Taking In Calculator — Reduce Garment Size

Distribute the reduction across multiple seams for a balanced look. For waist: side seams and centre back. For bust: side seams and princess seams if present. Taking in too much at one seam distorts the garment.

Generally, take in no more than 2-3cm per seam side (4-6cm total per seam). Remember that moving each stitch line in by X cm removes 2X cm from the garment circumference at that seam, because a seam joins two panels and you take in on both sides. Beyond the 2-3cm-per-side band the garment proportions may look wrong, so if more reduction is needed spread it across more seams or consider resizing the entire garment.

Turn the garment inside out, pin the seam to the new position, and try on. The new seam line should taper gradually from the existing seam at the top and bottom to the deepest point at the waist or hip.

For a small adjustment, you can sew a new seam inside the original without unpicking. For larger adjustments, unpick the original seam first to reduce bulk. Always press seams after re-stitching.