Altering Waist Patterns
The waist pattern may be made shorter by laying folds across both back and front. The fold across the back should be two inches above the waist line and across the front two inches below the arm's eye (in the back). Securely pin or baste the folds in the pattern. If the pattern is of nearly the correct size it may be only necessary to make the waist shorter and smaller. The neck and arm's eye will seldom need altering. The sleeves may be shortened in the same way by laying folds in the pattern, above and below the elbow.
PLAN FOR MAKING A SHIRT WAIST
After the waist is cut, remove and care for the patterns.
Make the sleeves, cuffs and collar band first.
Make box plait on right or left side as liked by the wearer and hem on the other side or face.
Baste shoulders and under-arm seams.
Try on the waist, making all changes necessary by enlarging or taking up seams.
Pin for neck band and mark for seams.
Fit sleeves and mark places for seams.