Shorten polo tee shirt with ribbing takes around 30 minutes. There may be clear elastic which should be unpicked very carefully. Do not break or cut the elastic, unless you have new elastic to attach. The amount that the garment is being shortened should be cut from the section above the ribbing. I always unpick the ribbing first. If it is cut off it will become shorter.
Photo of polo/tee shirt with ribbing.
The ribbing is attached generally with a four thread over locker. It is then turned to the right side and the seam allowance is stitched down using a cover stitch machine.
Unpick the ribbing. For more information on unpicking cover stitch go to Unpicking seams.The chalk mark is the cut line. I have allowed for seam allowance to attach to the ribbing.
If there is elastic. Remove carefully so it can be re attached.
The amount being shortened is taken from the polo/tee shirt after ribbing is unpicked
Pin ribbing back on. I find it easier to section into quarters. If there is one join in the ribbing place at the side seam. If there are two joins, pin to the side seams, then fold in half, fold the tee in half and pin each section. The ribbing is usually stretched on a little, so dividing into quarters ensures an even gather. If there is elastic pin as well.
Zig zag elastic onto ribbing and polo/tee shirt first. Then do straight stitch above the zig zag to secure the layers.
If you have an over locker, overlock edge including elastic
The ribbing could be top stitched down from the right side although it is not a requirement of the alteration to have it top stitched.
Happy altering,
Judith Turner