How to Alter Jeans to Make Them Bigger
Are you finding that your favorite jeans are feeling a bit too snug? Don’t worry; you don’t have to throw them away or buy a new pair. With a few simple alterations, you can easily make your jeans bigger. Whether you’re dealing with a tight waistband or a bit of extra room needed in the hips, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to alter jeans to make them bigger.
Materials Needed
Before you start, gather the following materials:
– A pair of jeans that fit you well (for pattern matching)
– A pair of jeans to be altered
– Scissors
– A ruler or measuring tape
– A needle and thread
– Pins
– Fabric marker or chalk
– Seam ripper (if needed)
Step 1: Assess the Area to Be Altered
Take a good look at your jeans and determine which area needs to be altered. Is it the waistband, the hips, or both? Understanding the problem area will help you decide on the best approach.
Step 2: Take Measurements
Measure the area you want to alter. For instance, if you’re adjusting the waistband, measure the width and length of the waistband. If you’re working on the hips, measure the inseam and the width of the hip area.
Step 3: Trace the Pattern
Using your well-fitting jeans as a pattern, trace the area you want to alter onto the jeans to be modified. Make sure to add a seam allowance if necessary.
Step 4: Cut the Jeans
Using your fabric marker or chalk, mark the cutting line on the jeans. Then, cut along the marked line with scissors. Be sure to leave a seam allowance for stitching.
Step 5: Remove the Seam Allowance
If you’re dealing with a tight waistband, you may need to remove some of the seam allowance. Use the seam ripper to carefully unravel the seam and then press the fabric flat.
Step 6: Sew the New Seam
Pin the edges of the altered area together, and sew a new seam. Make sure to sew with a slightly larger stitch to allow for stretching. Use a zigzag stitch for extra durability.
Step 7: Press the Seam
Once the new seam is stitched, press it flat with an iron to set the stitches and create a clean finish.
Step 8: Test the Fit
Try on the jeans to ensure that the alterations have made them bigger as desired. If needed, make further adjustments to the fit.
Conclusion
With these simple steps, you can easily alter jeans to make them bigger. Remember that a little bit of effort can go a long way in making your favorite denim last longer. Happy altering!
