Basic Procedure
Taking in the waist of jeans with a sewing machine is an achievable task, even for those with beginner level sewing skills. To begin, you will need to gather a few supplies to have on-hand. This includes a pair of jeans that fit in all other areas and a coordinating thread. Optional items, depending on the project, can include another pair of jeans to use as reference, a seam ripper, and scissors.
To start the process, begin by taking the jeans apart, then cut from the side or inseam of the jeans to open up the waist. Depending on how much you choose to alter the jeans, use a seam ripper to remove previous stitching on the excess fabric that will be taken up for the smaller waist size. A seam gauge can come in handy here to measure the exact amount of fabric you will use for the hem.
Stabilize the area around the waistband by pinning the fabric in place and constructing a stay stitch or a thread basting to secure the fabric. With a sewing machine, set a narrow zigzag stitch to allow some stretching of the stitch. Adjust the stitch length to fit snug and sew a thin line.
Thread a hand-needle with the coordinating thread, then hand stitch the final piece of fabric up either with an overcast stitch, topstitch, tack by hand, or use any combination of stitch strategies to ensure that your waistband stays in place after repeated wear.
Finally, serge the edges of the finished hem to ensure that it lasts as long as possible without fraying or breaking. Hand-stitching a waistband is an intricate and in-depth process, however taking in the waist of jeans with a sewing machine can provide an efficient solution for those seeking a quicker way of creating their desired look.
Factors to Consider
While taking in the waist of jeans is a relatively straight-forward task, there are still a few factors to consider when reducing the size of the waist. Firstly, fabrics differ in weight, texture, fiber content and thickness. Therefore, before starting any alterations it is important to assess the fabric on the jeans to determine what type of sewing machine needle size and thread tension is best.
Additionally, make sure to have the right type of foot on the sewing machine when making the initial hem. It is best to use a zipper foot, slight zigzag stitch, or blind stitch so the seams are properly constructed. Furthermore, when sewing the waistband consider using a reinforcing thread. This type of thread comes in a variety of colors, so it can be helpful in matching fabrics and less noticeable.
Another factor to consider before altering jeans is the fabric stretch, especially for women’s jeans. These fabrics tend to be more delicate, thus more prone to overstretching. Moreover, going too tight can make the jeans uncomfortable, so take caution in making sure they are not too tight when making adjustments.
Finally, to get the best results when taking in the waist of jeans, it helps to sporadically test fit the garment to make any necessary adjustments. This way, the waistband will fit correctly and you can confidently wear the jeans once they are complete.
Advanced Techniques
As well as altering a waist with a sewing machine, there are additional techniques which can be adopted for those wanting to perfect their jeans look. For instance, one technique is to add darts or gathers along the hips and waistline. By doing this, it allows an even fabric distribution throughout the waist with a neat finish. Adding darts requires intricate and specialised skills, however is worth the extra effort for a polished look.
Using a decorative stitch is another common approach to taking in the waist of jeans. This method adds a small touch of texture and is a great way to disguise a hem. Additionally, fringe or a rolled edge may be inserted depending on the fabric and appeal. To do this, ensure the presser foot is firmly held against the fabric and using circular or zigzag stitching on the outside circumference of the waistband to create the desired effect.
In some cases, the waist size of jeans may have reduced due to natural wear and tear. Symbolic to this worn, relaxed look, adding a touch of distress is a popular technique often used when altering jeans. To achieve the distressed look, fabric strips can be inserted at an angle, then stitched securely and often secured with decorative stitching. Moreover, wearing the jeans in the wash helps to soften the fabric and distress them further.
Regardless of the techniques employed, taking in the waist of jeans with a sewing machine is a simple process, however has the potential to be taken to the next level with some creative techniques for a unique outcome.
Tools for the Job
A range of tools are required when taking in the waist of jeans, each with a purpose to get the best outcome. Start with the basic tools such as scissors or a rotary cutter and ruler to cut the fabric. Additionally, use a tailor’s ham to support the fabric while sewing and pressing. This is especially helpful when ‘easing’, which involves applying and reducing fullness in certain areas of the garment.
Once the fabric has been cut, use a seam ripper to remove any redundant stitching and a tape measure to accurately measure the fabric. Again, depending on the project, items such as a seam gauge and needle threader can come in handy when measurements and multiple threads are required.
Finally, use of a dressmaker’s form or tailor’s dummy is an effective tool when testing the fit of the jeans. This allows the waist to be tested and see how the jeans fit when worn. Dummies come in a range of sizes and lightly flexible materials and often have additional details for alterations, such as a drop shoulder, armhole or back darts. When the perfect fit is achieved, each alteration to make jeans can be transfered to pattern form for future ease.
Practical Tips
When attempting to alter jeans, there are certain tips that come in handy to enable a seamless fitting.
Before making any alterations, it is important to start off with a clean pair of jeans. A steamer or iron can be used to remove any creases prior to making any alterations. Additionally, keeping the jeans flat while side seam alterations are taking place is a sure fire way to ensure they fit correctly and in the right manner. Finally, using a pattern to guide the alteration and trying the jeans on throughout the process is a solo tip to guarantee a successful outcome.
Reinforcement of the waist and hem is key when taking in the waist of jeans. This includes reinforcing the remaining fabric with additional stitching for security. Moreover, for complete reliability it is important to check for any broken threads, loose stitches and puckering fabric before finishing.
Finally, test the waistband with some form of elastic to see how it fits across the waist and prevent any issues with fit as the jeans get worn. This also helps to keep the alteration in place and provide protection against future issues with the fabric.
Finishing Touches
Once the fabric is sewn securely and all remaining holes have been reinforced, it is time to finish the alteration. Hem the fabric up either with a sewing machine or customised hand stitching. Utilize a seam finish method that is appropriate for the fabric weight and texture. This process helps to refine the overall look of the jeans and showcases the detail completed throughout the alteration.
Some popular seam finish techniques include almaching, a narrow stitch which reduces fraying fabric, as well as top-stitching which is used for jeans due to the hard-wearing nature. This alters the appearance of jeans and can be used to cover more minor details such as patches and pockets.
After the alteration has been finished and the necessary tests have been performed, use an iron to flatten the waistband and complete the composure of the jeans. This helps to maintain the jeans and make sure they look exactly as you desired when taking in the waist.
