How to Alter Kimono Sleeve Blouse for a Narrow Chest
Embarking on a fashion journey is an exciting endeavor, and one of the most rewarding aspects is customizing clothing to fit your unique body shape. If you have a narrow chest and are looking to alter a kimono sleeve blouse to perfection, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will guide you through the process of altering a kimono sleeve blouse to fit a narrow chest, ensuring a comfortable and stylish fit.
First and foremost, gather all the necessary materials and tools for the alteration. You will need a pair of fabric scissors, pins, a measuring tape, a seam ripper, and a sewing machine. Additionally, have a piece of paper and a pen handy to sketch any adjustments you may need to make.
1. Measure Your Chest and Blouse
Before making any alterations, it’s essential to measure your chest and compare it to the blouse’s chest measurement. To measure your chest, wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, just under your arms. For the blouse, measure from the center back seam to the side seam, then add the width of the front and back pieces.
2. Decide on the Alteration
If the blouse is too tight across the chest, you may need to take in the sides. If it’s too loose, you may need to let out the sides or add darts. In this article, we will focus on taking in the sides to fit a narrow chest.
3. Mark the Alteration Points
Using the measuring tape, mark the alteration points on the blouse. For taking in the sides, you will need to mark the new side seam lines on both the front and back pieces of the blouse. The new side seam lines should be approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch closer to the center back seam than the original side seam lines.
4. Remove the Seam Allowance
Using the seam ripper, carefully remove the seam allowance from the original side seams. Be sure to leave the side seam stitching intact, as you will need it to re-sew the blouse.
5. Pin the New Side Seam Lines
Pin the new side seam lines in place, ensuring that the blouse’s front and back pieces are aligned. If you are adding darts, mark the dart points and pin the dart in place as well.
6. Sew the New Side Seam Lines
Using the sewing machine, sew the new side seam lines, starting from the bottom hem and working your way up to the collar. If you are adding darts, sew the dart points and then sew the dart to the side seam.
7. Press the Seam Open
Once the new side seam lines are sewn, press the seams open to create a smooth finish.
8. Finish the Hems and Collar
Finally, finish the hems and collar as per the original blouse pattern or your personal preference.
Congratulations! You have successfully altered a kimono sleeve blouse to fit a narrow chest. With these simple steps, you can now enjoy a comfortable and stylish fit that complements your unique body shape. Happy sewing!
