortening or lengthening hems, or even reshaping the garment entirely.
Gathering the Right Tools: A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
To successfully alter your clothes, you'll need a few essential tools:
- A good quality sewing machine, preferably with a range of stitch options
- A seam ripper for undoing existing seams
- A tape measure for accurate measurements
- Sewing pins and tailor's chalk to mark adjustments
- A variety of sewing needles and thread to match your fabric
These tools will make the alteration process smoother and ensure professional results.
Taking Measurements: Precision Is Key
Accurate measurements are crucial when altering your clothes. Begin by measuring yourself or enlisting a friend's help to take your body measurements. Use a flexible tape measure and record measurements for your bust, waist, hips, inseam, and other relevant areas. Keep these measurements handy as a reference while you work on your garments.
Now it's time to measure the garment itself. Lay it flat on a clean surface and measure the areas you plan to adjust. Compare these measurements with your body measurements and determine how much fabric needs to be taken in or let out.
Making the Adjustments: Practice Makes Perfect
With your measurements in hand, you can start making the necessary adjustments. Use sewing pins to temporarily hold the fabric in place and try on the garment to ensure the fit is correct. This step is crucial, as it's much easier to make changes at this stage than after you've sewn the seams.
Once you're satisfied with the pinned adjustments, use tailor's chalk to mark the new seam lines. Carefully sew along these lines, remembering to leave enough seam allowance for any future adjustments. Finally, trim any excess fabric and finish the seams with a zigzag stitch or serger to prevent fraying.
For more info, contact a company like Awn's Tailoring & Cleaning.
Share