how to reduce the big size waistband and shorten hem of pants #loosepants, by Nestor Channel on YouTube. 2 min 58 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 58 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Put the pants on inside out and pinch the extra fabric at the back waistband until they sit snug. Pin the fold in place and take the pants off.
Mark the pinned fold with chalk. Measure how much fabric you pinched so the two sides match.
Sew along the marked line through the waistband, starting at the top edge and tapering down to nothing at the seam so the band stays flat.
Trim the excess fabric inside, leaving about 1 cm. Zigzag or overcast the raw edge so it does not fray.
Try the pants on again to check the waist fit before moving to the hem.
Put the pants on with your usual shoes and mark the finished length with chalk or pins, adding about 3 cm for the hem allowance.
Take the pants off, cut the legs at the mark, then fold the hem up and press it flat with an iron.
Sew the hem by machine or with a blind stitch by hand, keeping the stitches even and close to the fold.
Press the finished hem and trim any loose threads.
Tips and common mistakes
Pin and sew the waistband while the pants are inside out so the new seam hides on the inside.
Taper the waistband seam to zero at the side seam, otherwise the band will pucker and look lumpy.
Hem both legs at the same time and measure from the floor to keep the length even.
Use a needle and thread made for the fabric weight so the seams do not pull or break.
Questions
Can I fix a big waistband without a sewing machine?
Yes. Use a backstitch or running stitch by hand with matching thread. It takes longer but holds well on most fabrics.
How much should I add for the hem allowance?
Add about 3 cm so you can fold the fabric twice and hide the raw edge. Press the fold before sewing.
Will taking in the waistband change the pockets or seams?
It can pull the back pockets closer together. Check the fit before trimming and adjust the seam line if needed.
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.
