Replies

1. 
   suesew | Mar 25, 2006 05:12am | #1

   Welcome. No one seems to be coming to your aid so I'll give it a try. Raglans sometimes have a seam from the neckline over the shoulder and down the center of the sleeve that curves where it tries to fit where the shoulder ends. I would think you could take in the existing seam or create a seam that would sit on your own unique shoulders better. Can you pinch fabric and pin it and create a better fit. If that works, turn that into a seam.

1. 
   sbk | Mar 25, 2006 11:39pm | #2

   Thanks for the tip.   I'll give it a try.

1. 
   Susan -homedecsewing | Mar 28, 2006 04:01am | #3

   whenever I alter for myself , since its awkward to pin oneself , I machine baste first in case its tight .Sure is easier to take those big stitches out !

1. 
   sbk | Mar 28, 2006 06:50pm | #4

   Yes, that is an excellent idea.

2. 
   mem | Mar 31, 2006 12:16am | #5

   I would use a shoulder pad but it has to be a raglan one also you could sew a dart from the neckline outalong the center of the sleeve tappering to nothing a few inches beyond the shoulder point. I have shoulders like yours and I avoid Raglans as I think that ist hard to get them to look good .

1. 
   sbk | Mar 31, 2006 04:20pm | #6

   Thanks for the tip. 

3. 
   Teaf5 | Apr 01, 2006 12:52am | #7

   To alter a knit shift dress, it might be easiest to put it on inside out, and use regular or safety pins to create the new shoulder seam as suggested earlier--if your shoulders are relatively symmetrical. 

   If the raglan sleeves are cut separate from the body of the dress, you can use the sleeve seam to take in excess fabric, also.

   If the dress is extremely large on you, you can use take it apart and use it as fabric for a similar pattern that you know fits you.  Since it's hard to find quality knit yardage, I've often used oversized, discount garments as fabric for a pattern that I like.  It's surprisingly quick to remove the commercial seams, press the pieces, and start from scratch!

1. 
   sbk | Apr 03, 2006 05:08pm | #8

   Great suggestions!  Thanks.

1. 
   Teaf5 | Apr 07, 2006 01:09am | #9

   Let us know what you end up doing; other people's successes are very inspiring!

1. 
   sbk | Apr 07, 2006 04:44pm | #12

   I'll remember that!

4. 
   MaryinColorado | Apr 07, 2006 08:27am | #10

   Hi!  I am new to this forum also.  I have small shoulders too.  For knits I usually use my serger.  I have had luck with tucks, not just the pressed over pintuck type, but with the rolled hem on the serger.  This is done on the right side of the fabric.  Good luck.  I am hoping for more ideas on this.

1. 
   sbk | Apr 07, 2006 04:43pm | #11

   Thanks.  I don't use a serger but I'll keep this in mind if that changes sometime down the road.