I've done this on almost every pair of trousers my kids wore when they were little and this is the simplest way I found of doing it. You do need a sewing machine but mad sewing skills are not required.
The jeans that are too wide
Elastic (about 2 - 3cm wide is ideal, just make sure it's not wider than the waistband)
Cut a little slot on each side of the jeans, on the inside, just in from the side seams. Make sure you cut to one side of any belt loop and only cut through one layer of fabric.
Pop a safety pin on one end.
Then start poking the elastic through one of the holes you have cut.
Once you are about half way along, stop and secure the other end, just use another safety pin to stop it disappearing (yes, I've done that and you just have to pull it right out and start again!)
Keep going, threading the elastic through until it comes out the other end.
Now you want the elastic flat and on the inside, but you don't want to loose the end. Remove the safety pin and carefully push the end back inside the hole.
Use the safety pin again to secure it.
Then do the same at the other end.
Now you just need to fire up the sewing machine. I stitch either side of the hole back and forth a few times, then do a few lines of zig zag to close up the gap.
It looks like this on the outside.
That's it, finished!
It's actually only bringing them in by a couple of inches but makes a big difference to the fit and comfort. I don't think I could manage to take the waistband off, take in the side seams and reattach the waistband, and until the kids are adult sized when you can buy jeans by waist & inside leg measurements, this seems to work!
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This is a great idea - all my boys are tall and slim and if they fit in the length then the waist is too loose. I have also made several pairs of my own jeans and when I first started a few years ago my pattern was not perfected and I have a pair or two that are a little loose around the backside - I might try this method out. Thanks for sharing your tutorial - pinning it.
ReplyDeleteMaking your own jeans sounds impressive! I've seen tutorials for taking ladies jeans in at the back if they gape, taking off the waistband, re-doing the back seam etc which I did try on a pair of mine which came out ok, but not epic!
DeleteFor the kids though I have done this elastic method for years, mostly because it seems to work and only takes about 10 minutes!
Thank you so much for showing this, I've recently lost a LOT of weight and this will mean I can wear my jeans and trousers for a bit longer before buying new ones.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous idea - my monkey is far too skinny for some of her trousers and this will be a great help, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJulie, this is such a fantastic idea and great tutorial! I'd have loved to know this when my kids were little. Thank you for sharing it on the link-a-long at www.GoCrochetCrazy.blogspot.com ! I hope to see you again at this week's link party!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this great tip! I will be fixing up my kid's jeans!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great simple fix! I usually don't have this problem, but if I could loose a couple more pounds I will do this. Excellent tutorial!
ReplyDeleteNeat project! My oldest is super skinny, so I only buy the kids pants with the elastic, but this opens more possibilities.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
My kids are grown but it is almost impossible for me to buy jeans that fit in the waist - there is always a big gap in the back. I need to try this! stopping by from Wine'd Down party.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting, thanks for letting me know Diane.
ReplyDeleteThis is so brilliant! My girls are quite slim and this has always been a struggle. I usually buy them with elastic, but now I know how to add it myself! -Deanna {sewmccool}
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling this will come in handy with my kids. Thanks.
ReplyDelete