Sewing... side slits in t shirts?! HELP!

tanyalbeck

Hi All,
I don't post very often but I need some help! I have (sadly) put on weight and some of my Tshirts/ shirts/ tunics now fit too snugly across the tummy, bottom, and hips. some of my tops have a slit/ cut in the sides (of hips/ bottom of t shirt) which REALLY helps!! How do I add these in to my tops where the hem is closed all the way around?

I was given a sewing machine a few months ago but am very new to this and would appreciate any help at all.
Thanks so much!!
Tanya

ScarlettOHara_2

you could open the seams with a stitch ripper and then finish off each opened side. Maybe try it on a top you arent bothered about though to see if it works! It might be a bit complicated for a complete beginner on their own though.

gibson123

It's fairly easy, unpick the seams at the sides to the desired length and then press in the seam edges with an iron, then sew the new seams with the machine. Make sure you out a row of stitches at the top of the newly opened seam so that the slit doesn't go any higher. You can also insert panels.

Seakay

as Gibson123 said, but unpick that section of the hem first so that you can undo the seam without cutting fabric, redo the hem on front and back seperately and then sew the seam edges down.

tanyalbeck

Thank you!!! will give it a go...

kitschkitty

The only issue is that you won't have a seam allowance to use to help the slits stay and hang flat and so that you won't see your stitching.