how to alter the waistband of pants to make smaller, by Reynaldo Evangelista on YouTube. 2 min 34 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 34 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Turn the pants inside out and put them on, or pin the waistband at the back and sides until it feels snug. Mark the amount to remove with pins.
Take the pants off and lay them flat. Pin the excess fabric along the inside of the waistband, tapering the fold so it fades into the seam.
Thread your needle and knot the end. Sew a straight line of small back stitches along the pinned fold, keeping the stitches even.
Try the pants on again before cutting anything. If the fit is right, sew a second line of stitches just beside the first for strength.
Trim the excess fabric about 1 cm from the stitching with sharp scissors. Do not cut the outer waistband.
Press the seam flat with an iron on a low setting that suits the fabric.
Turn the pants right side out and check the waistband sits flat with no puckering.
Tips and common mistakes
Pin and baste first, then try the pants on before you sew the final seam so you do not remove too much.
Use thread that matches the pants so the new seam blends into the waistband.
Sew two rows of stitches for a stronger hold, since the waistband takes a lot of strain.
Keep sharp scissors pointed away from your fingers and cut slowly along the seam.
Questions
Can I do this without a sewing machine?
Yes. Small back stitches by hand hold well on a waistband. A machine just makes it faster.
Will the waistband look lumpy after taking it in?
It can if you do not taper the fold. Spread the excess over several centimetres and press the seam flat with an iron.
What if I remove too much fabric?
Unpick the stitches with a seam ripper and start again. That is why you try the pants on before trimming.
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.
