To believe I've called a couple of different tailors and they said that this was not possible .. only for you to be able to do it at home .. I'm very impressed
Another thing that you could do if you have those jeans with a leather patch on the waistband, remove the patch and make the cut where the patch is, put in your strip there, then sew the leather patch back over it. That strip will be hidden beneath the leather patch. Then finish as directed. You did a beautiful job. Much nicer than the triangular piece up to the top of the waistband, that so many people try.
Genius! What a fabulous idea! I was just ripping the seams out to attempt this alteration on my jeans and started feeling a little discouraged about having to take off the leather patch on my jeans. Now I know exactly what to do! Thank you so much for the tip!
I was just wondering if that might work. I have a pair of jeans with a patch. I’ve already taken up the crotch and hemmed them, but I’d love to have a bit more ease in the waist.
I have been sewing for 60 years. I have skills but have never attempted an alteration like this. I really wanted to wear some pants that were just too tight. You to the rescue! I went for it and the turned out great. I used a cute print fabric since I didn’t have any denim pieces. A couple of boo-boos along the way to overcome: don’t add a twist to the waistband when adding the piece in back for one! Thank you!
This is by far the subtlest and most classy looking upsizing alteration I've been able to find! The other ideas people have shared would work, but honestly just don't LOOK good. No one wants a giant black elastic triangle on a pair of jeans they love. I am looking forward to trying it on a pair of jeans I'm dying to wear again.
Excellent tutorial! I am a novice sewer and was nervous to take on this project for a pair of jeans that were probably 2 sizes too small in the waist. Your directions were so clear. Thank you!
This is definitely what I'm looking for! So far yours is the most subtle and "invisible?" jeans upsize, I love it! No weird cutting nor out of place black fabric, lol
I've always wondered if it was possible to make thrifted jeans bigger!! So glad this is an option. I was always told that I would need to lose weight to fit jeans that were a little too small, which is so toxic and frustrating. Clothes are meant to fit you, you are not meant to fit them!
This is the best video to make the waist bigger that I have seen! i have been looking and looking and everything looks so 'hacked' and unprofessional. This is great, thanks so much!!
Excellent. I have two pairs of vintage 31w -- 34 Leg LEVIS 544 - with 20inch bottoms. I can still squeeze into one pair but not the other. My mum has retired from constantly fixing my jeans - but she got me a sewing machine for my recent birthday. I pick it up this weekend. Reportage de Progreso PRONTO Cheers from a skint 54 year old Muso dude from Spain
I love how you put the piece of fabric at the back of the jeans rather than the sides … it hides the alteration so much better …. Love it… thank you so much 💖
I am a hobby-seamstress and most of my projects are making pants/jeans bigger for my customers and this video was just _perfect_ to watch and have in my 'go-to library' :D Thank you!!
I love thrifting specifically for jeans. I have an unreal collection of jeans. I see a nice vintage pair and I buy it regardless of size. I have several that are too tight or too loose. I just followed along with your video and tailored my levi 501. They fit perfectly and you can hardly tell it was altered. This is such a great idea. Now I need to find a good method for taking in a few inches. Thanks!
Thank you for this! I teach basic sewing classes, but when it’s time to alter, I have refresh myself on some of the little details that make a big deal. I love how straight to the point this was.
Thanks for the video. Although I did not alter jeans, it gave me the confidence to alter a different style of pants. It work great and now they fit! Thanks!!!!
This is great. I have never seen the trick of leaving the top band in place on the side and filling in the back. Trying this now! And those pants look great on you. Really well customized.
Wow. Thank you so much. If I wore the jeans that fit my waist, I would look so ridiculous due to my body shape. I started to really hate shopping because it makes me feel horrible about myself. The ease tip is amazing and you did so well hiding the extra fabric. I definitely want to learn more.
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I found some vintage Levi’s that fit with the exact same problems you had so I immediately trusted this tutorial! This is my first time sewing outside of a knitting or crochet project, so easy to follow along!
you are a life saver. my daughter hit a growth spurt after getting Christmas clothes. great in length still but she needs 2 total inches in the hips. i bought clearance 3XL jeans of the same color to be able to do this. shes about to have 4 new pairs to wear!
I am also an Apple shape (now that I’m well into my 50’s ! So this is very helpful! Thank you. I just recently discovered your channel and I’m viewing all your content 🙂.
Thank you for creating this tutorial. I followed for a pair of shorts that were just too tight around the waist area and while it took me around 2-3 hours they look as good as when I started. Thank you for making it so easy to follow!
Great info! I've actually done the reverse by taking off the back part of the waistband & sewing smart darts to bring it in then resewing the waistband & middle belt loop.
This is amazing, it had never occurred to me that I could remove the waistband like that. I always have trouble with the waist being too high in front while the jeans are otherwise perfect, now I realize I can remove the waist in the front and lower it an inch, and not lose the perfect fit in the back. Thank you!
Wow, such a great tutorial. I had a pair of expensive jeans that shrunk quite a bit in the waist after the first wash. I took my time, and they turned out perfect! Thankyou.
Thank you for this great tutorial, I really need this for my apple shaped body. How did you determine how many inches to increase your waistband ? Could you use elastic instead of woven or matching fabric for the insert.
I'm so glad it was helpful, thanks for watching! I estimated how much to add by unbuttoning the front and taking a measurement of the gap. You could definitely use elastic--that is actually a great idea!
I am so thankful for your video! I tried taking my shorts up in the back and they didn't fit at all. I tried it according to your video and they fit perfect! Thank you soooo much! ❤ 7:49
Beautiful job! Loved it. Can you talk about variations? I’d like to see a denim colored stretch elastic in place of non stretch fabric for those days when a period makes some hold more water. Also, more lighting please!
Wow, was just looking on Amazon earlier to get an idea on how to make button extenders because I bought some jeans on ThredUP for $12 that is a size I wear in other brands that fits well everywhere else (especially with a 35” inseam), but the waist decided to taunt me. I didn’t think this was possible. Needed this. Now I didn’t have to sit and sulk about passing them on to someone else, because we all know how hard it is to find a good pair of jeans that fit right in certain places …. to only have that one place that taunts you and has you questioning your body. Liking, saving, downloading, I’d print it if I could lol. This will be my next project because I _desperately_ want to wear them, so thank you for sharing!
So helpful, thank you! I have a pair of white jeans I need for a uniform that I can’t even get over my thighs. I don’t want to buy more as they’ve never been used, going to try this! The legs are a bit long too so I’m hoping to take the extra fabric off the cuffs
I found a pair of floral flared jeans at the thrift store and they are just barely too small. I will have to try this out! Not sure if I can find a similar enough fabric, if not, maybe ill just use a contrasting fabric to make it interesting!!
I loved this video. I don't think my machine can sew all those heavy fabric areas. Do you have a special machine? Maybe special needle? How about thread. I would love to be able to try this. Thank you.
wow, one of the best f'n sewing tutorial vids ever for those of us not afraid to really get in there and alter shit. fellow thrift-addict here and also diy sewer and way too many other things so yeah, perfect! i have a straight 'boyish' /'athletic' body shape with barely any hip-to-waist ratio (tho fake it with styling and fit/cut), so i have hips and butt (thankfully for at least some femme shape lol) but waist doesn't go 'in' as much as the avg woman in my size does, so waists rarely fit, but rest of the item fits. i used to say 'my waist doesn't go in as much as it should/looks like it should for my size' but now i try not to say that using the 'should', cuz hey, we all have something right? esp with rtw, and even more so vintage finds. lol anyway thx again! gonna attempt this and maybe will make a vid to show the results. i just scored the most awesome vintage levi's -- full-on 100% cotton thick denim 90's dark green high waisted straight/mom'ish jeans and of course the waist is like a fucking corset. like 'jaws of life needed both to close and open them' tight fr lol. i've done various stretching schemes and the ol' open up cut triangles on the side seams with other items --like reverse darts basically (?? self-taught so likely using the wrong term but i think you'll know what i mean), but don't wanna do that to such a pristine vintage item so was like 'stop being lazy, you know how to sew, look up a more 'legit' pro way.' and voila, how i got here. :)
Haha thanks! I actually usually have the problem of jeans GAPING at the waist, so there were definitely a weird waist fit to the extreme. And yes, it is basically like a reverse dart, perfect way to describe it. Those jeans sound awesome!
@@PatternScout ah, the problem I wanted to have! cuz that means you've got the great hip-to-waist ratio! but i know from friends, they then complain about being too 'hippy'...you can never win haha. but every time i see posts of ppl in fitted pants/shorts but holding out the waistband gap in the back, and all like 'anyone else?' i'd be like 'no!!! grrr! *sob*...opposite issue! thx for rubbing it in! and i can't do anything about it cuz this *is* me thin, it's just a body structure thing!"' lol but in truth, just goes to show everyone really does have something, and hopefully we realize that and 'get over it' once the dreaded teen/early 20s insecure yrs are done. (well, hopefully -- bikinis are still anxiety-prone for me but hey, again, that's everyone). anyway thx again, will check out your pattern biz too!
My sister gave me a lovely pair of her old jeans that are too small for me around the waist. Definitely need to give this a try - though worried my basic sewing machine won't handle the belt part of the denim. Only one way to find out!
I have a wedge of elastic added to mine. They just cut down 2-4 inches and add in a thick triangle of elastic, works perfectly and gives me some waist stretch.
Oh, yes! That is because it was a little easier to add fabric in one place on the waistband instead of two spots, and it was a little easier to disguise it in the center back. You could add it equally on the sides, too. Thanks so much for watching! :)
I'm currently on the hunt for some relaxed fit/wide leg jeans and haven't been able to find any. I'm getting to the point where i am thinking about just making them. But thanks to this i might try some altering insted.
I go to my seamstress over where I live and usually ask her to add fabric at the back of The waist. Another really few useful tips to keep your jeans looking like new is i always turn inside out on delicate cycle and wash in a laundry mesh bag followed by hanging them to dry
Thanks for this. I need this for some cotton and linen pants that I bought from Jjil and Talbots. I have made 5 pairs recently and put elastic in the waist. I’m in my 70’s and lost my waist in the front because my tummy has gotten so large
What an amazing job!! 👏👏👏👏 And you explained everything so well. Wish I had these skills to fix my clothes 🥴 thank you for posting the type of machine you used, and the skillshare classes and tutorials? 😱🙌🙏🙏💖💖💖🤗🤗 I have to check everything out now. Bravo!
Thank you! Do you think this will work if you need a little more room in the hips/butt also? I’m thinking of trying it on a pair of pants that are so great but they are my *exact* measurements in a non-stretch material so - not comfy lol. But I need more room in the waist and the hips- maybe just a larger triangle would do it?
Absolutely! I once made a pair of pants a whole size too small on accident--I just opened up the side seams and added a strip of fabric along the entire length and it worked great!
So impressed with this! Interested in how you took in the seam on the legs. Was it on the inside seam? Did you cut the excess fabric or simply take in the seam? I think they look great and I'll be bookmarking this video for sure! Great job. I've been sewing (as needed, so not often) for 55 years and find this is the alteration I want for myself the most often!!! Ah, old age!🤣
Glad it is helpful! For taking in the leg seams, I pinched out the excess and sewed a new side seam (I think I just did the outer side seams and not the inseam). I used my serger to trim the excess and clean up the seam allowance.
Wow, this is amazing! I think I could do this technique on my own but I paid so much for these jeans I’m going to ask an alterations lady to use your technique for me
Thank you for this tutorial Casey. Having watched it all the way through i know i have the skills to do this but I'm a bit worried my machine doesn't have the power to sew the waistband and especially the bar tacks😬. I'm going to give it a go because the jeans are too tight anyway but if anyone has any tips (other than buying a new machine😅) I'm all ears!
hi! thank you so much for posting this! I was hoping maybe you could help me out here with some advice. i am a beginner at sewing but i completely understand what youre saying in this tutorial. i have a pair of pants that came with a cosplay i bought that were too long and just a little too tight around the waist area. they are low rise, and unfortunately, there arent any side seams. there is just a crotch seam. i cut fabric off of the bottom of each leg and re-hemmed the pants by hand, but I still have the waist problem to solve and am confused where to go with it because a lot of these tutorials (although lovely, especially yours with the matching fabric) dont give an alternative for situations like mine. I am unsure if I should just cut into the sides and insert fabric anyways or if i should try another solution. any ideas?
Really helpful video, so often I've rejected jeans that fit beautifully elsewhere, because after 4 children the waists are just too tight! Once a belt is inserted the patch at the back will be invisible. Now hoping to find your video about taking in the legs...
Hi I really loved your video coz I was looking for a way to make jeans waist bigger properly but in the past, I had done it incorrectly and it looks like I am wearing pampers coz waistband was cut too wide then I left it to put in the bin but now I am gonna apply your method to redo the waistband. Could you be so kind to tell me how to transform high-rise jeans to medium-rise coz it was a present from someone and i did like the colour and size but the high rise is not comfortable? Many thanks, i just subscribed and liked your video. You should have more viewers
Thanks so much for the follow and like! Glad it was helpful. To lower the rise, I'd suggest removing the waistband /belt loops entirely, trimming the top of the pants maybe an inch, and then re-attaching the waistband (you may have to add a little fabric to the waistband to make it longer if your lower waist circumference is a little greater). Hope that helps! :)
Love this method. I've enlarged a waist by just opening up the side seams.. but never thought of opening up the back also and adding some fabric there! I almost always have to either buy jeans that fit well in the hips and thighs, but too tight in the waist.. or just fit the waist and then have to take them in on the hips and legs. I think it's easier doing the hips and legs!
Thanks for the tutorial-if you need to remove rivets, a “nipping pliers” from the hardware store works nicely. The jaws are sharpened into blades and these are waggled underneath the rivets: then it is easy to press the jaws closed to cut the rivet.
So great! I need to alter a few pairs of jeans, but I need to expand it further down, do you think that I could do this same method but expanding all the way down to the top of the thigh? Could the dart go down that far?
@@PatternScout yay! Thank you so much!! I have been so scared to alter my jeans and after watching a bunch of videos i started following yours and am progress. Thank you again :)
This……………is………………incredible. I am not a sewing person but was looking for some solutions to get a pair of Poshmark jeans into totally wearable shape, and now it really feels possible. Thank you!! Off to find somebody in Chicago who can make this happen…
Question: How long did this process take? How long would it take a person whose is fairly new to alterations, and how long would it take a very experienced/professional tailor or seamstress? Thank you in advance!
Hmm is this possible to do without a sewing machine? 😢 bought some pants and went away so I missed the return window but they’re just way too small! 😩 I can button them tho!
That is a large cutting mat I picked up at JoAnn Fabrics (they are usually rolled up near the patterns). That one is the perfect size to fit on top of my table, which is just a dining table I thrifted. Hope that helps! :)
I just tried this with a pair of jeans I didn’t care too much about and it worked! The only difference was that when I went to reattach the waistband, it was a big gap at the back, way bigger than my altered dart pieces. Then I realized that there was spandex in the jeans fabric and when I sort of pulled the waistband and pinned it, perfect! Now I am going to take on some cuter non spandex jeans I like better. Thank you
To believe I've called a couple of different tailors and they said that this was not possible .. only for you to be able to do it at home .. I'm very impressed
Well I am glad you found my tutorial! :) Thank you!
Totally agree with you she save my jeans thank you so much pattern scout ❤️❤️
Another thing that you could do if you have those jeans with a leather patch on the waistband, remove the patch and make the cut where the patch is, put in your strip there, then sew the leather patch back over it. That strip will be hidden beneath the leather patch. Then finish as directed. You did a beautiful job. Much nicer than the triangular piece up to the top of the waistband, that so many people try.
Genius! What a fabulous idea! I was just ripping the seams out to attempt this alteration on my jeans and started feeling a little discouraged about having to take off the leather patch on my jeans. Now I know exactly what to do! Thank you so much for the tip!
I was just wondering if that might work. I have a pair of jeans with a patch. I’ve already taken up the crotch and hemmed them, but I’d love to have a bit more ease in the waist.
My first thought is that the extra width not being centered would fit weird. Have you done it and can confirm it works?
I have been sewing for 60 years. I have skills but have never attempted an alteration like this. I really wanted to wear some pants that were just too tight. You to the rescue! I went for it and the turned out great. I used a cute print fabric since I didn’t have any denim pieces. A couple of boo-boos along the way to overcome: don’t add a twist to the waistband when adding the piece in back for one! Thank you!
Wonderful!! I'm so glad it was helpful. And you know you're a seasoned sewist if you twisted a waistband at least once! :)
This is by far the subtlest and most classy looking upsizing alteration I've been able to find! The other ideas people have shared would work, but honestly just don't LOOK good. No one wants a giant black elastic triangle on a pair of jeans they love. I am looking forward to trying it on a pair of jeans I'm dying to wear again.
Haha yay! I agree--I don't want them to look noticeably altered! :)
Excellent tutorial! I am a novice sewer and was nervous to take on this project for a pair of jeans that were probably 2 sizes too small in the waist. Your directions were so clear. Thank you!
This is definitely what I'm looking for! So far yours is the most subtle and "invisible?" jeans upsize, I love it! No weird cutting nor out of place black fabric, lol
So glad it is helpful! Thanks so much! :)
I've always wondered if it was possible to make thrifted jeans bigger!! So glad this is an option. I was always told that I would need to lose weight to fit jeans that were a little too small, which is so toxic and frustrating. Clothes are meant to fit you, you are not meant to fit them!
literally!! why would you change your body which keeps you alive since you were born for a 10 dollar piece of clothing
telling someone to lose weight is toxic now ? jfc 😂
Stupid comment
@@Hypno_BPMdepends how healthy you are it can be.
Such a brilliant way to do this! Especially when you find a pair of Jean that *almost* are a perfect fit! Thx for sharing!
Thanks for watching! :)
This is the best video to make the waist bigger that I have seen! i have been looking and looking and everything looks so 'hacked' and unprofessional. This is great, thanks so much!!
Oh I'm so glad! Thank you!
Excellent. I have two pairs of vintage 31w -- 34 Leg LEVIS 544 - with 20inch bottoms. I can still squeeze into one pair but not the other. My mum has retired from constantly fixing my jeans - but she got me a sewing machine for my recent birthday. I pick it up this weekend. Reportage de Progreso PRONTO Cheers from a skint 54 year old Muso dude from Spain
I love how you put the piece of fabric at the back of the jeans rather than the sides … it hides the alteration so much better …. Love it… thank you so much 💖
Thanks!! I like to make it neat when I can :)
I am a hobby-seamstress and most of my projects are making pants/jeans bigger for my customers and this video was just _perfect_ to watch and have in my 'go-to library' :D Thank you!!
Oh you are so welcome! Glad it is helpful! Thanks for watching!
I love thrifting specifically for jeans. I have an unreal collection of jeans. I see a nice vintage pair and I buy it regardless of size. I have several that are too tight or too loose. I just followed along with your video and tailored my levi 501. They fit perfectly and you can hardly tell it was altered. This is such a great idea. Now I need to find a good method for taking in a few inches. Thanks!
Oh there's a way.
Thank you for this! I teach basic sewing classes, but when it’s time to alter, I have refresh myself on some of the little details that make a big deal. I love how straight to the point this was.
Thanks for the video. Although I did not alter jeans, it gave me the confidence to alter a different style of pants. It work great and now they fit! Thanks!!!!
This is great. I have never seen the trick of leaving the top band in place on the side and filling in the back. Trying this now! And those pants look great on you. Really well customized.
Fabulous! Now I’ll be able to wear my favourite jeans again! Well, I will, when I’ve altered them. Thank you!
Wow. Thank you so much. If I wore the jeans that fit my waist, I would look so ridiculous due to my body shape. I started to really hate shopping because it makes me feel horrible about myself. The ease tip is amazing and you did so well hiding the extra fabric. I definitely want to learn more.
Thank you for your tutorial since gaining weight I haven't been comfortable wearing my jeans. Your tutorial has made me want to attempt to do it.
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I found some vintage Levi’s that fit with the exact same problems you had so I immediately trusted this tutorial! This is my first time sewing outside of a knitting or crochet project, so easy to follow along!
So glad it was helpful! Vintage Levi's are a great find!
you are a life saver. my daughter hit a growth spurt after getting Christmas clothes. great in length still but she needs 2 total inches in the hips. i bought clearance 3XL jeans of the same color to be able to do this. shes about to have 4 new pairs to wear!
I am also an Apple shape (now that I’m well into my 50’s ! So this is very helpful! Thank you. I just recently discovered your channel and I’m viewing all your content 🙂.
Thank you so much for watching! Glad this was helpful!
Thank you for creating this tutorial. I followed for a pair of shorts that were just too tight around the waist area and while it took me around 2-3 hours they look as good as when I started. Thank you for making it so easy to follow!
Oh good, I'm so glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching and letting me know! :)
Great info! I've actually done the reverse by taking off the back part of the waistband & sewing smart darts to bring it in then resewing the waistband & middle belt loop.
Yes! That is another one I've had to do that works great. Thanks for watching! ❤
Thanks so much, this was really helpful! I saved a pair of thrifted jeans I thought weren't going to work. :)
This is amazing, it had never occurred to me that I could remove the waistband like that. I always have trouble with the waist being too high in front while the jeans are otherwise perfect, now I realize I can remove the waist in the front and lower it an inch, and not lose the perfect fit in the back. Thank you!
Wow, such a great tutorial. I had a pair of expensive jeans that shrunk quite a bit in the waist after the first wash. I took my time, and they turned out perfect! Thankyou.
Thank you for this great tutorial, I really need this for my apple shaped body. How did you determine how many inches to increase your waistband ? Could you use elastic instead of woven or matching fabric for the insert.
I'm so glad it was helpful, thanks for watching! I estimated how much to add by unbuttoning the front and taking a measurement of the gap. You could definitely use elastic--that is actually a great idea!
Omg you are brilliant! Thank you! You break it down and it seems so doable! I’m going to give it a go😊
Great work! this is an 'ultimate make-over'.👏
my bloating period belly appreciates this tutorial
I am so thankful for your video! I tried taking my shorts up in the back and they didn't fit at all. I tried it according to your video and they fit perfect! Thank you soooo much! ❤ 7:49
So glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching! :)
Awesome, thank you. If I slow it down and watch it 10 times hopefully I'll figure out this magic :)
Thank you! I ordered the cutest shorts for a trip. They fit perfectly except the tight waist
You're saving my denim shorts!
Thank you so much. I been wanting to do this alteration and I didn’t to know how to do it. Tomorrow I’m going to make it. Yeah!! 👌🤩👏👏😍😍😍😍🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
You made this look so easy ❤❤❤ Do you have a tutorial on the opposite when the waistband and yoke bulges out please?
Beautiful job! Loved it. Can you talk about variations? I’d like to see a denim colored stretch elastic in place of non stretch fabric for those days when a period makes some hold more water. Also, more lighting please!
Awesome! Thank you. I'll give that a try. You're sewing job looks great and you look great in the pants.
This is such a helpful video for me. Bless you!❤😊
Great professional result. Thank you for sharing and fab filming and voice-over!
Wow, was just looking on Amazon earlier to get an idea on how to make button extenders because I bought some jeans on ThredUP for $12 that is a size I wear in other brands that fits well everywhere else (especially with a 35” inseam), but the waist decided to taunt me. I didn’t think this was possible.
Needed this. Now I didn’t have to sit and sulk about passing them on to someone else, because we all know how hard it is to find a good pair of jeans that fit right in certain places …. to only have that one place that taunts you and has you questioning your body.
Liking, saving, downloading, I’d print it if I could lol. This will be my next project because I _desperately_ want to wear them, so thank you for sharing!
Thank you for this tutorial! I have a thrifted pair of men's jeans that are a wee bit small in the waist so this is invaluable info. thanks again :) x
So helpful, thank you! I have a pair of white jeans I need for a uniform that I can’t even get over my thighs. I don’t want to buy more as they’ve never been used, going to try this! The legs are a bit long too so I’m hoping to take the extra fabric off the cuffs
I found a pair of floral flared jeans at the thrift store and they are just barely too small. I will have to try this out! Not sure if I can find a similar enough fabric, if not, maybe ill just use a contrasting fabric to make it interesting!!
I loved this video. I don't think my machine can sew all those heavy fabric areas. Do you have a special machine? Maybe special needle? How about thread. I would love to be able to try this. Thank you.
wow, one of the best f'n sewing tutorial vids ever for those of us not afraid to really get in there and alter shit. fellow thrift-addict here and also diy sewer and way too many other things so yeah, perfect! i have a straight 'boyish' /'athletic' body shape with barely any hip-to-waist ratio (tho fake it with styling and fit/cut), so i have hips and butt (thankfully for at least some femme shape lol) but waist doesn't go 'in' as much as the avg woman in my size does, so waists rarely fit, but rest of the item fits. i used to say 'my waist doesn't go in as much as it should/looks like it should for my size' but now i try not to say that using the 'should', cuz hey, we all have something right? esp with rtw, and even more so vintage finds. lol anyway thx again!
gonna attempt this and maybe will make a vid to show the results. i just scored the most awesome vintage levi's -- full-on 100% cotton thick denim 90's dark green high waisted straight/mom'ish jeans and of course the waist is like a fucking corset. like 'jaws of life needed both to close and open them' tight fr lol. i've done various stretching schemes and the ol' open up cut triangles on the side seams with other items --like reverse darts basically (?? self-taught so likely using the wrong term but i think you'll know what i mean), but don't wanna do that to such a pristine vintage item so was like 'stop being lazy, you know how to sew, look up a more 'legit' pro way.' and voila, how i got here. :)
Haha thanks! I actually usually have the problem of jeans GAPING at the waist, so there were definitely a weird waist fit to the extreme. And yes, it is basically like a reverse dart, perfect way to describe it. Those jeans sound awesome!
@@PatternScout ah, the problem I wanted to have! cuz that means you've got the great hip-to-waist ratio! but i know from friends, they then complain about being too 'hippy'...you can never win haha. but every time i see posts of ppl in fitted pants/shorts but holding out the waistband gap in the back, and all like 'anyone else?' i'd be like 'no!!! grrr! *sob*...opposite issue! thx for rubbing it in! and i can't do anything about it cuz this *is* me thin, it's just a body structure thing!"' lol but in truth, just goes to show everyone really does have something, and hopefully we realize that and 'get over it' once the dreaded teen/early 20s insecure yrs are done. (well, hopefully -- bikinis are still anxiety-prone for me but hey, again, that's everyone). anyway thx again, will check out your pattern biz too!
Clever fix! Thanks for sharing your project.
Wonderful explanation thank you so much!!!
I’m not much of a machine sewer, but you’ve got me interested. I don’t have much of a waist, so my jeans are always too small and the rest is perfect!
My sister gave me a lovely pair of her old jeans that are too small for me around the waist. Definitely need to give this a try - though worried my basic sewing machine won't handle the belt part of the denim. Only one way to find out!
I just bought two pairs of jeans that need this exact same thing done, so thank you for sharing.
I have a wedge of elastic added to mine. They just cut down 2-4 inches and add in a thick triangle of elastic, works perfectly and gives me some waist stretch.
Love your videos, I too like to thrift but was Wowed by your jeans waist allowance. Thanks for that tip
Thanks!!
You are absolutely stunning! Thank you for the tutorial, it is immensely helpful!
Omg amazing thanks so much!!! Found the perfect pants today but yeah, they are a bit tight! Excited to try this out!
Thanks this is so helpful! Can u explain why u added ease in the center back of the waistband and not at the sides?
Oh, yes! That is because it was a little easier to add fabric in one place on the waistband instead of two spots, and it was a little easier to disguise it in the center back. You could add it equally on the sides, too. Thanks so much for watching! :)
I'm currently on the hunt for some relaxed fit/wide leg jeans and haven't been able to find any. I'm getting to the point where i am thinking about just making them. But thanks to this i might try some altering insted.
I go to my seamstress over where I live and usually ask her to add fabric at the back of The waist. Another really few useful tips to keep your jeans looking like new is i always turn inside out on delicate cycle and wash in a laundry mesh bag followed by hanging them to dry
Thanks for this. I need this for some cotton and linen pants that I bought from Jjil and Talbots. I have made 5 pairs recently and put elastic in the waist. I’m in my 70’s and lost my waist in the front because my tummy has gotten so large
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching! :)
Genius!! Thank you very much 🙂
What an amazing job!! 👏👏👏👏
And you explained everything so well.
Wish I had these skills to fix my clothes
🥴 thank you for posting the type of machine you used, and the skillshare classes and tutorials? 😱🙌🙏🙏💖💖💖🤗🤗 I have to check everything out now. Bravo!
Thank you so much! :)
Thanks for the tips!!❤❤❤ Subscribed 🥰 many amazing project too. Thanks and appreciate it.
Thank you! Do you think this will work if you need a little more room in the hips/butt also? I’m thinking of trying it on a pair of pants that are so great but they are my *exact* measurements in a non-stretch material so - not comfy lol. But I need more room in the waist and the hips- maybe just a larger triangle would do it?
Absolutely! I once made a pair of pants a whole size too small on accident--I just opened up the side seams and added a strip of fabric along the entire length and it worked great!
I absolutely hate jeans but I still found this very informative for regular pants, thank you! 😊😊👍
So impressed with this! Interested in how you took in the seam on the legs. Was it on the inside seam? Did you cut the excess fabric or simply take in the seam? I think they look great and I'll be bookmarking this video for sure! Great job. I've been sewing (as needed, so not often) for 55 years and find this is the alteration I want for myself the most often!!! Ah, old age!🤣
Glad it is helpful! For taking in the leg seams, I pinched out the excess and sewed a new side seam (I think I just did the outer side seams and not the inseam). I used my serger to trim the excess and clean up the seam allowance.
Wow, this is amazing! I think I could do this technique on my own but I paid so much for these jeans I’m going to ask an alterations lady to use your technique for me
Thank you for this tutorial Casey. Having watched it all the way through i know i have the skills to do this but I'm a bit worried my machine doesn't have the power to sew the waistband and especially the bar tacks😬. I'm going to give it a go because the jeans are too tight anyway but if anyone has any tips (other than buying a new machine😅) I'm all ears!
hi! thank you so much for posting this! I was hoping maybe you could help me out here with some advice. i am a beginner at sewing but i completely understand what youre saying in this tutorial. i have a pair of pants that came with a cosplay i bought that were too long and just a little too tight around the waist area. they are low rise, and unfortunately, there arent any side seams. there is just a crotch seam. i cut fabric off of the bottom of each leg and re-hemmed the pants by hand, but I still have the waist problem to solve and am confused where to go with it because a lot of these tutorials (although lovely, especially yours with the matching fabric) dont give an alternative for situations like mine. I am unsure if I should just cut into the sides and insert fabric anyways or if i should try another solution. any ideas?
I love your cutting mat. Can you tell me which brand it is? My eyes are 70 so I can't see very good anymore. Your mat is so clear.
The brand is "Sullivan's" and I found it at Joann fabrics. It's great!
Clear, excellent tutorial! TY.
Really helpful video, so often I've rejected jeans that fit beautifully elsewhere, because after 4 children the waists are just too tight! Once a belt is inserted the patch at the back will be invisible. Now hoping to find your video about taking in the legs...
Wow that’s great I did mine but didn’t go through all of that awesome thanks
Not sure if commented! But it was such a great tutorial and well done. I have sued it and love this method.
Thanks so much for watching!
Hi I really loved your video coz I was looking for a way to make jeans waist bigger properly but in the past, I had done it incorrectly and it looks like I am wearing pampers coz waistband was cut too wide then I left it to put in the bin but now I am gonna apply your method to redo the waistband. Could you be so kind to tell me how to transform high-rise jeans to medium-rise coz it was a present from someone and i did like the colour and size but the high rise is not comfortable? Many thanks, i just subscribed and liked your video. You should have more viewers
Thanks so much for the follow and like! Glad it was helpful. To lower the rise, I'd suggest removing the waistband /belt loops entirely, trimming the top of the pants maybe an inch, and then re-attaching the waistband (you may have to add a little fabric to the waistband to make it longer if your lower waist circumference is a little greater). Hope that helps! :)
i have a question! Do you get a good result even if you want yo add a lot more than half an inch to each side? In need to add 2 inches to each side.
Really great alteration vid. Nice job!
Thanks!
Brilliant adjustments!
Thanks, Bernice! :)
Love this method. I've enlarged a waist by just opening up the side seams.. but never thought of opening up the back also and adding some fabric there! I almost always have to either buy jeans that fit well in the hips and thighs, but too tight in the waist.. or just fit the waist and then have to take them in on the hips and legs. I think it's easier doing the hips and legs!
So glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
What sewing machine do you use in your sewing? Thatnks for your videos. It helped me a lot in my sewing hobby:)
Juki
What are you using for iron board with measurement marking on it? I would like to get one
Thanks for the tutorial-if you need to remove rivets, a “nipping pliers” from the hardware store works nicely. The jaws are sharpened into blades and these are waggled underneath the rivets: then it is easy to press the jaws closed to cut the rivet.
Oh that is good to know, thanks for sharing!
Impressive. My question is won’t the Jean is too stick for home machine to sew through? And wha raise of needles do u use?
Most current machines are plastic junk and can’t handle it. My vintage Kenmore (series 158) can handle everything. Her Juki probably is just as good.
So great! I need to alter a few pairs of jeans, but I need to expand it further down, do you think that I could do this same method but expanding all the way down to the top of the thigh? Could the dart go down that far?
Absolutely! I've added strips down the entire side seams before and it worked great. :)
@@PatternScout yay! Thank you so much!! I have been so scared to alter my jeans and after watching a bunch of videos i started following yours and am progress. Thank you again :)
LOVE the Alterations videos (as well as the others). Thanks.
Thanks, I'll try to share more of those in the future! :)
This……………is………………incredible. I am not a sewing person but was looking for some solutions to get a pair of Poshmark jeans into totally wearable shape, and now it really feels possible. Thank you!! Off to find somebody in Chicago who can make this happen…
Glad I could help! Thanks so much for watching!
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing this tutorial! Now I can keep all my jeans that no longer fit me!!!
You are so welcome! Glad it is helpful! :)
They look great on you!
Thanks! :)
While walking i have lines in my scrotch area and it looks so weird do u have any suggestions for this
This was great! You explained everything so well!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
Question: How long did this process take? How long would it take a person whose is fairly new to alterations, and how long would it take a very experienced/professional tailor or seamstress?
Thank you in advance!
This probably took me about 30 min to an hour. I can't say for sure how long it would take someone else since everyone is a little different :)
Great idea love it 👍
Great tutorial!
What a great job
Thanks! :)
Hmm is this possible to do without a sewing machine? 😢 bought some pants and went away so I missed the return window but they’re just way too small! 😩 I can button them tho!
I would love to know what surface you cut the fabric on, where you bought it from. Thank you
That is a large cutting mat I picked up at JoAnn Fabrics (they are usually rolled up near the patterns). That one is the perfect size to fit on top of my table, which is just a dining table I thrifted. Hope that helps! :)
Excellent tutorial! Thank you so much! ❤️
Thank you for watching!
Excellent!
I just tried this with a pair of jeans I didn’t care too much about and it worked! The only difference was that when I went to reattach the waistband, it was a big gap at the back, way bigger than my altered dart pieces. Then I realized that there was spandex in the jeans fabric and when I sort of pulled the waistband and pinned it, perfect! Now I am going to take on some cuter non spandex jeans I like better. Thank you
Oh good!! So glad it was helpful! Thanks so much! :)
Thanks exactly what I needed