DIY Clothing Alterations

[k0llectable5]

I'm after some advice.

I bought two pairs of action back overalls for the OH.  They are a tiny bit too small and I need to lengthen the straps by about 2 or 3 inches somehow.  I'm not the greatest on a sewing maching but I have a go lol 

Does anyone have any idea of the best way I could lenghten the straps.  I'm gunna go into spotlight today and ask there but I just thought maybe someone here may have some pointers, or if there is a product out there that can be fitted somehow to extend the straps.  

[lloydslights]

By no means professional.  Just many years of practice (trial/error) and "having a go". 

Got to do my chores, now.  

Hope all goes well.  (A final thought  :  Dressmaking adjustments :  tax deductable for work equipment???)

DEB

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[k0llectable5]

More excellent advice thankyou Az.  But I dont think I will adjust the hem of the overalls.  I think the leg length will be fine after I have adjusted the straps.

Well thanks so much for all of your advice Deb.  You've actually helped me out heaps today.  

And if anyone else wants to use this thread to chat about sewing and mending and what not (doesn't have to be in relation to overalls or the OP) please feel free to add your contributions 🙂

[lurker172602]

I'm embarrassed to say I didn't even ask how much it would be. I think last time she charged about $12-15.
I do some myself, but these were stretchy and have double stitching and I really just couldn't be bothered mucking around with them.

[katymatey*]

Just another thought. Depending on how much you need to lengthen, you could add to the bit where the straps enter the back. I have unpicked the back bit and added some drill if only a small lengthen was required.  If you need to add quite a lot, then extending each strap would be better.

When OH wears out a pair of overalls I salvage what I can. Sometimes the elastic bits are in good order, so I keep them to repair other pairs. Pockets in good order are handy, also larger undamaged sections of fabric are useful. I used to add an extra layer of drill to the knee areas too, as these always wore first. Thank goodness after 56 years in the workforce he is about to retire, and I can chuck all that out. 🙂

[annies_fancy_dress]

If you can't sew then cut the straps about 7cm up from the back (where they join the strap to the garment) on a slight DIAGONAL, this will reduce fraying.Make an extra strap piece(s) from sturdy scrap fabric, like old jeans, cutting it in a rectangle about 10cm longer than the extra length you need. Make it 3 times as wide and fold it so you have a new strap(s) that are three layers thick.

Get a packet of jeans size press snaps and attach according to the directions so you have two "strap extenders" that are press snapped on.

THe snaps should fasten the extenders in the gap where you cut the straps.

Hope these instructions are clearer than mud..    

[k0llectable5]

That sounds like a good idea actually Katy.  I was looking over them earlier and thought that may be another option.  I think I will need to add at the very least 2 inches, maybe 3.  Do you think if I added a piece of drill about 3 inches in length and fashioned it to fit the back part where the straps enter that would be enough?

[katymatey*]

Secondhand, it probably would be ok. Unpick the stitching and see how much you would need to add. If too much is added it would probably affect the way the straps sit. Good luck.

[2011.narelle]

If you need to take the hems up get him to put them on inside out & pin them to the length you want.Take em off then tack them so you can take the pins out before hemming them on the machine.

I only do simple hems & buttons,no major sewing skills but that how my mum showed me how to hem pants.

[k0llectable5]

Yeah that is what I'm worried Katy about changing the way the straps sit, So I'll definately be double checking before I do any sewing.

Narelle, why have I never thought to do that (turn them inside out)? Your mums ingenious 🙂

[2011.narelle]

Oh good,i was hoping i wasn't being too simplistic but i have 2 short legged friends in their 40's who didn't know how to hem up pants & used to pay to have them taken up.

I don't have a machine so i do a running hem stitch by hand.It doesn't take too long & 'cos i only catch a few threads,it ends up looking nearly invisible on the outside.Handy for soft fabric women's pants that you don't want to see a machined hem stitching line.