How to Make a Sweatshirt More Fitted

Taking in the Seams

• 1

  Rip out the current seam stitching on one side of the sweatshirt. Usually there are side seams under the arms. You will need to remove the fabric seam for the under arm as well. Leave the top of the sleeve as it is.

• 2

  Measure the desired amount of fabric then take in the sweatshirt the corresponding amount of space.

• 3

  Fold over and repin the seam, working from the inside of the fabric. Sew with a hem stitch from the bottom of the shirt to the underarm, and back down again so that the seam does not unravel.

• 4

  Pin the smaller torso to the underarm of the sleeve by folding over a small amount of the fabric. It will not change the size of the sleeve, but it will make sewing the two pieces easier.

Changing the fit of the Bust

• 5

  Turn the sweatshirt outside in and put it on. On the side seam, even with the bottom line of your bust, fold over the excess fabric until it is as tight as you want it. Pin so the fold stays in place. Edge the fold with the fabric crayon in case the pin falls out when taking off the sweatshirt. You will need to do this on each side so the look isn't lopsided.

• 6

  Use the measuring tape as a straight edge, marking the diagonal of the dart from the seam about 2 inches in. If the bust is smaller, use less. If the bust line is larger, use more in the dart. Sew along the straight line so the excess fabric is bunched together in a loop. Use a basic straight stitch for your darts.

• 7

  Complete Step 2 once again on the other side, removing the pins.