Short roomy sweaters are a huge trend this fall.
Luckily for us thrifty fashionistas, this is an incredibly easy trend to refashion! Today you’re going to learn how to shorten a sweater!
When I found this men’s XL sweater on the $1 clearance rack at the thrift store, I fell in love with its potential!
You’re looking at a soft & lovely (but too long) merino wool sweater.
I love merino wool! Unlike normal wool, it’s suuuuper soft. It’s also durable, washable, breathable, and doesn’t wrinkle easily (perfect for travel). A good merino sweater will last a long time and is a great wardrobe investment.
I was unfamiliar with the Turnbury brand, so I looked it up. You guys…these sweaters sell for around $80! What a steal!
But how do you shorten a sweater without a serger?
That’s right friends! A humble sewing machine is all you need to shorten a sweater. No expensive additional machine required!
You’re probably thinking, “There’s no way that’ll work!”
But you’re wrong! Read on!
Step 1: Mark where you want your sweater to end.
Keep in mind you’re going to be removing that bottom band and adding it to the new bottom of your sweater.
Step 2: Make two cuts!
First, I made a dotted line with tailors chalk.
Then I made my cuts!
You’ll want to leave a little sweater fabric attached to the waistband as that’s what you’re going to sew the rest of the sweater to.
Step 3: Pin the bottom and top together.
Make sure the right sides are facing each other when you do this, and that you align the side seams.
I like to do this type of pinning on my ironing board, as it makes it easier to handle the fabric.
Step 4: Sew the two pieces together.
You’ll only need a straight stitch for this part. And don’t worry! We’ll tackle that raw edge next!
Try to sew as close to the bottom band as possible.
Step 5: If necessary, trim the fabric between the top and bottom a little more.
You’ll want to make sure these are exactly even for the next step.
Step 6: Overlock (or Zigzag) that raw edge!
A lot of sewing machines come with an overlocking stitch.
If yours does, make sure to swap out your sewing machine foot to the overlocking foot.
Make sure to consult your manual on how this stitch works for your machine, then stitch along the edge. It takes a lot longer than a serger would, but it gets the job done.
This is what that edge will look like when you’re done:
If your machine doesn’t have an overlock stitch, just use a zigzag stitch along the edge.
It won’t be quite as effective as an overlocking stitch, but it’ll suffice.
Step 7: Press it all down!
For your final trick, you’ll want to press your new seam down.
That’s it! Now you have a perfect fall sweater in a length that’s on-trend!
I styled my sweater with distressed jeans, some casual open-toed TOMS, a ’90s mask necklace, and green chandelier earrings.
Meet my new Wigsona, Tracy!
She works in HR (she likes the job security), has two kids (who are very active in theatre), and makes the BEST chocolate chip cookies for their bake sales.
Tracy enjoyed an afternoon at Hazelwood Brewing Company with friends. They have a great socially distant setup with spaced out outdoor tables and masks worn everywhere except when you’re at your table.
I really think this sweater is much improved and I can’t wait to shorten a few more I have laying around!
Pssst…Here’s how to shorten a sweater that doesn’t have a ribbed band like the one featured here. Shorten them all! Muahahaha!
Cheers!
How To Shorten a Sweater (without a Serger!)
Learn how to shorten a too-long sweater! Short roomy sweaters are a huge trend this fall. Luckily this is an incredibly easy trend to refashion from thrift store sweaters. Learn this simple alteration technique with the Refashionis
Materials
- 1 Roomy sweater
- Thread matching sweater color
Tools
- Sewing Machine
- Sewing Shears
- Stick Pins
Instructions
- Mark where you want your sweater to end. Keep in mind you’re going to be removing that bottom band and adding it to the new bottom of your sweater.
- Make two cuts across the bottom of your sweater. You’ll want to leave a little sweater fabric attached to the waistband as that’s what you’re going to sew the rest of the sweater to.
- Pin the bottom and top together. Make sure the right sides are facing each other when you do this, and that you align the side seams. I like to do this type of pinning on my ironing board, as it makes it easier to handle the fabric.
- Sew the two pieces together. You’ll only need a straight stitch for this part.
- Trim the fabric between the top and bottom a little more so they match up.
- Overlock (or Zigzag) that raw edge. If your sewing machine has an overlock stitch, make sure to consult your manual as you'll need to swap out your sewing machine foot. If you don't have an overlock stitch on your sewing machine, a Zigzag stitch along the edge will suffice.
- Press your new seam down with an iron.
I loved all the wig personnas she wore… definitely a lady who’s likes we will never see again. I do hope she is refashioning clothes in Heaven and still has her amazing smile and positive attitude!
You said it – I completely agree with you, Pam. She IS a wonderfully necessary young woman and I’m mad, too! Jillian should be here and nothing is as bright without her.
I can’t believe how much I miss her and I know I’m not the only one. Without the internet I would have missed out on knowing her entirely. It is amazing how much you can mourn someone you never actually met.
CiM
Such a horribly unnecessary loss of a wonderfully necessary young woman. I’m mad, too. I miss her. She was, and still is through her posts, an inspiration. My thoughts are with her friends and family.
SAD!!!! And pissed off! What a loss to all her friends and family and fans and ME! Julian, such a lovely spirit of clever ideas and fun fun fun! I can not imagine what her close friends are going through.
ohh, I love that colour! And merino wool no less? What a find! Unfortunately I’m like a human giraffe, so shortening clothes isn’t something I ever have to do, but I will hunt for a sweater in a similar colour, and just… hibernate in it…
Been loving your ideas for a long time now, and now my HUSBAND has been enjoying your pics & comments about your different personas! He said that if you ever want to try MD Anderson, you and Mr. R should stay with us (just outside of Houston.)
Peace,
Ellen B
Tracy is super cute, as are you Jillian! You never cease to amaze me with you sewing skills! You are my inspiration!! God bless you!, sweet girl! ❤️
Love this! I’m going to try to shorten some sleeves using your tips. Thanks so much!
And Tracy is super cute too. Looks like she might be a go to style that you will wear often.
Tracy looks adorable in her new sweater. It looks expensive and the color is lovely. I will now devote attention to the clearance rack of men’s sweaters when I’m in my favorite haunts – TJ Maxx and Marshalls.
Cute! Love the green and the shorter length is perfect for you. Such a cozy looking top too! I love all of your wigsonas
Well, aren’t YOU a little genius?! Great technique!
Love the wigsona! What a great way to have some fun when all may not seem like it’s very much fun. I like the sweater hemming idea. It reminds me of hemming blue jeans without the stretch. I need to take a look at some of my stuff and see what I can refashion!
as always, very helpful tute! but did you post something similar a few years ago?? some blogger [i thought it was you] shortened sweaters much like this, but using a very narrow zigzag stitch right along the ribbing edge, w/o overlocking. being 5’2″, i’ve done this several times–works like a charm.
also, *love* the brown hair on you! with or without highlights, that color really works.
i’m glad to see you out having fun too!
The new length is so much more flattering on you! I have to try this trick. Thanks for sharing the steps and convincing me that it works.
The color on this one is perfect for you (Tracy), and thrilled to see how I can make this happen with my old school machine. Rock on, lovely one!
Being of the petite persuasion myself, I love this refashion! And Tracy too – you seem to have a face that suits a lotta hairstyles, they all suit you do much. Take care xx
You look amazing! Cute hair. I love all your refashions. Sending love and prayers to you.
So creative!! I love the new wig – looking great.
Brilliant! I don’t have a serger either and get so disappointed when I get excited about a project only to find out I can’t pull it off with what I have. Thank you for sharing your creative thrift with us!
Another great refashion. You will have better results with the hem on a sewing machine if you use a slight zigzag.
Nancy Zieman called it a wobble stitch. The the zigzag has a slight stretch so the stitches on the knit are less likely to pop.
Love your Tracy wig! And your refashion. I too love merino wool for its softness. You wear this green shade well . Wishing you well going
forward.
Great idea. Now I am going to look for that yummy cashmere sweater that is down to my knees so I can chop it off and wear with jeans! Like you!! Thanks for what you do.
You are bringing so much into the homes of many women.So keep on keeping on!
Take care of yourself and know that many care!
Nancy from Asheville
You are so cute, as Tracy and all of the others. 😉 I wish you well, and hope that you are feeling better these days.
Another fabulous refashion…. ‘Tracy’ looks great as do you!
I do all my sweater sleeves this way! I’m 4’10” so most sleeves are too long. I never considered doing the length until now!
Great refashion, nice looking wig.
Great tip ! Love your wig persona’s too -please keep posting on them ( and you look amazing)
I have always been afraid to risk cutting a sweater, so good to know it’s doable! Love to you, Tracy and the girls 🙂
You’re cute as a button in your wigs. I know not all buttons are cute but you are! Thanks for the great stuff!
Thanks for the tutorial! Question: where do you get your wigs?
Thanks for the compliment! 🙂 I usually get them from Wigs.com or Wigoutlet.com!
What a great post! In my very small sewing room (just thankful I have one!) there is no room for a serger — or much else. Having the ironing board up makes for a rather challenging obstacle course! I’m long-waisted but with legs that fit into petites so if I wear tops that are too long….let’s just call it disastrous LOL. I’ll be using your very clear instructions to shorten purchased sweaters/knit tops in the future — with my heavy duty Singer sewing machine. Thanks much! And I love Tracy and all your alter egos. And, much love and prayers continue <3
Great idea! I am going thrifting this weekend to find a sweater I can do that to. Love the Tracy story lol… You made my day, thanks!
Keep strong your an inspiration!
Wow! You look absolutely adorable in each of your wigsonas! Praying you’re feeling well, you look great!
Really cute job on that sweater! The color is great on you, too. This is off topic but… I think if you got some heavy duty fake eyelashes, styled one of your wigs with bangs and a flip and dressed in a 60’s outfit, you could pull off being Ann Marie (That Girl) for a costume. You’re just that cute! Hope you’re feeling well today. Hang in there, Sweetie!
Thank you! It’s so wild that you say that, because I’ve DONE that as a costume when I was in High School! I love that show! My friends used to come over to shop my closet (heck…they still do) for their Halloween costumes too. 🙂
What a great refashion! Being 5’2” most sweaters are too long, and I really like cropped tops anyway. I can’t wait to try this! Love Tracy and all of your other wigs and their different personalities.
Great “new” sweater, and thanks for the fashion tip, “Tracy”! Hey, ever thought of writing novels? I bet you would be good at it!
This Tracey loves Tracy! Woman, you crack me up, and it feels soo good! Ha! Clever and interesting how you’ve turned the instructions into a recipe at the end of your blog in recent posts. Keep being amazing and innovative!
Love the wig. Had NO idea this could be done without it unraveling.
I follow your blog although I don’t have your talents. I love seeing what you do with 2nd hand clothing! But I have to admit – I love TRACY! Your sparkling personality shines with this wigsona!
So cute! And looks fantastic on you. I couldn’t wear that length. I need length to cover my sins, but on you, it’s adorable.
And Tracy is so sweet!
Where do you score all these awesome wiggy-tresses?
Thank you! 🙂 Most of my wigs are from Wigs.com and their outlet site, Wigoutlet.com! Wigs are pricey, buuuut I’ve scored most of them by buying during sales or discontinued colors at a discount. 🙂
I never would of thought of shortening … well duh 🙂
Love hearing about different personalities of your wigs— you’re inspiring. Thank you