How to Sew a Drawstring Waistband Without Eyelets | Trouser Sewing Tutorial, by Parasbe on YouTube. 10 min 9 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 9 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Unpick the old waistband or cut a new one, keeping the front zipper in place. Press the waistband flat so the fabric lies straight.
Measure your waist and add about 4 cm for overlap and seam allowance. Cut the waistband strip to that length and the width you want, usually 8 to 10 cm.
Fold the strip in half lengthwise with right sides out and press a sharp crease. This crease marks the centre line for the cord channel.
Mark two points on the front of the waistband, one on each side of the zip, about 2 to 3 cm from the centre. These become the drawstring openings.
Sew a small buttonhole or a tight zigzag oval at each mark, then cut the hole open inside it. This replaces metal eyelets and stops the fabric fraying.
Pin the waistband to the trouser top with right sides together, matching the side seams and the zip. Stitch it in place with a 1 cm seam allowance.
Press the seam allowance up into the waistband. Fold the waistband over to the inside and pin the lower edge so it covers the first stitch line.
Stitch in the ditch along the seam line from the outside, or slip stitch the inner edge by hand. Leave the two cord openings free.
Thread the cord through one opening, around the back and out the other opening. Use a safety pin on the cord end to push it through.
Knot the cord ends and try the trousers on. Adjust the cord length and press the waistband once more for a crisp finish.
Tips and common mistakes
Test the buttonhole on a scrap of the same fabric first, since stretch or loose weave can pull the hole out of shape.
Back the buttonhole area with a small piece of interfacing so the opening stays firm when you pull the cord.
Keep the cord channel wide enough for your cord, or it will bunch and twist inside the waistband.
Press each seam as you go instead of at the end, which keeps the waistband flat and even.
Questions
Can I add a drawstring if my trousers have no channel?
Yes. Sew a separate tube of fabric onto the waistband or make the waistband itself wider and fold it into a channel. The cord then runs inside that channel.
What cord works best for a drawstring?
A flat cotton cord, twill tape or narrow ribbon works well. Avoid very thick cord because it will not slide easily through a small opening.
Do I need a buttonhole foot for this?
A buttonhole foot makes it easier, but you can also sew a narrow zigzag oval and cut it open. Practise on scrap fabric first.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
