How to Shorten a Sweater (without a Serger!)

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!