How Alter Pants Waist: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you’ve purchased a pair of pants that are a bit too tight around the waist or you’ve inherited a favorite pair from a friend who is a different size, altering pants waist is a skill that can save you money and time. Learning how to alter pants waist is a simple process that can be done at home with basic sewing supplies. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of how to alter pants waist, ensuring a perfect fit every time.
Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials. You will need a pair of pants, a sewing machine or needle and thread, a measuring tape, pins, and scissors. Make sure to choose a thread color that matches your pants to avoid visible seams.
Step 1: Measure the pants waist
Start by measuring the current waist size of your pants. This will give you a baseline for the alterations. Use the measuring tape to measure around the waistband at the widest point, typically where the button or zipper is located. Write down the measurement for future reference.
Step 2: Determine the desired waist size
Decide how much you want to alter the pants waist. If the pants are too tight, you may need to let them out by a few inches. If they are too loose, you may need to take them in. Add or subtract the desired amount from the current waist measurement to find the new waist size.
Step 3: Mark the new waist size
Using a fabric pen or a piece of chalk, mark the new waist size on the inside of the waistband. This will serve as a guide when you begin to cut and sew.
Step 4: Cut the waistband
With the pants inside out, cut along the marked line to remove the excess fabric. Be sure to leave a seam allowance of 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) on each side of the cut.
Step 5: Sew the new waistband
Place the cut waistband pieces right sides together and sew along the side seams, using a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance. Trim any excess fabric and neaten the edges with a zigzag stitch or serger.
Step 6: Attach the new waistband
With the pants right side out, pin the new waistband to the waist opening, ensuring that the seams match up. Sew the waistband in place, using a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance. Press the waistband open and topstitch if desired for a finished look.
Step 7: Hem the pants
Finally, hem the pants to the desired length. Measure and mark the new hemline, then sew the hem in place, using a blind hem stitch or a zigzag stitch for a clean finish.
And there you have it! You’ve successfully altered your pants waist to fit perfectly. With a little practice, you’ll be able to alter pants waist with ease, giving new life to your favorite pair of pants or creating custom fits for your wardrobe.
