How to Fix a T-shirt That's Too Big

lakshay and 4 other contributors

Last updated on June 29, 2023

20 - 40 minutes

Moderate

Needs More Images

Missing Steps

Introduction

Go to step 1

You know the story, you go to a thrift store hoping today’s the day to find the perfect vintage rock T-shirt hidden in a pile. You finally find it, but then you realize it’s a size XXXL and it doesn’t fit you. Follow this guide to make that too-large-tee fit just right.

Restructuring your T-shirt is a relatively easy process for people who have basic sewing knowledge and experience using a sewing machine.

What you need

Tools

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Step 1 How to Fix a T-shirt That's Too Big

How to Fix a T-shirt That's Too Big, How to Fix a T-shirt That's Too Big: step 1, image 1 of 2

How to Fix a T-shirt That's Too Big, How to Fix a T-shirt That's Too Big: step 1, image 2 of 2

Lay the larger T-shirt on a flat surface.
Make sure it sits perfectly flat and your side seams are in line.
Take another T-shirt that fits you perfectly and lay it on top of the larger T-shirt.
Double-check that the neckline is straight and the graphic on the larger T-shirt has plenty of room on either side.

Edit

Step 2

Use a water-soluble fabric marker to trace the small T-shirt out on the larger one.
Leave some fabric allowance in case you need to fix anything or make adjustments.

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Step 3

Use scissors to cut off the excess material.
This will divide the shirt into three pieces: the body and two sleeves. Make sure to leave some seam allowance to make adjustments, if needed.

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Step 4

Using pins, put the sleeves together in order to give a crease.
Pin the rest of the unsewn edges to get a rough idea of whether it is the correct size.

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Step 5

Use your sewing machine to sew the parts of the shirt together.
Go back over with a smaller stitch to secure the parts of the shirt.
This guide uses white thread for visibility. Use a matching thread unless you want contrasting colors. Sew on the inside of the T-shirt to hide your seams.