Have you ever looked into your closet and thought of how your favorite clothes don't quite fit perfectly? They may be too long or gaping around the bust area. Sure, you can take them to the tailor, but that could be an expensive endeavor that may not give you the results you're looking for. It's important to note that tailoring your own clothes is more manageable than it may seem. In fact, it has become a trending activity over the years and has proven to be an essential skill. 

In this blog post, we'll share 6 useful tips on how to tailor your clothes and create a wardrobe that fits you just right.

1. Know your measurements. 

To do this, however, you need to know your measurements. Keeping a list of your measurements (neck, bust, arms, waist, hips, and inseam) on hand when you shop will make tailoring much easier. When shopping online, look for the sizing chart on the item page. When shopping in person, bring a measuring tape or pay attention to how a garment fits in the dressing room.

Knowing your measurements is also helpful when shopping for clothes, as it can help you choose the right size. You'll be able to compare your measurements to the sizing chart provided by the retailer and make a more informed decision about which size to order.

Tailoring your own clothes can be a fun and rewarding experience. You'll be able to take an item that doesn't quite fit and turn it into something that fits you like a glove. And when you know your measurements, you'll know the precise areas you need to address when tailoring. This means you can focus on making the necessary alterations to get the perfect fit.

2. Buy clothes that fit your widest measurement

When you buy clothes that fit your widest measurement, you ensure that your clothes fit in the areas where you need them most. For example, if your hips are your widest part, buying jeans that fit your hips will prevent the dreaded muffin top effect and ensure that your jeans fit comfortably around your waist and hips.

But what about areas that are too loose? This is where your sewing machine comes in. By buying clothes that fit your widest measurement, you leave room to take in other too loose areas. For example, if you buy a shirt that fits your bust but is too loose around your waist, you can easily take in the sides of the shirt to achieve a more tailored fit.

By tailoring your own clothes, you're ensuring a better fit and saving money on alterations. Alterations can be expensive, especially if you have multiple pieces of clothing that need to be taken in or let out. By taking matters into your own hands, you can customize your wardrobe to fit your body perfectly without breaking the bank.

Buying clothes that fit your widest measurement and tailoring them to fit the rest of your body is a great way to ensure a better fit, save money, and express your personal style. Buy a good quality shirt for tall men (click on skjorta för långa män).

3. Experiment with old clothes first. 

Before diving in and altering your favorite garments, practicing your skills and experimenting with different techniques is important.

Practice is an essential part of becoming a skilled tailor. With experience, you'll become more comfortable using your sewing machine to alter garments to your preference. This will allow you to create a custom fit that flatters your body and enhances your personal style.

One important tip for tailoring your clothes is to try techniques on an old shirt or distressed pair of pants. By practicing on less valuable items, you can make mistakes without worrying about ruining a favorite article of clothing.

Another option is to pick up a garment at a local thrift store to experiment with. This can be a great way to build your skills and find unique pieces to add to your wardrobe. However, avoid practicing alterations on a new or expensive article of clothing until you feel confident in your abilities.

4. Test before you cut. 

Another crucial step when tailoring your clothes is testing before you cut. This means taking the time to measure and preview the fit of your garment before making any permanent changes. 

There are a few different ways to preview your alterations before cutting. One method is to sketch your stitches onto the garment in tailor’s chalk and pin the garment where you will sew. This will give you a good idea of how the finished product will look and allow you to adjust as needed.

Another method is to sew the new seam using a removable stitch, such as a basting stitch, that can be easily undone. This will allow you to see how the garment fits the alterations before committing to the change.

Once you've made your alterations, it's important to try the garment on again before cutting away any excess fabric. This will allow you to make any final adjustments and ensure the alterations are correct before making them permanent.

5. Use the right thread. 

it’s important to choose thread that matches the color of the fabric you’re working with. For instance, if you’re altering a black blouse, you should use black thread. This might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people use the mismatched thread and end up with unattractive and obvious stitching. Matching the thread to the fabric helps make your alteration more discrete and less noticeable.

Another benefit of using the right thread color is that you won’t need to worry as much about stitching a perfectly straight line. When you use thread that matches the fabric, small imperfections in your stitching will be less noticeable. This gives you a bit of leeway and makes it easier to sew more quickly and efficiently.

Of course, if you enjoy precision and attention to detail, you’ll still want to take your time and sew as straight as possible. But using the right thread can give you some breathing room and alleviate some of the pressure to sew perfectly.

In addition to matching the thread color to the fabric, choosing the right type of thread is also important. For most clothing alterations, you’ll want to use polyester thread, which is strong, durable, and flexible. The polyester thread also resists shrinking and stretching, which helps ensure that your alteration will hold up well over time.

6. Lock in your stitches. 

Locking in your stitches, also known as backstitching, is a technique to secure each seam's beginning and end. By sewing a few straight stitches forward and then reversing back over them, you create a knot in the thread, preventing it from unraveling over time. This simple step can make a big difference in the longevity of your sewing projects.

To backstitch, start by sewing a few straight stitches forward. Then, press the button on your machine to sew in reverse (or use the "lock stitch" button, if your machine has one). Double up on the first few stitches before releasing the reverse button and sewing forward again. This creates a knot in the thread, locking in your stitches and ensuring that they won't come undone.

Not only does backstitching ensure that your stitches will last, but it also adds a professional touch to your sewing projects. It's a simple step that can make a big difference in your garment's overall appearance and durability.

Final Words!

Learning how to tailor your clothes is a valuable skill that can save you time and money while ensuring that your favorite clothes fit you perfectly. With the 6 tips we've shared, you can confidently take on this task and customize your wardrobe to your liking. Whether shortening hemlines or taking in the waist, these tips will help you create a wardrobe that fits you just right. So, go ahead and try it - you might just discover a new hobby you enjoy!