How to Alter Armholes Bigger: A Comprehensive Guide
Armholes are a crucial element of any garment, as they determine the comfort and fit of the clothing. Whether you’ve bought a dress that’s too tight or you’re tailoring a piece of clothing for someone else, learning how to alter armholes bigger is a valuable skill. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to do just that.
Understanding the Armhole Seam
Before we dive into the alteration process, it’s essential to understand the armhole seam. The armhole is typically made up of several seams, including the shoulder seam, side seam, and underarm seam. These seams come together to create the armhole shape. To alter the armhole bigger, you’ll need to adjust these seams accordingly.
Materials and Tools Needed
To successfully alter armholes bigger, you’ll need the following materials and tools:
– Fabric marker or chalk
– Scissors
– Seam ripper
– Measuring tape
– Straight pins
– Sewing machine or needle and thread
Step-by-Step Guide to Altering Armholes Bigger
1. Measure the Current Armhole Size: Begin by measuring the current armhole size of the garment. This will help you determine how much you need to increase the size.
2. Mark the New Armhole Size: Using your fabric marker or chalk, mark the new armhole size on the inside of the garment. Ensure that the new size is comfortable for you or the person for whom you’re tailoring the clothing.
3. Remove the Seam Allowance: Using your seam ripper, carefully remove the seam allowance from the armhole seam. Be sure to leave a small amount of the original seam allowance to maintain the structure of the garment.
4. Cut the Armhole Seam: Using your scissors, cut the armhole seam along the marked line. Be sure to cut through both layers of fabric.
5. Ease the Seam: If the armhole is too tight, you may need to ease the seam. To do this, gently pull the two layers of fabric apart at the cut edges, while keeping the seam allowance intact. This will create a larger opening for the armholes.
6. Pin the Seam: Re-pin the armhole seam, ensuring that the fabric is smooth and even. The pins should be placed on the original seam line.
7. Sew the Seam: Using your sewing machine or needle and thread, sew the armhole seam back together. Be sure to follow the original stitching pattern and tension.
8. Press the Seam: Once the seam is sewn, press it open with an iron. This will help the armhole lay flat and even.
9. Check the Fit: Try on the garment to ensure that the armholes are now the desired size and that the clothing fits comfortably.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to successfully alter armholes bigger, providing a more comfortable fit for yourself or someone else. Remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.
