My shoulders and bust remain solid. I buy tops to fit (those, the largest part of me).
I have mentioned I am very careful not to wear things that hang straight down from my breasts. That very much feels like maternity clothes to me.
So I have taken in the lower half of many of my knit tops since 2009.
Here is a series of pictures showing exactly how I take in these tops.
Again, as always, experiment on things you do not care about first, or even tops from Good Will that will not cause sadness if they end up in the rag bag. When in doubt, BASTE, either by hand, with pins, on huge stitch length on machine. Working with tops inside out, basting, trying on, helps.
Stretchy knit tops require something other than a regular straight stitch. Can straight stitch and then put a zigzag right next to it, in seam allowance side of the straight stitch line. Can use a serger (ask around if you do not have one, a friend might). A serger is set up to CUT the shirt as you sew, so experiment on rags if this is new to you. Or there are special stitches on some machines that mimic a serger or do a forward, backward straight stitch. Experiment on rags to be sure tension is right for your fabric.
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| I measure over 1" from the side seam at the bottom edge of the top and then draw a line straight up to the under arm seam (red line). |
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| I sew a straight seam ON the line. I serge next to the straight seam. The serger cuts the excess fabric as it sews. |
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| Ditto red line. |
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| Ditto seam line. |
Yes, it is a subtle bit of alteration, but it makes all the difference in the world on how I feel in these tops. There is more information in the Knit Top Alteration link below.
BONUS -
Long darts in two jackets and two blouses (6/30/2013)
