Master the Art of Shortening a Knit Sweater: A Step-by-Step Guide

Picture this: You find the perfect knit sweater, but it’s just a little too long for your liking. You’re hesitant to buy it, knowing that you’ll have to bring it to a tailor and spend extra money. But what if we told you there’s a simple solution that doesn’t involve breaking the bank? In this article, we’ll teach you how to easily shorten a knit sweater without the help of a tailor. Get ready to cozy up in your new favorite sweater in no time!

Shortening a knit sweater may seem like a daunting task, but with the right techniques, it can be easily accomplished. Whether you have a beloved sweater that is too long or you’ve found the perfect secondhand knit at the thrift store but it’s too large, there are methods to shorten a knit sweater without compromising its quality and fit. In this guide, we will go over different ways to shorten a knit sweater, so you can confidently alter your garment with ease.

Determine the Length You Want

The first step in shortening a knit sweater is to determine the desired length. This will depend on your personal preference and the style of the sweater. It’s always best to try on the sweater and mark where you would like it to end. You can use clothespins or safety pins to mark the desired length, making sure they are evenly placed on both sides of the sweater.

Some things to consider when determining the length are where the waistline falls and if you want to maintain any design elements or patterns on the bottom hem. If there is a specific design element at the bottom of the sweater, such as a ribbed hem or color pattern, be sure to take note of where it falls on your body before marking for length.

Resizing with Sewing

One way to shorten a knit sweater is by sewing it. This method works best for sweaters made with thicker knits that won’t unravel easily. To start, turn your sweater inside out and lay it flat on a table or cutting mat.

If your desired length falls above any design elements such as ribbing or color patterns, carefully cut off excess fabric from the bottom using sharp fabric scissors. If you are using this method for thinner knits that may unravel easily, use pinking shears instead.

Next, fold up the bottom edge of your sweater at your desired length, making sure the new hem is even on both sides. Use pins to secure the folded edge in place, and then using a sewing machine, stitch along the folded edge to create a new hem. If you prefer a more seamless finish, you can also hand sew using a blind stitch.

After you have sewn the new hem, trim any excess fabric from the inside of the sweater, and then turn it right side out. Your sweater is now shortened to your desired length!

Shortening Without Sewing

If sewing isn’t your forte or you’re working with a delicate knit that may easily unravel, there are alternative methods for shortening a sweater without sewing.

One method is using fabric adhesive tape. With this method, turn your sweater inside out and lay it on a flat surface. Measure and mark your desired length as mentioned before.

Next, apply the fabric adhesive tape along the marked line according to the instructions on the packaging. Once it’s secured in place, fold up the bottom edge of your sweater to create a new hemline and press down firmly to secure it in place. This method provides a quick and easy way to shorten a sweater without needing any sewing skills.

Alternatives for Even Shorter Lengths

If you want an even shorter length than what can be done with traditional methods mentioned above, there are alternatives you can try.

For thinner knits that may unravel easily, using fabric glue or no-sew iron-on adhesive strips can work well if only taking off an inch or two. These methods work similarly to fabric adhesive tape but provide an even thinner finish without adding bulk or weight to your garment.

Another alternative is cutting off excess fabric while leaving enough material to create fringe at the bottom of your sweater. This works especially well for oversized sweaters where shortening may make them too fitted at the bottom.

Shortening a knit sweater may seem like a daunting task, but with the right methods, it can be easily accomplished without compromising the quality of your garment. By determining the desired length and using sewing or no-sew techniques, you can confidently alter your sweaters to fit your style and body type. Whether you prefer a professional finish or a more casual fringed look, there are options for shortening a knit sweater that will suit your needs. With these tips in mind, you can confidently take on any alteration project for your beloved knits.

Understanding Knit Sweaters

Knit sweaters are a staple wardrobe piece for the colder months, providing warmth and style. However, sometimes they can be too long or oversized. In these cases, it can be difficult to wear them without drowning in fabric or having an unflattering silhouette. That’s where learning how to shorten a knit sweater comes in handy.

Knit sweaters are made from interlocking loops of yarn, creating a stretchy and comfortable fabric. They come in various styles, including chunky, fine-knit, cable-knit, and more. While some sweaters may have a sewn hemline, others may have a raw edge that can be easily shortened with the right technique.

The Importance of Proper Measurement

Before diving into the actual process of shortening a knit sweater, it’s crucial to understand the importance of proper measurement. Taking accurate measurements is key to achieving the desired length and fit for your sweater.

To begin with, measure yourself or the person who will be wearing the sweater. When measuring the front length of a sweater, start from the base of the neck and measure straight down to where you want the new hemline to fall. For back length measurement, start from the base of the neck again but this time go all the way down to where you want your new hemline.

Supplies You’ll Need

To successfully shorten your knit sweater, you’ll need some basic supplies such as sharp scissors, sewing machine (or needle and thread), pins, ruler/ measuring tape and fabric chalk or pencil.

Sharp scissors are important for clean cuts without damaging the fabric. A sewing machine makes hemming quicker and easier but if you don’t have one at home you can always sew by hand using needle and thread. Pins help in holding multiple layers of fabric together while sewing and are essential for accuracy. And a ruler or measuring tape ensures precise measurements while fabric chalk or pencil helps to mark the fabric before cutting.

Choosing the Right Method

The method you choose for shortening your knit sweater will depend on its construction and the desired length. Some methods work best for sewn hems, while others are more suitable for raw edges. Here are two commonly used methods to shorten knit sweaters.

Method 1 – Traditional Hemming: This method is suitable for sweaters with a sewn hemline as it involves cutting off excess fabric and folding over the hem before sewing it in place.

To begin, measure a straight line using chalk or pencil where you want to cut the sweater. Then, using sharp scissors, cut along the marked line. Next, fold over half an inch of fabric towards the inside of the sweater and pin it in place. Sew along this fold using a zigzag stitch to secure the hemline.

Method 2 – Cutting and Fraying: This method is best for sweaters with a raw edge that doesn’t require sewing. It creates a frayed look at the new hemline that adds texture and interest to your sweater.

Firstly, measure a straight line along where you want to cut off the excess fabric. Then, cut along this marked line carefully using sharp scissors. After cutting, stretch out the new raw edge of your sweater to achieve a frayed look.

Tips For Success

• Measure twice before cutting once – always double-check measurements before making any cuts.

• Use high-quality sharp scissors specifically designed for cutting fabric. Dull scissors can damage or even rip knitted fabrics.

• Take note of any patterns or designs on your sweater that need to be aligned after shortening.

• When sewing, use a flexible stitch such as zigzag stitch that allows stretch in the knitted fabric.

• If using the second method, be sure to cut off only a small amount of fabric at a time to avoid cutting off too much and ending up with an extremely short sweater.

Final Considerations

Learning how to shorten a knit sweater is a useful skill that can save you from spending money on alterations or having to replace an ill-fitting sweater. However, keep in mind that not all sweaters can be easily shortened, especially if they have intricate designs or patterns. In these cases, it’s best to take your sweater to a professional tailor for alterations.

Now that you know the basics of shortening knit sweaters, you can confidently tackle any oversized or too-long sweater in your closet and make it fit perfectly. With proper measurement, the right supplies, and choosing the suitable method, you’ll be able to shorten your sweaters like a pro. Remember to always take your time and work carefully for the best results.

Q: What materials do I need to shorten a knit sweater?

A: To successfully shorten a knit sweater, you will need a pair of sharp fabric scissors, pins, measuring tape or ruler, sewing machine or needle and thread, and an iron.

Q: Can I shorten a sweater without altering its overall appearance?

A: Yes, it is possible to shorten a knit sweater while maintaining its original appearance. However, it is essential to follow the correct procedures carefully.

Q: How do I determine the right length to shorten my sweater?

A: The ideal length of your shortened sweater depends on your preferred style and body proportions. Generally, the bottom hemline should fall just at the hip bone or no longer than mid-thigh for a flattering look.

Q: Can I use fabric glue instead of sewing to shorten my sweater?

A: It is not recommended to use fabric glue for shortening a knit sweater as it may not provide enough strength and durability. Sewing or hemming is the best method for achieving proper results.

Q: Do I need to have sewing skills to shorten my knit sweater?

A: While basic sewing skills are helpful in shortening a knit sweater, it is not necessary. You can always seek assistance from a professional tailor if you’re not confident in your sewing abilities.

Q: How do I prevent fraying when shortening my sweater?

A: To prevent fraying when resizing your knit sweater, make sure to stitch around the edges or apply fabric glue before cutting. It is also essential to handle the material with care and avoid stretching it during the alteration process.

In conclusion, shortening a knit sweater can seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach and techniques, it can be easily accomplished. The first step is to properly measure and mark the desired length of the sweater, taking into consideration the stretch of the knit fabric. Next, using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter, carefully cut along the marked line to shorten the sweater. It is important to make sure that the edges are neat and clean to avoid unraveling or fraying.

If the sweater has ribbed cuffs or hemlines, it may be necessary to shorten them as well. This can be done by either unpicking and re-sewing them or folding them over and hand sewing them in place. Ultimately, it is up to personal preference and skill level.

When it comes to machine knitting sweaters, cutting and shortening them may require more precision and caution. It is recommended to use a serger or a zigzag stitch around the edges after cutting to prevent unraveling.

While shortening a knit sweater may seem intimidating, it can also be an opportunity for creativity. Use leftover fabric from cutting off excess length to add details such as patches or pockets, giving your old sweater a fresh new look.

Lastly, knowing how to properly care for your knit sweaters

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.