Altering Maternity Clothes

[GriffsKat]

I am on a frugal mission. When I was pregnant 2 years ago I was also 45 lbs heavier. I still have my clothes from that. I know I can take in my shirts with ease, but do I need to take the belly in at all? How much room should I leave myself? And as far as pants are concerned with the belly too? Do you think a more experienced seamstress would be able to accomplish this?

[xixstar]

This is something you can probably do yourself. With shirts and pants -- if you're worried about having enough belly room, just try it on and see if it works as is. If it is way too big for you know, sew in some darts to trim it up -- this way, you can rip the dart seam out when your belly gets bigger and you need more room.


I don't think you need someone to do it for you, just some pins and a mirror should be enough to get you started. Just don't cut away anything if you add darts in case you need more later.


Hope this helps some.

[barose]

It depends on where your excess weight was located. Thighs? Hips/bum? Stomach? Bust? You may need to take in the hips to keep from having that sloppy saggy bum look, or having a low crotch for instance.

When I lost weight, I lost mostly in the stomach/waist so it was pretty easy (and inexpensive) to pay someone to take in some of my clothes or do it myself. Some items were better left donated/sold because depending on the structure of the garment, it might take more time and effort than its worth. I sold all of my maternity clothes because they are not only too large in the waist, but also in the shoulders, thighs, etc and I don’t care for larger clothes (prefer form fitting, but not tight). Plus my taste/style changed when I lost weight so I knew I wouldn’t want to wear them.

I think once I get a dress form, I can do a better job with altering my clothes, but with some of my more expensive, items, I definitely rather pay someone.

HTH