Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: topaz
Date: 08-21-2003, 10:14 AM (1 of 4)
Hi! It's been quite a while since I have last visited these boards. My question is: how do I go about altering ready-to-wear pants??? Last summer I bought six pairs of pants accidentally a size too big. Instead of throwing them out, I'd like to try taking them in. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
n/a
|
User: topaz
Member since: 03-06-2002 Total posts: 3 |
From: habanerohutch
Date: 08-21-2003, 03:09 PM (2 of 4)
|
Topaz, So much depends on the style of the pants and possibly even the fabric. Give us some more details. Fitted with waistbnad? or pullon with elastic waist? fly front or back zipper? flat front or pleats? pockets, where and what style? woven or stretch fabric? In general downsizing just one size should not be too difficult. There is only about 2" from one size to the next. So if you were working from a pattern rather than a finished garment, you would just add or subtract 1/2" at each side seam to go up or down one size. Lala Chile Pepper from Texas
|
User: habanerohutch
Member since: 07-01-2000 Total posts: 49 |
From: topaz
Date: 08-22-2003, 07:34 AM (3 of 4)
|
Hi! Thank you so much for responding! I feel a bit more confident now. Let's see... two pairs care actually capri-style pants with a regular waist, back zipper and I would say form-fitting with a slight flare at the hem. The other four pairs are pants in a similar style, but with front zippers. Most of the pants have pockets in the front, save for one pair where the pockets are located in the side-seams. All are flat-front in design and are made of a nylon/polyester/lycra blend. Here is what I am thinking of doing: Try on each pair and pin or chalk the 2" amount of fabric that needs to be taken in. I guess I'll have to rip out the side seams as well as the waist band. Next, I'll lay the pieces flat and use my french curve to chalk out the lines where I will have to cut. I guess my remaining questions are: are the zippers going to be affected by alteration? Should the pockets be porportionately altered? And are the alterations only taken from the side seam??? Again, thank you so much. n/a
|
User: topaz
Member since: 03-06-2002 Total posts: 3 |
From: habanerohutch
Date: 08-22-2003, 12:59 PM (4 of 4)
|
Pin fitting out the excess at the 2 side seams sounds like a plan. Don't "over fit", you still have to be able to move and sit down. Center front or center back zippers should not be affected at all. Inseam pockets will probably have to be removed and then reinserted when the location of the side seams is certain. Front pockets of the jeans type, with a curve cut out of the pants front would be a little more work. First make a template of the curve in realtion to the present side seam. then remove the pocket facing. lining, etc. After the side seams are finalized, use the template to cut a new curve in the front and replace all the innards. If you don't want to do all that, then pin and see if you can live with the hand opening being 1/2" smaller. Lala Chile Pepper from Texas
|
User: habanerohutch
Member since: 07-01-2000 Total posts: 49 |
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-10704.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft