Can you have cotton with Lycra tops shortened?.

[Fluffycloudland77]

I'm 5'5" so in theory too tall for petite ranges but normal vests swamp me. I wouldn't mind if I was long in the leg but I'm just too short for the tops they make now.

I've found a cotton vest I like, washes well etc but about two inches too long.

If I take it to a seamstress will they be able to help?. Or will they turn me away?.

I have a similar problem and have had various vest tops shortened by different seamstresses. Unfortunately it has never been very successful as the stitching never seems to 'give' with the fabric and every time I put a top on it pulled at the hem and sounded like the stitches were coming undone.

Bugger.

Maybe the side seams need to let out slightly at the same time?.

No reason why not, although you'd need to make sure they used a stretch stitch or you'll have problems with the stitches popping when the hem is stretched. Our local dry cleaners does alterations but uses an industrial sewing machine which wouldn't have that option. If you can find someone with a coverstitch machine, that would replicate (I'm assuming) the existing hem finish.

Not sure if this will help but i always take the shoulder straps up myself by an inch or so, just fold them ontop of themselves and put a few stitches in? Makes them shorter and also sit better around armholes and chest. But im 5ft1 and normally do this on vest tops with a wider strap than spaghetti as rather hide bra straps.

You might have more luck with polyester thread, which stretches, unlike cotton thread.

The arm/underarm area fits well on me. It's just too long.

So, polyester thread, stretch stitch & a cover stitch machine then.

Have you tried petite vests? I find m and s are short in the body anyway.