How to Alter Button Down Shirt: A Step-by-Step Guide
Embarking on the journey to alter a button down shirt can be both rewarding and empowering. Whether you’ve inherited a beloved piece from a family member or simply want to tailor it to fit your unique body shape, understanding how to alter a button down shirt is a valuable skill. In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to alter button down shirt, ensuring a perfect fit and a stylish look.
Step 1: Measure Your Shirt
Before diving into the alteration process, it’s essential to take accurate measurements of your shirt. Use a measuring tape to measure the following areas:
– Shoulder width: Measure from one shoulder seam to the other.
– Chest circumference: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, just under your arms.
– Sleeve length: Measure from the center back of the neck to the end of the sleeve.
– Waist circumference: Measure around the narrowest part of your waist.
– Hem length: Measure from the bottom of the collar to the desired hem length.
Step 2: Determine the Areas to Alter
Based on your measurements, identify the areas that require alteration. Common adjustments for button down shirts include:
– Shortening the sleeves
– Taking in or letting out the sides
– Shortening the hem
– Adjusting the collar
Step 3: Gather Your Materials
To alter your button down shirt, you’ll need the following materials:
– Fabric scissors
– Measuring tape
– pins
– fabric marker
– sewing machine or needle and thread
– iron and ironing board
Step 4: Shortening the Sleeves
If you need to shorten the sleeves, follow these steps:
1. Mark the new sleeve length on the inside of the shirt, using the fabric marker.
2. Cut the sleeves at the marked line, ensuring you have enough fabric to sew a hem.
3. Hem the sleeves by folding the raw edge under and stitching it in place.
Step 5: Taking In or Letting Out the Sides
To take in or let out the sides of your shirt, follow these steps:
1. Decide how much you want to take in or let out. For a general guideline, 1/2 inch on each side is usually sufficient.
2. Mark the new side seam on the shirt, using the fabric marker.
3. Cut the shirt along the marked line, ensuring you have enough fabric to sew a new side seam.
4. Sew the new side seam, either taking in the excess fabric or letting it out, depending on your desired fit.
Step 6: Shortening the Hem
To shorten the hem of your shirt, follow these steps:
1. Mark the new hem length on the bottom of the shirt, using the fabric marker.
2. Cut the hem at the marked line, ensuring you have enough fabric to sew a hem.
3. Hem the bottom edge by folding the raw edge under and stitching it in place.
Step 7: Adjusting the Collar
If you need to adjust the collar, follow these steps:
1. Mark the new collar size on the collar, using the fabric marker.
2. Cut the collar at the marked line, ensuring you have enough fabric to sew a new collar.
3. Sew the new collar, either taking in the excess fabric or letting it out, depending on your desired fit.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
Once you’ve made all the necessary alterations, press the seams with an iron to ensure they lay flat. Try on your altered button down shirt to ensure it fits perfectly and make any final adjustments if needed.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully altered your button down shirt. With these steps, you can now tailor your favorite pieces to fit your unique style and body shape. Happy sewing!
