Altering an Oversized Shirt with a Ribbon Corset Technique

Pull the thread through the eye of the needle, keeping both ends even.

Tie a double knot at the ends of the thread to prevent it from slipping through the fabric.

Use scissors to cut any extra thread below the knot.

Measure and cut 8 pieces of 2-inch ribbons for the corset loops.

Fold each ribbon piece in half so the ends meet, creating a small loop.

Pin the ends together, leaving space to stitch.

Repeat until all ribbon pieces are folded and pinned into loops.

Lay the shirt flat.

Place the loops parallel to the side seam, spaced about 2 inches apart, starting near the underarm.

Place the remaining 4 loops on the opposite side of the shirt.

Mirror the first row so both sides line up evenly.

Mark each loop location using fabric chalk or a washable sewing marker.

Pin each loop to the shirt at the markings to hold it in place.

Sew the loop to the shirt starting from the inside with tight stitches.

Once the last stitch is done and the thread is inside the shirt, tie a finishing knot:

Slide the needle under your last stitch and pull to form a small loop.

Pass the needle through the loop and pull tight to create a knot.

Repeat once more to secure it.

Trim any excess thread.

Repeat Steps 11–13 for the remaining 7 loops.

Cut a long ribbon that can zig-zag through all the loops and tie into a bow at the bottom.

Seal both ribbon ends with a liquid fabric sealer to prevent fraying.

Attach a small safety pin to both ends of the long ribbon to make threading through the loops easier.

Insert the ribbon through the top loops.

Cross the ribbon and lace in a zig-zag pattern.

Work downward through each loop pair.

Pull both ribbon ends evenly to tighten the shirt to your desired fit.

Tie the ribbon ends into a bow to secure the shirt in place.