This tutorial is the quick and easy way to take in large sleeves. It is not going to look as good as clothes that are professionally tailored, but if you are looking for a simple fix, this will do. If you are looking for a more in depth tutorial, please scroll down and check out the link I left at the bottom.
I got this shirt at United Volunteers Thrift Store in Provo. I wanted something really long that I could wear with leggings later on in the winter when I’m more pregnant. Because I expect my bump to grow more, I didn’t want to take in the sides. I took in the sleeves to make the shirt look less sloppy. It’s amazing what altering sleeves can do for an entire piece.
How to take in large sleeves:
1. Put shirt on inside out.
2. Determine where you would like the new sleeve to fit, and pin above the bottom seam.
3. Remove shirt and sew where pinned.
4. Repeat for other sleeve.
The yellow lines are where I sewed the new seam. You’ll note that I tapered out so I didn’t have to take in the cuff, and I also tapered out the side seam to help better blend the new sleeve.
Once this was done, I tied up the excess fabric on the bottom of the shirt and got this.
Helpful Reference:
JLTFK How to Tailor a Mens Shirt to a Womens
This is a step-by-step guide on how to completely take in a mens shirt.
I’m excited about the versatility of this top, and also to have something big and comfy to wear in the upcoming cold months.
Let me know if you try it out!
My teenaged son likes his oxford shirts slim or fitted. I found two amazing Vineyard Vine shirts at my local Goodwill and paid $10 for both! Do you think this would work to take them in? Or do you know of a better tutorial? Thanks for any help. Love how easy you make things!!!
It depends what you are trying to achieve. If the shoulder seam, where the shoulder meets the sleeve, is farther down than you want, this won’t be able to fix that. If you want a free way to take in the shirt a little, this will most likely work. Just be sure to baste it first and have him try it on so you can verify that the fit will work out for you before you officially sew it. Best of luck!