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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
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From: Newbie5
Date: 07-14-2005, 01:46 AM (1 of 7)
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Hello, I am a beginner and can only hem pants and do other minor alterations. I don't think I want to attempt taking in my jeans, but I would like to know what the right way to do this is so that when I take them to an alteration person, I will know what I'm talking about. I have a pair of jeans that is loose through the hips (which then makes them loose through the buttocks.) What is the right way to take these in?? Is it done by re-sewing the outer seam? I once had a lady tear out the back seam and re-sew it, but that caused the material at the buttocks to bunch up a bit and look funny. Who knows, if someone says it's easy enough, I may attempt it! **Thank you in advance for your help** |
User: Newbie5
Member since: 11-01-2004 Total posts: 4 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-15-2005, 09:58 AM (2 of 7)
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Wow! For a beginner you sure can ask the hard questions! You probably haven't gotten an answer because we are all a bit stumped. Most men't pants are altered in the back seam but this does little to the hips. Alterations on the sides will complicate the side pockets (not to mention the problems with flat fell seams). I can suggest that if one brand doesn't fit you well you might try another. We've found over the years that each brand fits differently. I haven't helped but this will bring the post back to the top and hopefully someone has had success with this alteration! You aren't the only guy out there with this problem! pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: BabsSewingRoom
Date: 07-15-2005, 11:52 AM (3 of 7)
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I do a lot of alterations but have never been asked to do a pair of jeans. However, I have done several alterations of regular slacks thru the hips and legs. I basically take them apart in seat, front, and inside leg seams. It takes some reshaping in the legs as well as the seat to get it right. Neither would I try the side seams with those pockets. But then I didn't think I'd ever replace a zipper in a pair of jeans either till this week. I had continued to put them to the back of the rack till I finally gritted my teeth and went at it. They actually turned out very good. Bottom line, unless you have a lot invested in the jeans give them to Goodwill and do as "Paroper" posting suggests - try another brand till you find one that fits you better. My rates are "hobby" rates vs. "business" rates (that means I'm cheap) but I'd charge double rate to mess with jeans. For the zipper I only charged the gal $5 because I'd kept them so long but it was worth $20. |
User: BabsSewingRoom
Member since: 04-10-2004 Total posts: 80 |
From: Helen Weiss
Date: 07-15-2005, 07:14 PM (4 of 7)
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Reducing the hip area in Jeans is a very difficult alteration. The biggest problem, I've found, is resewing the center back seam so that it will lie flat. I think it's the double fold that is the problem, then there are all those thicknesses to sew through. In a perfect world you could take the jeans in on the side seam over the hip area. If there is a rivet at the corner of the pocket, unless you can take in enough to remove it, you will have a problem. Only solution is to eat more choclolates!!
sewhappy
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User: Helen Weiss
Member since: 10-16-2003 Total posts: 69 |
From: BabsSewingRoom
Date: 07-15-2005, 08:29 PM (5 of 7)
I like the eat more chocolates solution best of all! 
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User: BabsSewingRoom
Member since: 04-10-2004 Total posts: 80 |
From: kt53sew
Date: 07-15-2005, 08:44 PM (6 of 7)
| HI I own a tailor shop and would need more info to help .. questions to ask, Are the jeans full on the sides? [ cause small hips] or are they like saggy under tush area ?[no tush to fill] makes for two different alterations !! For small hips.. If no rivit you could take off sides [either make pocket opening smaller or take off back only] just open tp stitching closest to back and tuck extra under and top stitch down.. If no tush then you need to pinch across back seam , what ever amount you pinch is the amount you take off the inner leg "off the back only". squat a little to make sure you have sitting room then just resew shut. If you decide to go some where the sides are called the PEG and the taking of the inner leg is called the CROTCH [should never be taken on both seams just the back leg].. who ever took the back in on jeans and got a "bubble" that just means you have to go down just a bit lower, you stopped too soon ... and the lady who did the jean zipper you did indeed give it away.. I charge $14 for a jean zipper.. KT |
User: kt53sew
Member since: 02-13-2004 Total posts: 19 |
From: fronno
Date: 07-15-2005, 09:42 PM (7 of 7)
There is a third solution. Take the waistband off, make a dart of four, two in the front and two at the back, all of them in the middle and put the waistband back again. This is a solution if you don't mind to walk with darts in a pair of pants which is originally designed without. 
With kind regards,
François |
User: fronno
Member since: 04-26-2004 Total posts: 79 
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