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.
Upstyle Recommends!
Tools and materials:
- Small t-shirt
- Ruler/tape measure
- Scissors
- Fabric/2nd old T-shirt
- Sewing machine
- Pins
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.
Lay your t-shirt flat and cut open the side seams.
Cut off the hem.
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.
Then stitch them together.
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.
3. Second panel
Repeat this process on the other side with the other panel.
4. Hem options
You can leave the bottom hem undone so that it curls, or you can hem the bottom.
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.
Pin it together and sew around.
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.
Enjoyed the project?
The author may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.
Comments
Join the conversation
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.
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😀
I swear I’m going to start a gofundme for these girls that don’t have the money to go to a thrift store and buy clothes that fit. These hacks are crazy. Either get new clothes that fit, control your eating so you quit getting bigger and bigger or diet so you can rid of the fat you already have.