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Fashion Advice: Can you Shorten Sweater Sleeves?

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Dear TBF,

I wanted to ask if it’s possible to have sweaters altered. I have really short, T-Rex-esque arms, so it’s quite difficult to find long-sleeve sweaters (even in the Petites department) that don’t hang down over my knuckles. Is it possible to have the sleeves shortened, or should I simply resign myself to a life of rolled-up knit bracelets?

Can You Shorten Sweater Sleeves

Answer: Yes, sweaters can be altered, but unless you are handy with a knitting needle, it’ll cost you between $40 to $80 bucks. If the sweater sleeve isn’t too long (1 to 2 inches over the desired length) and if the sweater material is fairly thin (merino wool, acrylic, light cashmere, etc) then you can shorten it yourself. Just fold the sweater under to the desired sleeve length,  take a needle and thread that matches the color of the sweater and do a very simple stitch to hold the sleeves in place. Also, look for sweaters with sleeves that 3/4 length (which would be full length on you).

Tod Greene

Wednesday 16th of October 2013

if the tailor at the drycleaners cant do it what type of tailor do i need

Bev

Friday 2nd of March 2012

Thanks for the comments. But I did see on TV a bit ago about a women teaching you how to take up sleves on a hand knit sweater. The program was on during the day time , she was a Japanese lady or Chinese lady and she was teaching different stuff on knitting. Does anyone know the program that I am talking about ?????? Would love to know it and then I could write to the station/program, whatever.

Marge.

Monday 16th of January 2012

Thanks, that sounds like a good solution.

julie

Thursday 20th of October 2011

simple and sensible...thanks SO much!

Alice

Sunday 31st of October 2010

excellent directions

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