5 Simple Ways to Make Clothes Bigger

When our favorite garments no longer fit, we often face the dilemma of discarding them or finding ways to make them bigger. Fortunately, there are various techniques you can employ to extend the life of your cherished clothes. Whether you’ve gained a few pounds or simply want a more relaxed fit, this article will guide you through the art of enlarging clothing without compromising its style or integrity. From simple alterations to creative DIY solutions, we’ll explore a range of options that cater to different fabrics, garment types, and your personal preferences.

One of the most straightforward methods involves using a seam ripper to carefully undo the seams of your clothing. This allows you to add extra fabric or insert panels to increase the width or length. For example, if your pants are too tight in the waist, you can simply unstitch the side seams and sew in a strip of matching fabric. By carefully matching the fabric color and pattern, you can achieve a seamless and professional-looking result.

For garments made of stretchy fabrics, such as knitwear or spandex, you can explore the possibilities of stretching. This technique often works well for slightly too-small items that have retained their elasticity. Lay the garment flat and gently stretch it in all directions, taking care not to overstretch and damage the fabric. Secure the stretched garment with pins or weights and allow it to dry completely before trying it on again. If necessary, repeat the stretching process until you achieve the desired fit. However, it’s important to note that not all fabrics respond well to stretching, so test a small area first to ensure the integrity of the material.

Stretching the Fabric

Materials You’ll Need:

Item
Stretchable fabric
Water
Towels or a drying rack

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Soak the garment in lukewarm water: Submerge the garment in a large tub or sink filled with lukewarm water. Allow it to soak for 20-30 minutes, agitating it gently every few minutes. This process helps to relax the fabric fibers and make them more pliable.
Wring out excess water: Once the garment is soaked, wring out any excess water as gently as possible. Avoid twisting or wringing the garment too tightly, as this can damage the fabric.
Gently stretch the fabric: While the garment is still wet, lay it flat on a clean towel or drying rack. Using your hands, gently pull and stretch the fabric in all directions. Be careful not to overstretch the fabric, as this can cause it to lose its shape.
Allow the garment to dry completely: After stretching the fabric, allow the garment to dry completely. You can either air dry it or place it in a dryer on a low heat setting. Avoid using high heat, as this can shrink the fabric.
Try on the garment: Once the garment is dry, try it on to see if it fits better. If necessary, repeat steps 1-4 until the desired size is achieved.

Adding Gussets

Gussets are triangular or diamond-shaped pieces of fabric sewn into a garment to add width or ease. They are commonly used in areas where there is limited fabric or where the garment needs to be able to move freely, such as under the arms or at the elbows.

To add gussets to your garment:

Determine where you want to add the gusset and how much width you need to add.
Cut a triangular or diamond-shaped piece of fabric that is slightly larger than the area you want to add the gusset.
Fold the edges of the gusset under by 1/4 inch and press.
Pin the gusset to the garment, right sides together, and stitch around the edges of the gusset, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Trim the excess fabric from the gusset and press the edges.

Here is a table summarizing the steps for adding gussets:

Step	Description
1	Determine where you want to add the gusset and how much width you need to add.
2	Cut a triangular or diamond-shaped piece of fabric that is slightly larger than the area you want to add the gusset.
3	Fold the edges of the gusset under by 1/4 inch and press.
4	Pin the gusset to the garment, right sides together, and stitch around the edges of the gusset, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
5	Trim the excess fabric from the gusset and press the edges.

Inserting a Panel

Adding a panel to expand the width of a garment is a relatively simple alteration that can be done by hand or machine. This technique is particularly effective for increasing the size of skirts, pants, and dresses. To insert a panel, follow these steps:

Step 1: Determine the Amount of Extra Width Needed

Measure the garment to determine the amount of extra width you need. This will vary depending on the desired fit and the size of the panel you are using. Mark the desired seam lines on the garment with chalk or fabric pencil.

Step 2: Cut and Prepare the Panel

Cut a rectangular panel of fabric to the desired size. The length of the panel should match the length of the garment where you want to insert it, and the width should be the amount of extra width you need. Be sure to add a seam allowance to all sides of the panel.

Step 3: Open the Seam and Insert the Panel

Open the seam along the marked lines on the garment where you want to insert the panel. Pin the panel to the garment, matching the raw edges of the panel with the raw edges of the garment opening. Stitch the panel in place, using a seam allowance that matches the seam allowance used to construct the garment.

Step 4: Finish the Seam

Finish the seam by serging, zig-zag stitching, or using bias tape to prevent fraying. Press the seam open to create a smooth and professional finish.

Method	Pros	Cons
Hand sewing	More precise control over the fit	Can be time-consuming
Machine sewing	Faster and more efficient	May require more precision

Adding Lace or Trim

Adding lace or trim is a simple and effective way to make clothing bigger. This technique can be used to add length to a dress, skirt, or blouse, or to widen the neckline or sleeves. Lace and trim are available in a variety of styles and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your garment.

To add lace or trim, you will need the following materials:

Lace or trim
Matching thread and needle.
Fabric glue (optional).
Measuring tape or ruler.
Scissors.

Here are some tips for adding lace or trim to your clothing:

Choose a lace or trim that is the appropriate width and style for your garment.

Measure the area where you want to add the lace or trim. Cut the lace or trim to the desired length.

Pin the lace or trim to the garment. Make sure that the lace or trim is evenly distributed and that it is attached securely.

Sew the lace or trim to the garment using a matching thread and needle. You can also use fabric glue to hold the lace or trim in place.

Press the lace or trim flat with a warm iron.

Enjoy your new, bigger garment!

Reconfiguring the Garment’s Shape

Taking in the Epaulettes

This might be needed to enlarge the chest or shoulder width. To do this:

Remove the epaulettes, and measure the extra room needed in the seam where they were attached.
Cut away the excess fabric, reattach the epaulettes, and then stitch up the hole left by the removal.

Removing the Ribbing

In the case of sweaters or shirts, removing the ribbing from the hem or cuffs can provide a few extra inches of length. To do this:

Using a seam ripper, undo the stitches holding the ribbing to the garment.
Cut off the ribbing and sew the hem or cuffs back into place.

Slashing and Restitching

This technique is appropriate for delicate fabrics that cannot withstand stretching.

Mark the area to be enlarged with tailor’s chalk.
Make a series of parallel cuts along the marked area, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart.
Restitch the fabric, aligning the edges of the cuts.
This will create a new, larger area of fabric.

Inserting Gussets

Gussets are triangular or diamond-shaped pieces of fabric that can be added to a garment to expand its width or length.

Measure the extra space needed.
Cut two gussets from a matching fabric.
Pin the gussets into place, one on either side of the area to be enlarged.
Stitch the gussets into place.

Adding Zippers or Buttons

Inserting a zipper or adding additional buttons can create extra space in garments, such as pants or skirts.

Mark the area where the zipper or buttons are to be added.
Sew the zipper or buttons into place.

Method	Suitable for	Difficulty
Taking in Epaulettes	Enlarging chest or shoulder width	Moderate
Removing Ribbing	Enlarging length	Easy
Slashing and Restitching	Enlarging delicate fabrics	Difficult
Inserting Gussets	Enlarging width or length	Moderate
Adding Zippers or Buttons	Enlarging pants or skirts	Moderate

How to Make Clothes Bigger

If you have a favorite piece of clothing that has become too small, there are a few things you can do to make it bigger. Depending on the fabric of the clothing and the amount of stretch you need, you can try one of the following methods:

Stretching: If the fabric is stretchy, you can try stretching it out by hand. First, wet the fabric with water, and then gently pull it in the direction you want to stretch it. Be careful not to overstretch the fabric, or it could tear.
Cutting and sewing: If the fabric is not stretchy, you can cut it and sew in a piece of fabric to make it bigger. This is a more permanent solution than stretching, but it can be more difficult to do if you don’t have sewing experience.
Adding a gusset: A gusset is a piece of fabric that is sewn into a garment to make it bigger. Gussets are often used in areas of a garment that need more room, such as the armpits or the waist.