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PINNING FOR ALTERATIONS

Safety pinning your clothes ready to be altered might feel a bit intimidating, but trust us, it really is straightforward, especially when you follow our handy hints.

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GENERAL TIPS

  • You should be wearing that item when pinning

  • Look around and get someone to help with the pinning. If there is no one within reach, fret not, you can always do this yourself.

  • Try not the breathe in and stand straight in a relax manner while pinning

  • Always give a little room about 0.5 inch (whole round) for comfort allowance and body expansion when we sit, slouch or after a heavy meal.

  • Get ready some pins, safety pins and measuring tape (check out our mending starter kit)

Shortening Trousers / Sleeves/ Dresses /Skirts or Tops

  1. Make a turn-up inside the item so the excess fabric is tucked out of sight.

  2. Pop in a safety pin at the point you’d like the item to end, securing both pieces of fabric together. We only need one pin, but you might like to add more to help visualize the new length.

Shortening Shoulder Straps

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  1. Sometimes an item feels too big around the bust, but really it’s the straps that are too long. Pinch together the top of each strap so they feel even.

  2. Safety pin each strap where it’s pinched, and let it hang to check how it looks.

  3. Adjust until it hangs perfectly on your shoulders and body.

Taking in Tops / Dresses / Jumpsuits/ Jackets/ Coats

1. Decide whether it feels loose at bust, waist, hips/seat level, or all three - remember that the waist is the narrowest part and the hips/seat is the widest part, so lower than many people think.

Have a look at our measuring guide for more information.

2. Pinch from the back so that the item looks and feels comfortable. Do not pull or stretch too much.

3. Pop in a pin vertically through both back panels of the item, at the point where your fingers have been pinching the back.

Taking in the Waist for Trousers/ Shorts/ Skirts

1. Pinch the central back seam together until you’re happy with how they fit.

2. Pin from the waistline downwards as far as needed, securing the back seam together.

3. Do not stretch or pinch too tightly and allow a slight 0.5 inch of allowance for body movement and comfort.

If you’re still not confident that your pinning skills are up to it, contact us by video chat, phone or email and we can give you more advice. 

Now that you’re all ready, go ahead and book your alteration, and your perfectly fitting item will be back with you in no time.

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