Introduction
Do you have a shirt with straps that are too long? These instructions will teach you how to reduce the length of your shirt straps using a sewing machine. If at any time you feel confused by the terminology, please refer to iFixit's Sewing Glossary.
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Put on the shirt.
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Pull the strap up until you reach your new desired length. Be sure to take the same amount of fabric from the front and the back of the seam.
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Pin both straps to the desired length.
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Remove the shirt.
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Measure and take a note of the length. Make sure it is the same on both straps.
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Remove the pins and flip the shirt inside out.
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Re-pin both shirt straps. Make sure the pins follow the measurements you just took.
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Make sure you have a clear line to sew along.
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Check and make sure the base of the straps are lined up for a continuous edge on your shirt.
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Thread the sewing machine and set it to your desired stitch length.
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Align the pinned part of the shirt with the needle.
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Put down the presser foot.
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Sew along the line mapped out by your pins.
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Pull out the pins as you sew. Make sure not to sew over any of them.
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Make sure to backstitch at each end of the seam.
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Repeat this step for each strap.
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Put the shirt back on.
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Confirm the new length that you chose for the garment.
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If the straps are too still long or short, carefully rip out your new seam and return to Step 1.
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Cut excess fabric from the new seams, leaving ¼ inch to ½ inch.
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Iron the seam allowance left after your cut to the back of the shirt.
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Flip the shirt right side out.
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Make a straight stitch approximately 1/8 inch behind the new shoulder seam on the outside edge.
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Your shirt straps now should be secured at their new length.
