In this series of 3 posts, we discuss what to do when the armhole is too low. There are many ways of correcting low armholes, but here we discuss the top 3 options:

• Option 1 – Raises the entire garment from the shoulder seam
• Option 2 – Raises the armhole position only
• Option 3 – Raises the garment from the across-front area instead of the shoulder seam

Option 1 is a quick fix if your armhole is too low and you’ve already cut out your fabric and don’t want to waste it 😫😆

Step-by-Step Armhole Raising – Option 1

1. Pin the shoulder seams to where you want your armhole to be. Then sew this new shoulder seam.
2. Adjust necklines if needed.
3. Keep pinning out along the middle of the sleeve from the shoulder tip down towards the hem. Check the arm movement.
4. If you can move okay, you can slash out on the sleeve pattern this amount.
5. If you can’t move okay, reduce the pinned amount until you can. Then slash that amount out.
6. Measure the sleeve and see if it fits in the new armhole. If it doesn’t, lower the cap height until it fits.
7. Recut the sleeves in your fabric.
8. Remove the old sleeves and sew the new sleeves in.
9. Don’t forget to adjust facings or linings accordingly.

This information and more can be found in The Fitting Book. Order your book today through the link below.