Shorten shirt with tails can be achieved quickly with this easy method.

Determine the new length, and place two crossed pins at the front.  The tails on the front and back panels may be the same or the back may be longer.  Always ask the person what they want.  Do they want to keep the same curvature, or would they like it be different.  In the video example I have kept it the same curvature as the original.  Which is that the back is longer than the front.  Also make sure that if the sides are being shortened the same as the front, that it will not be too short at the sides.  When the shirt is tucked in it should be at least 15 cm (6 in) "tuck in".

Write the amount down on paper, and take the pins out.

  • Start at the front and mark from the original length up the amount being shortened and place a mark at the top of the tape measure
  • Move down the tape measure 1 cm (1/2 in) and place another mark.  The is the hem allowance.  I prefer a .5 (1/4 in) hem allowance.  Therefore because it is a turn twice hem you need to double that amount which is 1 cm (1/2 in)
  • Mark the front panel and half of the back panel stopping at the center back
  • Cut on the bottom chalk mark of the front panel continuing on to the center back.
  • Fold the cut half of the center back across the second half of the center back, pin and cut.
  • Fold the front cut section over the second front section, pin and cut.
  • Stitch through the middle of the seam allowance.  This means a row of stitching .5 cm (1/4 in) from the raw edge
  • Fold the hem on the stitched line and sew.
  • If the beginning is too thick, start a little further on and come back later and stitch the end sewing from the topside
Shorten shirt with tails

Shorten shirt with tails

Happy altering

Judith aka genie

2016-10-21T10:18:38+10:00 By |Categories: Shirts|Comments Off on Shorten shirt with tails