Putting on weight can make clothes too tight, so here are some techniques for letting out
what is a godet What is a godet? A godet (unlike a gusset) is an extra piece of fabric in the shape of a large triangle. It is added between seams to give flare. And example of where a godet would be added is in a skirt or skirt on a dress to give width and volume. From a clothing alteration point of view a godet could be added to the back of [...]
What is a gusset What is a gusset? A gusset is a piece of fabric that is inserted into a seam to add width to a garment. The most common shape is triangular, however it can be any shape. Clothes that are too tight can have a gusset inserted to give room. The most common insertion would be in the underarm - side seam of a garment. This would give more room [...]
Blocking clothes extension Blocking clothes extension is something that can be used to increase the size of clothes. If you have a tee shirt, dress or trousers that are too small, a separate panel can be added in a contrast colour. I am in the process of using blocking to increase the size of an animal print jacket a friend bought me. It was the only size, but was too small, so I [...]
Clothing alterations book Dear Judith, I bought your book a couple of years ago and have been receiving your emails ever since. I just wanted to share this little something with you. Although I have been sewing for a long time now and I have put zips in items that I have made. I have never replaced a zip in anything as it scared me (that's funny I know but it did). This week I [...]
Large seams on garments is not something modern manufacturers do. Remember in the Victorian times when large seams were left in everything. Recently I had a garment brought in that had become too small. I had a look inside and there were massive seams all the way through the garment. HOWEVER........... Someone had decided that it didn't sit correctly on the curved sections or at joins, so they had CUT through the seam allowance up [...]