Blouse too tight - a quick fix solution.
As its close to Easter, I may even indulge:
I also want to show you how to save a blouse that might be a bit too tight over that trouble area, the tummy - the bit that goes in and out, changes at whim and never quite seems to do what we want it to do. Or perhaps you are in the early stages of pregnancy and just want a little more room.
Sometimes the garment we have made is tight - we didn't fit it well enough, or perhaps fitted it too well - and we don't always remember to cut extra on the side seam, 'cos its never going to happen, is it?
Or, perhaps you have expanded out of a previously loved shirt.
Here is my solution - a godet - I love them because they can be so useful.
So, here goes:
Open up your shirt seam to above the area of tightness (perhaps to just above it).
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Open up blouse seam where it is tight. |
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My useful godet insert. |
I don't want such a full godet in the blouse, so I have folded it in half. I am going to use a straight grain as I don't have many scraps for this demonstration. The length is about right.
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Godet folded in half - fabric also cut. |
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The smaller godet. |
I am assuming the blouse has already been overlocked, so the first thing I do is overlock the godet pieces.
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Overlocked godet. |
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Inserted godet from the inside. |
Press seams, I also anchor the top of the godet with a little bar tack, or some hand stitches so it doesn't flop everywhere:
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Bar tacks to top of godet at left and right, just below the pins. |
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Godet insert right side. |
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The finished godet. |
I have done this demonstration in two colours so that you can see the insert. If the insert was white like the blouse, it would blend in well.
Contrast colour godets can also have their decorative uses. You may like the effect, and perhaps add some top stitching elsewhere in the garment to co-ordinate with the godet.
Godets are also useful in jackets - they can make a small bottom look curvy. Or, if your jacket is too tight over a larger bottom - a godet could work.
Sarah Liz :)
Ahh. That's a great Easter treatment to get over the chocolate feasting. Thanks. I think I'll use a godet or a pleat for my rear.
ReplyDeleteThank you - but bear in mind the limitations of even the best godet before too much choccy.
DeleteAt the moment I am knitting a fortie's waist-nipper cardigan - and I have been concerned that the cast on edge may be a little snug on the hips, and have been pondering the issues of godets in the side seam if necessary. I thought it may look too try-hard, but obviously there are others among us who resort to such connivances. Thanks for this timely article!
ReplyDeleteSometimes its a matter of saving a situation, I should imagine a knitted godet is quite pliable, but I am not a seasoned knitter.
DeleteThanks for this! I first sewed a godet in 1969 when I made a pair of bell bottoms out of ordinary flare pants. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary - and yes, that godet in straight trousers to make flares was really popular - in the really bright prints of the time :)
ReplyDelete