Hello, sewing friends! Let’s talk about a common problem we all face. Do you have a favorite t-shirt hiding in the back of your closet? You know the one—you love the color, the graphic is perfect, but it’s just a little too snug to wear comfortably.
It’s so sad when a great shirt gets retired just because the fit isn’t quite right anymore. But what if I told you there was a super simple way to fix it?
You can! By learning how to add side panels to a shirt, you can make it fit perfectly again. This easy sewing project not only makes a tight top wider, but it also gives you a chance to add a fun splash of color or a cool pattern. It’s a fast, fun way to save your clothes and create something totally unique.
Let’s walk through it together, step by step. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is!
Why Should You Add Side Panels to a Shirt?
This simple alteration does two wonderful things.
First, it’s the best way to make a shirt bigger. If a top is pulling across your chest or feels tight around your waist, adding panels gives you extra room right where you need it. It turns an uncomfortable shirt into one you’ll love to wear.
Second, it’s a fantastic design trick! You can choose a contrasting fabric to add a pop of personality. Imagine a plain black t-shirt with floral side panels, or a simple white top with striped panels. You get to be the designer and customize your t-shirt fit in a way that’s uniquely you.
What You’ll Need for This Project
Before we start, let’s gather our tools. You probably have most of these in your sewing kit already.
| Tool or Material | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| The T-Shirt | The top you want to alter. |
| New Fabric | For the side panels. Choose a fabric with similar weight and stretch to your shirt. |
| Seam Ripper | To carefully open the side seams of your shirt. |
| Ruler or Tape Measure | For measuring the seam length and panel width. |
| Paper & Pen | To draw a simple pattern for your panels. Gift wrap paper works great! |
| Fabric Scissors | For a clean, sharp cut. |
| Sewing Machine & Thread | To stitch your new panels in place. |
| Pins or Sewing Clips | To hold the fabric together while you sew. |
How to Add Side Panels to a Shirt: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to get started? We’ll break this down into a few simple stages. Just follow along, and you’ll have a “new” shirt in no time.
Step 1: Open Up the Side Seams
First, lay your shirt flat. Take your seam ripper and carefully begin to unpick the stitches along one of the side seams. The key to making this easy is to find the main needle threads and pull them out, rather than trying to cut every single stitch.
Continue removing the seam all the way up to where the sleeve is attached at the armpit. Don’t cut into the armpit seam; just stop right below it.
Once the first side is completely open, do the exact same thing on the other side. Now your shirt will be open on both sides, ready for its new panels.
Step 2: Measure and Create Your Pattern
This is where you decide how much bigger to make your shirt. Try the shirt on, or measure around your waist, to figure out how much extra room you need. Let’s say you want 6 inches of total extra space. That means you’ll add a 3-inch wide panel to each side.
Now, let’s make the pattern.
- Measure the Length: Use your ruler to measure the length of the side seam you just opened, from the bottom hem up to the armpit. Write this number down. Let’s say it’s 15 inches.
- Draw the Pattern: On your paper, draw a long triangle, often called a wedge. The point will be at the top. The length of the triangle should be the length of your side seam (15 inches in our example).
- Set the Width: The bottom of the triangle should be the width you want to add to that side (3 inches in our example).
- Add Seam Allowance: This is very important! You need extra fabric for sewing. Add about a half-inch of extra space all the way around your triangle pattern. This ensures your final panel is the correct width after you sew it.
Step 3: Cut Your Fabric Panels
Now that your pattern is ready, it’s time to cut your fabric.
Lay your new fabric out flat. Place your paper pattern on top of it and pin it in place. Carefully cut around the pattern with your fabric scissors. Then, do it one more time. You need two identical fabric panels—one for each side of the shirt.
Step 4: Pin the Panels to Your Shirt
This part might seem tricky, but it’s straightforward. We are going to attach one panel at a time.
Lay your shirt open with the right side facing up. Take one of your new fabric panels and place it on top of one of the open sides, with the right sides of the fabric together.
Line up the long edge of the panel with the edge of the shirt opening. Use your pins or clips to hold them together from the bottom hem all the way up to the armpit. The pointy top of your panel should line up with the top of the seam at the armpit.
Now, bring the other side of the shirt opening over and pin it to the other side of the fabric panel, again with right sides together. Your new panel is now sandwiched inside the opening.
Step 5: Sew Your New Side Panels In
It’s time to head to the sewing machine! If you are working with a t-shirt or other stretchy fabric, it’s best to use a stretch stitch or a narrow zig-zag stitch. This allows the seam to stretch with the fabric.
Start sewing near the top of the armpit, securing the front of the shirt to the panel. Sew down the entire length of the panel to the bottom hem.
Next, go back to the top and sew the other side, securing the back of the shirt to the other edge of the panel. When you get to the top corner at the armpit, you can pivot carefully to create a clean point. Trim any extra threads.
Repeat the entire pinning and sewing process for the second panel on the other side of the shirt.
FAQs
How do you add side panels to a shirt?
First, open the side seams of the shirt. Cut new fabric panels to the size you need. Pin the panels into the open sides. Then, sew them in place with your machine. This makes the shirt wider and more comfortable.
How to put side slits in a top?
Decide how high you want the slit. Use a seam ripper to open the side seam. Stop ripping at your desired height. Fold the raw fabric edges inward. Press them with an iron. Then, sew a new, clean hem along the fold.
How to tighten the top of a shirt?
You can easily tighten a shirt. Add small folds called darts to the front or back. Darts remove extra fabric. You can also just sew the side seams to be smaller. This pulls the shirt in for a closer fit.
What are side slits on shirts called?
Side slits on a shirt are simply called “side slits.” Some people might call them “side vents.” Both of these terms mean the same thing. They are openings on the side of a garment.
How to side slit a tshirt?
Use a seam ripper to open the side seam. Open it up to the length you want. T-shirt fabric does not fray much. You can leave the edge raw for a casual look. Or, you can fold the edge over and sew a simple hem.
You Did It! A Perfect-Fitting Custom Shirt
And that’s it! Turn your shirt right-side out and admire your work. You’ve successfully altered a tight shirt and given it a new life. It not only fits better, but it has a custom touch that no one else has.
By learning this simple technique, you’ve opened up a new world of possibilities for fixing and redesigning your clothes. It’s a powerful skill for any sewing enthusiast to have.
Now, go find another one of those too-tight tops and give it a fresh new look! What color combinations will you try next? Let us know in the comments below
