How to Alter a Polo That’s Too Big
If you’ve ever found yourself with a polo shirt that’s a bit too large, you’re not alone. Whether it’s a gift from a friend or a sale find that didn’t quite fit your expectations, altering a polo shirt can be a simple and cost-effective solution. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of how to alter a polo that’s too big, ensuring it fits comfortably and looks stylish.
First and foremost, you’ll need to gather the necessary materials. This includes your too-large polo shirt, a pair of fabric scissors, a measuring tape, pins, and a sewing machine or needle and thread. It’s also a good idea to have a pattern or a well-fitting polo shirt to use as a reference for your alterations.
Step 1: Measure and Mark
Start by taking precise measurements of the areas where you want to make adjustments. Commonly, the shoulders, sleeves, and length are areas that are altered. Use the measuring tape to determine the width and length of these areas, and mark them on the polo shirt with a pen or fabric chalk.
Step 2: Cut the Fabric
Once you have your measurements and marks, it’s time to cut the fabric. Be sure to cut carefully, leaving a small margin of extra fabric for seam allowances. For the shoulders, you may need to cut along the shoulder seam, and for the sleeves, you’ll cut along the sleeve seam. If you’re adjusting the length, you’ll cut along the bottom hem.
Step 3: Trim and Neaten the Edges
After cutting, trim any excess fabric and neaten the edges. This step is important to prevent fraying and to ensure a clean, professional look. You can use a serger or a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine to finish the edges neatly.
Step 4: Sew the New Seams
Now it’s time to sew the new seams. If you’re using a sewing machine, set it to a straight stitch and carefully sew along the new seam lines. If you’re hand-sewing, use a needle and thread to create a strong, even stitch. Be sure to reinforce the seams at the stress points, such as the shoulders and bottom hem.
Step 5: Hem the Bottom (If Necessary)
If you’ve shortened the polo shirt, you’ll need to hem the bottom. Fold the hem up by about 1/4 inch, then fold it again by another 1/4 inch to create a clean finish. Pin the hem in place and sew it down using a straight stitch or a blind hem stitch for a more discreet look.
Step 6: Try on the Polo
Finally, try on the altered polo shirt to ensure it fits well. Make any necessary adjustments to the seams or hems, and enjoy your perfectly fitted polo.
By following these simple steps, you can easily alter a polo that’s too big to fit comfortably. Not only will you have a shirt that fits better, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of creating a custom piece of clothing. So don’t let a too-large polo go to waste—get creative and transform it into something that works for you!
