Your favorite long shirt can become your favorite short shirt again with a few simple steps.
Transition: So, you’ve got a favorite long shirt that you just don’t wear anymore because it’s too long, what do you do? Throw it out? Donate it?
Not so fast! What if I told you that you can easily make that long shirt short again in just a few minutes with a few simple steps:
First, lay the shirt out on a flat surface. Then fold the bottom hem up to the desired length. Next, create pleats on the sides of the shirt as needed then pin the hem in place. Lastly, sew the hem in place using a sewing machine or by hand.
And that’s it! You’ve now got a stylish new short shirt that you can wear again and again.
Transition: The best part about this project is that it’s totally customizable. You can make the shirt as short or as long as you want, and you can add any kind of embellishments you like.
Determining the Desired Length
Ascertaining the ideal length for your shortened shirt is crucial for achieving the desired aesthetic. Consider the following factors when making this decision:
Body Type:
| Body Type | Suitable Lengths |
|---|---|
| Petite | Mid-thigh to above the knees |
| Average | Below the waist to just above the knees |
| Tall | Can accommodate longer lengths, such as mid-thigh or even knee-length |
Purpose and Occasion:
The intended use of the shortened shirt plays a role in determining its length. For casual wear, shorter lengths (e.g., mid-thigh to above the knees) might be more appropriate, while for dressier occasions, longer lengths (e.g., below the waist to knee-length) may be more suitable.
Personal Preference:
Ultimately, the desired length is a matter of personal taste. Choose a length that you feel comfortable and confident in. Consider how the shortened shirt will fit with your other clothing, such as pants or skirts.
Tip: Measure a similar shirt that fits you well to get a good idea of the appropriate length for your shortened shirt.
Hemming Methods: Machine or Hand
Machine Hemming
Machine hemming is a quick and easy way to shorten a shirt. It is also the most durable method. To machine hem a shirt, you will need a sewing machine, thread, and a hem gauge.
1. Fold the bottom edge of the shirt up by 1/2 inch and press.
2. Fold the bottom edge up again by 1/2 inch and press.
3. Stitch the hem in place using a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch.
Hand Hemming
Hand hemming is a more time-consuming method, but it can produce a more delicate finish. To hand hem a shirt, you will need a needle, thread, and a thimble.
1. Fold the bottom edge of the shirt up by 1/4 inch and press.
2. Fold the bottom edge up again by 1/4 inch and press.
3. Thread the needle and knot the end of the thread.
4. Insert the needle into the folded edge of the shirt, about 1/4 inch from the edge.
5. Bring the needle up through the opposite side of the folded edge, about 1/4 inch from the edge.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you have sewn the entire hem in place.
Different Types of Hand Hemming Stitches
| Stitch | Description |
|---|---|
| Slip stitch | A nearly invisible stitch that is perfect for hemming delicate fabrics. |
| Blind hem stitch | A stitch that is sewn by hand from the inside of the garment, resulting in a clean finish on the outside. |
| Rolled hem stitch | A decorative stitch that creates a rolled edge on the hem. |
Measuring and Marking the Fold
To ensure a clean and precise cut, it is crucial to measure and mark the fold accurately. Follow these detailed steps to achieve optimal results:
- Lay the Shirt Flat: Spread the shirt flat on a table or ironing board, smoothing out any wrinkles to ensure accuracy.
- Align the Sides: Bring the side seams of the shirt together and align them neatly. Press gently to create a straight line.
- Measure the Length: Determine the desired length of the shirt by measuring from the top of the shoulder seam to the point where you want the hem to fall.
- Mark the Fold: Use a tape measure or ruler to draw a clear line across the shirt at the length you have measured. This line will serve as the guide for the fold.
| Measuring Tool | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Tape Measure | Flexibility, easy to adjust the length on the go |
| Ruler | Accurate, suitable for precise measurements |
Creating the Hemline: Single or Double-Folded
Once you’ve determined the length you want your shirt to be, you can start creating the hemline. There are two main methods for doing this: single-folding and double-folding.
Single-Folding:
- Fold the bottom edge of the shirt up by about 1/2 inch.
- Fold it up again by another 1/2 inch, overlapping the first fold.
- Press the fold down with a hot iron and stitch it in place close to the edge.
Double-Folding:
- Fold the bottom edge of the shirt up by about 1 inch.
- Fold it up again by another 1 inch, overlapping the first fold.
- Fold it up a third time by 1/2 inch, overlapping the second fold.
- Press the fold down with a hot iron and stitch it in place close to the edge.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Single vs. Double Folding
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Folding | Faster and easier | Less durable |
| Double-Folding | More durable | Takes longer and is more difficult |
Ironing and Pressing the Hem
Once the new hem is sewn in place, it’s time to iron and press it. This will help to set the stitches and give the hem a finished look. Here’s how to do it:
1. Set your iron to the correct temperature for the fabric.
Most shirts are made from cotton or polyester, so you’ll want to set your iron to a medium heat setting. If you’re not sure what the correct temperature is, start on a low setting and gradually increase it until the fabric is smooth.
2. Place the shirt on the ironing board.
Make sure that the hem is flat against the board.
3. Cover the hem with a pressing cloth.
This will help to protect the fabric from the heat of the iron.
4. Press the hem.
Use your iron to press the hem in place. Apply gentle pressure and move the iron back and forth along the hem. Don’t press too hard, or you could damage the fabric.
5. Let the hem cool.
Once you’ve pressed the hem, let it cool completely before wearing the shirt. This will help to set the stitches and prevent the hem from coming undone.
Finishing Touches: Shaping and Stitching
9. Shaping the Shirt
To give your shortened shirt a more tailored look, you can shape the sides and hem by following these steps:
- Pin the Sides: Fold the shirt in half vertically, aligning the side seams. Pin from the armpit to the waist or desired length.
- Sew the Sides: Using a sewing machine, sew along the pinned lines. Start at the armpit and sew towards the waist, stopping at the desired length.
- Trim the Excess Fabric: Remove the pins and trim any excess fabric from the seam allowance.
- Iron the Sides: Press the sewn sides to set the stitches and create a clean finish.
- Fold and Hem: Fold the raw edge of the hem upwards by 1/4 inch, then fold it up again by 1/4 inch. Pin the hem in place.
- Sew the Hem: Using a sewing machine, sew along the pinned hemline. Start at one side seam and sew all the way around the hem, stopping at the other side seam.
- Trim the Excess Fabric: Remove the pins and trim any excess fabric from the hem allowance.
- Iron the Hem: Press the sewn hem to set the stitches and create a clean finish.
- Create a More Curved Hem: To create a slightly curved hem, trim the fabric at the corners of the hem on a diagonal.
Styling Your Shortened Shirt
Once you’ve shortened your shirt, it’s time to style it! Here are a few tips:
Tuck it in: A shortened shirt can be a great way to add a touch of polish to a casual outfit. Try tucking it into a pair of jeans or a skirt for a more tailored look.
Leave it untucked: For a more relaxed look, leave your shortened shirt untucked. This is a great option for pairing with leggings or sweatpants.
Layer it: A shortened shirt can also be layered under a sweater or jacket for added warmth. This is a great way to get more wear out of your favorite shirts during the colder months.
Accessorize it: Don’t forget to accessorize your shortened shirt! A belt, scarf, or necklace can add a touch of personality to your look.
10 Ways to Style a Short Shirt
| Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Tucked into high-waisted jeans or skirt | Creates a sleek and tailored look |
| Untucked with leggings or sweatpants | Casual and comfortable, perfect for everyday wear |
| Layered under a sweater or jacket | Adds warmth and style, especially during colder months |
| With a belt | Cinches the waist and creates a more defined silhouette |
| With a scarf | Adds a touch of warmth and coziness, perfect for fall or winter |
| With a necklace | Adds a touch of glamour and sophistication |
| Cropped with ripped jeans | Edgy and stylish, perfect for a night out |
| Paired with a midi skirt | Elegant and feminine, perfect for a special occasion |
| Layered with a sheer top | Creates a delicate and ethereal look |
| With a blazer | Adds structure and sophistication, perfect for work or formal events |
How To Make A Long Shirt Short
If you have a long shirt that you want to shorten, there are a few simple steps you can follow. First, you’ll need to decide how much you want to shorten the shirt. Once you know how much you want to shorten it, you can start cutting. Start by cutting off the excess fabric from the bottom of the shirt. Then, you can fold the shirt in half and cut off the excess fabric from the sides. Finally, hem the edges of the shirt to finish it off.
Here are the steps in more detail:
- Decide how much you want to shorten the shirt.
- Cut off the excess fabric from the bottom of the shirt.
- Fold the shirt in half and cut off the excess fabric from the sides.
- Hem the edges of the shirt to finish it off.
People Also Ask
How do I cut a long sleeve shirt into a short sleeve shirt?
To cut a long sleeve shirt into a short sleeve shirt, you will need to:
- Lay the shirt flat on a table or other flat surface.
- Fold the shirt in half lengthwise, matching up the side seams.
- Measure the desired length of the short sleeves from the shoulder seam down.
- Mark the desired length on both sides of the shirt, using a ruler or measuring tape.
- Cut off the excess fabric from the sleeves, following the marks you made in step 4.
- Hem the edges of the sleeves to finish them off.
How do I hem a shirt?
To hem a shirt, you will need:
- A needle and thread
- A pair of scissors
- A measuring tape or ruler
Instructions:
- Fold up the bottom edge of the shirt by about 1 inch.
- Press the fold with an iron.
- Fold up the bottom edge of the shirt by another 1 inch, enclosing the raw edge of the fabric.
- Press the fold with an iron.
- Stitch the hem in place using a needle and thread.
