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Since I’m only 5’1″ I have a hard time finding pants that fit how I like them to so I usually end up altering them myself. These pants in particular were supposed to be ankle length, but instead they bunched up at the bottom, so I decided to fix that! (Fun Fact: You can’t tell in most of these pictures but they are actually black with grey polkadots.) Once you learn how to alter your own pants it’s easy to buy cheapies and make them fit like $200 jeans!
Here’s What You Do:
Turn the pair of pants you are altering inside out and lay a pair of pants that you like the length of on top of them lining up the bottom of the crotch and the legs. Fold up the pants you are altering to the length of the pants you like (in my case it was several inches) and pin where you have folded. Fold the pants in half to make sure the length of the legs match then turn the pants right side out and iron the hem. I like to use the flat iron that I use on my hair which I’m sure breaks all kinds of sewing rules, but it’s so much easier!
Sew the hem in a straight line with thread that matches the other thread on the pants. I like to try my pants on before I cut off the extra fabric just to make sure the length is where I would like it to be. If it is, go ahead and cut off the extra fabric. If it’s not quite right, cut the thread with a seam ripper and move the hem to be where you would like it.
At this point my pants were short enough, just not skinny enough. To take them in, put your pants on inside out and grab your pins! Pull the extra fabric to the side starting from the highest point you need it (I started at the knee and worked down) and pin, making sure that the fabric is smooth. Take the pants off very carefully and check your pinning to make sure the fabric isn’t going to be bunched up when you sew it. Sew a line following your pins then try the pants on again before cutting the extra fabric. Keep in mind that the extra fabric inside will make them a little bit tighter. If you like the way they fit, cut the extra fabric off!
There you go! You have a new pair of pants that fit you perfectly!
Have you ever altered jeans? What did you do differently?
Xo- Katie
About Kortney Campbell
I'm Kortney; a wife, natural mama and vegan in love with life, food and all things vintage! I've been vegan since December 2007, but have loved to cook & create pretty things since before I can remember. I started Vegan Housewives because I don't think you have to give up the joys of food when going vegan! I have a fondness for re-creating non-vegan recipes (especially my grandma's), making a healthier & animal friendly version so be sure to send me your favorite concoctions by clicking our "share a recipe" button - I would LOVE to veg-i-fy them!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I like to fold mine two times before I hem them to give them that professional look. I definitely will try the flat iron trick!
Katie, Great lesson. I am so tall, 5’9″, maybe you could save the extra material to make my pants long enough!! :) Love you..
This is perfect!! I am also 5’1″ and all the ankle skinnies I find are way to long and not skinny enough for me. Thanks so much, I’ll need to try this!!
would suggest you wash your jeans first as the rotten lousy things have a nasty habit of shrinking. Been there done that and am a fully paid up member of the club.
haha indeed they do! Great tip! Thank you :)