How to Make a Small T-shirt Bigger​

Hey guys! I’m going to show you how to make a small t-shirt bigger. Everyone’s got a favorite old t-shirt that’s too small, but too good to get rid of. Let’s rescue it from the bottom of the drawer.

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Tools and materials: 

  • Small t-shirt
  • Ruler/tape measure
  • Scissors
  • Fabric/2nd old T-shirt
  • Sewing machine
  • Pins
How to make a small t-shirt bigger​

1. Measure and cut

Measure how many inches you would like to open up, and then cut panels of fabric at half that size. You will need two panels at that width. The length of each panel should be equal to the length from the arm hole to the hem.

How to make a small t-shirt bigger​

Lay your t-shirt flat and cut open the side seams.

How to make a small t-shirt bigger​

Cut off the hem. 

How to make a small t-shirt bigger​

2. Sew in the first panel

Sew a hem on one end of each panel. Place one of the panels on one side of the shirt with the right side of the shirt facing up. Line up the edges. Line the hemmed edge with the armhole. Pin them together.

How to make a small t-shirt bigger​

Then stitch them together.

How to make a small t-shirt bigger​

Place the other side of the t-shirt along the other side of the panel with the right side facing down.

Pin and stitch it together.

How to make a small t-shirt bigger​

3. Second panel

Repeat this process on the other side with the other panel.

How to make a small t-shirt bigger​

4. Hem options

You can leave the bottom hem undone so that it curls, or you can hem the bottom. 

How to make a small t-shirt bigger​

I used the hem from an old shirt and sewed it to the bottom. 


To do this, just line up the seams of the waistband with the center of the side panel. 

How to make a small t-shirt bigger​

Pin it together and sew around.

How to make a small t-shirt bigger​
How to make a small t-shirt bigger​
How to make a small t-shirt bigger​
How to make a small t-shirt bigger​
How to make a small t-shirt bigger​
How to make a small t-shirt bigger​

How to make a small t-shirt bigger​

There’s no reason to get rid of T-shirts that are too small for you. This upsizing trick makes your T-shirt bigger and adds to the aesthetic. Give it a try and leave me a comment to let me know how it goes. 


Next, learn How to Make a Jacket Bigger​ Step by Step.

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Comments
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2 of 4 comments
  • Lorie Lorie on Mar 11, 2026

    I tried this before as it seemed like the ideal solution. The problem is (for me anyway) is the shoulders are still tight across., and with the new “side” panels it just makes it awkward to wear.

  • Kfi164508316 Kfi164508316 on Mar 12, 2026

    My method to make a small shirt larger is so much simpler. Throw the shirt in the sink, cover with warm water. Add a splash of fabric softener and leave it for 20-30 minutes. Then, squeeze the water out until it's no longer dripping. Put a thick towel over a chair back, and dress the chair in your shirt. By the time it dries I usually get at least an extra inch or three😀

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