Introduction
Knowing how to take in pants waist without the need for a sewing machine is an invaluable skill that makes the difference between having a perfect fit and just making do with ill-fitting trousers. This article will provide a detailed guide on how to take in the waist of trousers without the use or need of a sewing machine. From essential items to practical advice, this article will guide readers in gaining the necessary insight to start altering their trousers as a pro.
What You Need
Before starting to take in the waist of your trousers, it is important to gather the necessary materials and items. First and foremost, you need the trousers that you wish to alter. Additionally, you will need tailor’s chalk, pins or thread, fabric or paper tape measure, iron, shears, open-seamed tape, and lightweight fabric thread. It is best to use thread of a similar color as the trousers, to make the stitches as discreet and almost unnoticeable as possible.
Instructions
Once you have gathered all the items required for altering the trousers, the actual alteration process can begin. First, lay the trousers flat on the work area and spread them evenly. Then, measure the sides of the trousers that are particularly wide and determine the exact amount of centimetres that need to be taken in for the waist to fit properly. The measurements should be made with the fabric/paper tape measure and marked with the tailor’s chalk.
The next step is to cut the marks that you have made with the tailor’s chalk, with the help of the shears. Make sure that the seam remains in an open form. Take special care to cut evenly and not to create a jagged or uneven waistline. Once the marks have been cut, you should then fold the inside of the waistline, so that the outer side of the waist is narrower and closer to the desired size. Mark the fold that has just been created, with the help of the tailor’s chalk, and then carefully cut it.
The final step before stitching is to pin the excess fabric in place, to make it easier to attach it. Make sure that the pins are placed symmetrically, in order to achieve a neat look. Start from the centre of the waist and work your way out, pushing and securing each side as you go.
Stitching
The next step is to start stitching the folded material and the excess fabric together. Start at the centre of the waist and move clockwise towards the end and around the tips. Begin sewing the parts together with a straight stitch, with the help of the lightweight fabric thread in a similar color as the trousers. Make sure to avoid pulling too hard, to ensure that the stitches remain invisible to the dullest of eyes.
Once the stitching is complete, secure the ends of the thread on the fabric with a few extra layers of thread, and tie the thread off. Place the open-seamed tape on the inside of the waist of the trousers, at the same angle as the stiches. This will help to reinforce the newly created seams, making them stronger for a longer period of time.
Finishing
The final step is to iron the area of the new seams and secure the newly cut fabric edges. Once that’s done, check to make sure the trousers fit properly, around the waist and in the legs, before finally calling it complete.
Crease Removal
To make sure your trousers look their best, it is essential to remove all of the creases that have been created while altering the garment. This can be done with a steam iron, which is also quite effective when it comes to pressing trousers. Simply press the trousers lightly, on a hanger or flat, and make sure that you never apply too much heat on the fabric, in order to avoid burning the fabric and damaging the trousers.
Other Tips
Although taking in pant waists without a sewing machine is an easy task with a few simple steps, there are some tips that can help you to achieve an even better result. Firstly, it is important to buy trousers of a high quality, as it allows for a better finish to the waist when it comes to alterations. Secondly, always double check the measurements before you cut the trousers, in order to avoid making mistakes which cannot be corrected. And thirdly, make sure to use the right materials and items, especially when it comes to thread and fabric tape.
Experimentation
Apart from the simple alterations that can be done with or without a sewing machine, experimentation can also be done in terms of the waist size. For example, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try taking in the waist more than what is indicated by the measurements. However, it is important to remain cautious when doing so, as too much alteration can easily spoil the trousers, so taking it in gradually is key.
Pocket Alterations
If you feel like it, you can also tweak the pocket size and design, in order to make sure that it looks neat and matches the trousers. To do so, simply measure the desired size, again making sure to double check all the measurements, and cut the pocket, following the same steps that were used for altering the waist of the trousers. Then, simply attach the pocket to the trousers following the same steps that were used for waist alteration.
Frayed Edges
Frayed edges are one of the most common issues that arise when it comes to altering trousers, as the constant tugging of the fabric can easily cause fraying. To ensure that this doesn’t happen, it is important to use heavy-duty thread while stitching, and to make sure that the seams are kept tight and secure. Additionally, be sure to turn the edges of the fabric inside out right after the cutting process, in order to keep the fabric in good shape and minimize the risk of any fraying.
Maintenance
In order to keep the trousers looking their best, it is important to maintain them properly. When washing your trousers, always turn them inside out to minimize any wear and tear, as well as to keep the newly created seams intact. Additionally, it is best to avoid the dryer when it comes to trousers, as the heat can cause the fabric to shrink and damage the newly created seams and pocket.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to take in pants waist without a sewing machine is an invaluable skill that not only saves precious time but can also add an extra touch to any outfit. From essential items to practical advice, this guide will provide readers with the necessary insight on how to go about the alteration process. Though it may seem simple and straightforward, there are several tips and tricks that need to be taken into account, in order to ensure a neat and well-done alteration process.
