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From: sewingtiger40
Date: 06-16-2004, 11:17 PM (1 of 5)
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Hey there, Well I was proud that I completed my first pair of shorts using the McCalls #3132. The pattern says it is a low rise pattern but when I put on the finished project the waist band came above my belly button. I was really disappointed they were not as low as I wanted. Overall a good pattern, so my question is how do I alter the pattern to lower the waist band about two inches? I'm a real beginner at this clothing construction so I would love to hear some detailed instuctions if it is not to hard for a beginner. Or does any one know of a good low rise pattern for shorts and pants? Any help would be appreciated. Karen |
User: sewingtiger40
Member since: 03-10-2003 Total posts: 32 
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From: MaryW
Date: 06-17-2004, 08:28 AM (2 of 5)
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Without looking at your pattern, I can only hazard a guess. It sounds like you need to make your adjustment between your full hip and the natural waistline.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: stitchmd
Date: 06-17-2004, 12:20 PM (3 of 5)
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Making the adjustment at that level would likely lead to fit problems, as the narrower waist level section would now be over the high hip. Unless the waist band came out too loose this won't work. The top edge probably needs to be cut down and a new waistband drafted with the right angle for the side seams and a longer length. Do you have someone who can help you do this while you are wearing the pants? |
User: stitchmd
Member since: 02-25-2003 Total posts: 226 |
From: sewingtiger40
Date: 06-19-2004, 11:54 AM (4 of 5)
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I'm not going to try to alter the pair of shorts I have made...I think that may be too hard for me. I'll just use them as gardening shorts! I really want to know how to alter the pattern so the next pair will sit below the belly button. Would I just reduce front and back body length and increase the waist measurement? Or would it be best to decrease the crotch depth (frant and back)??? Again being a true beginner I would like some advice on the easiest way to do it. I own SB new fitting book but I can't seem to find a clear way of doing this. Thanks for yor help. Karen 
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User: sewingtiger40
Member since: 03-10-2003 Total posts: 32
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From: gmcsewer
Date: 07-14-2004, 09:32 AM (5 of 5)
| AS a 4-H leader, we helped the girls check the fit on their patterns. To check the crotch length you sit on a chair and measure from the waistline to the chair. This is your crotch length. There is usually a place marked on the printed patterns showing the crotch line but if not just go straight across from the point of the crotch. being perpendicular to the grain line marking. To alter the length make a fold in the pattern at about halfway between the crotch and the waistline. To check the fit at front and back you can put the pants on and with either a string or a strip of elastic tie at the natural waist and pull the fabrick up under the elastic so that you like the fit. Mark with chalk or a sliver of soap. This is the line where you would sew the waistband. Check where the points of the darts fall as you may want to adjust them. When I fit pants on someone, I have them put them on wrong side out and pin in the sides along the hips to make a smooth line. Mark where the pins are with chalk on both front and back and you have your sewing line. |
User: gmcsewer
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 45 |
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