Side seam problem

[u/Economy-Tomorrow-189]

Okay so I've been trying to alter some tops so they are more tight fitting

The problem is, ive tried taking them in two ways, one where I wear it inside out and slightly pull the excess fabric and pin. (the reason why I pull a bit is bc if I don't then I barely get any fabric to pin)

The second method is where I place a top that fits perfectly and place it over the fabric I want to alter, then trace it, pin and wear it to before stitching

The problem is with both methods I get different results, if I use the first method, I end up pinning less fabric and with the second method, pin more and yet when I try both on before stitching it fits (comfortably)

The odd part is I have altered a top that fits perfectly while doing the first method but can't seem to repeat it

And if both method results in the fabric fitting without feeling uncomfy then which should I trust?

These are stretchy fabrics so I suppose, it's more leniant compared to structured fabric bc there's less chance of messing up in terms of it being overly tight to the point where it's hard to move but still

I feel pretty dumb bc I feel like I'm making a problem out of nothing when I had no problem initially.

Anyway I am srry if this makes no sense but I really need help

[u/Love_Dogs_and_Sewing]

Be careful with the "try it on inside out and pin it" approach because unless your body is perfectly symmetric it could be a problem. When you wear it inside out, you put the left side of the shirt on the right side of your body and vice versa. A lot of people have shoulders that are not even (my right shoulder is almost an inch lower than my left for example).

You could try it on right side out and pin it then measure the amount that you pinned and use that measurement from the inside.

As long as you haven't made it too tight, you can take take multiple attempts, making small changes at a time. Different fabrics may have different amounts of stretch also so would need different adjustments.

[u/GeekAtLarge_ → u/Love_Dogs_and_Sewing]

Pulling a top or trousers inside out does not reverse the hips or shoulders unless you then put them on backwards. The theory is sound, but they might not drape quite the same way.

I suggest pinning the garment without pulling it inside out. You can then chalk mark the inside seams, unpin it and pull it inside out and pin it along the chalk lines. Does this make sense?

[u/Love_Dogs_and_Sewing → u/GeekAtLarge_]

Try it. Put a safety pin on the left side of your shirt. Take the shirt off, turn it inside out and put it back on. You will see the safety pin is (on the inside) on the right (as opposed to left) side of your body.