Need some expert alteration advice!
by
Kim
+7
I really hope I’m not going to be reprimanded for asking this as it doesn’t pertaim to home or garden, well, at all, but I really am desperate and there are so many talented people available On this site I thought I would take the risk! Ok, so I need to alter a pair of jean shorts, but in the opposite direction. Not take in, TAKE OUT! The individual who asked absolutely will not part with these shorts, they fit everywhere other than the actual button site. Very high-midwaist, I would say “sailor shorts” that’s what they remind me of, the super high waist, anyways the size that is needed now is what the shorts would be sized if they were worn unbuttoned. I don’t know exactly how many cm/in this would add to the waist line, but any help, suggestions are welcomed THANK YOU!
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Soft waistband elastic. Open both side seams to below the waist/top of the hip. Make long triangles of matching, or contrasting if the client wishes, elastic insets. Make it look like part of the design.
If the texture of the elastic is totally inappropriate, find a complementary fabric or ribbon.
JCRAW THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Yes, You may have to bind of reinforce the edges of the open seams, depending on how much the fabric frays, but Jcraw's idea should work without compromising the front button area. This is one way of 'altering' pants and shorts to fit maternity.
A piece added like this is called a "gusset." You may want to use a reinforced stitch along the edges to strengthen the seams.
I am a semi-retired seamtress and I concur with the advice given with one exception, you can use an elastic panel, available in a variety of colors. I've used this in more than one pair of jeans to do just what you're doing. The elastic holds the jeans much better than trying to fit them with fabric. Ensure the stretch goes across the hip, not up and down.
ok, so in doing this do you both think it will work with about an extra 1/2 inch on each side? She tried them on for me, we measured and that’s seems to be the accurate increase needed to make it work. So with that small of an amount do i proceed with doing this on the side seams or do I do it in the back seam right where the belt loop would be, make a full “v” inch, and then blend the belt loop back over it? The 1/2 inch on nothing sides seems like once I get it all pinned in would be hard to rumble through my machine and keep in place?
Ha I meant “run” not “ rumble”....autocorrect🙄
It's harder to get the fit right on the back seam, I've tried it both ways. It really does work better on the side seam. When I put it on the back seam, it tended to look "awkward", just blended in better on the side seams.
You can get a tool to help you get over the seams, forget what it's called, but I got mine at JoAnns, you lay iton the sewing machine and it helps you go over thick seams. It's a life saver if you do a lot of this kind of sewing.