Required Tools
The tools necessary to take in the waistline of a pair of pants without a sewing machine are not extensive and are easy to obtain. The minimum items needed are an iron, a pair of pants to work on, some basic fabric tape, and preferably an ironing board. Some people prefer to use safety pins as an alternative to the fabric tape, to hold the fabric in place while being ironed. All of these items are easily accessible from most general stores.
If your pants are heavy and thick, you may require a pair of heavy-duty scissors to cut the fabric prior to shrinking it. You may also require a measuring device, such as a measuring tape, to ensure both sides of the fabric are evenly taken in. To retain a more professional finish, it is best to have a tailor shop near you so that the fabric can be finished by a professional.
Instructions
The process of taking in the waist of a pair of pants without a sewing machine is relatively simple. Before starting the process itself, it is important to choose a material appropriate for heat-ironing. Draw a line between the halfway points of the pant waist to use as a guide while taking it in. Take out around one to two inches of fabric and pin the remaining sides together.
Lay the pants and the fabric tape on the ironing board and press the fabric with the iron, starting at the base and ascending towards the waist, to secure it in place. Iron all around the waist, so that the fabric cannot separate, and ensure that there are no wrinkles. Your pants should now fit snugly around the waist.
If the pants still feel slightly loose, repeat the process of taking in less fabric and ironing the waist until you achieve the desired fit. This process requires a few attempts, with patience and practice, to achieve a nice, neat, and tidy finish.
Alternative Method
If one does not have the tools or the time to take in the waist of their pants without a sewing machine, there is an alternative method. Taking your pants to the tailor is the easiest and most accessible method for slimming down the pants. Most cities and towns have a tailor shop, and all it requires is dropping off your pants and paying a small fee. The tailor will do the work for you, and should have them ready in a short amount of time.
This method is great for those with little to no knowledge when it comes to altering clothing and creating a professional-looking finish. It is ideal for those who do not have the time to alter the clothing themselves, or those who get overwhelmed by the thought of sewing.
Tips & Warnings
It is best to start with a small amount of the fabric to test it out and make sure the pants do not become too tight. If the fabric that is taken in is too much, it is impossible to add in more fabric, as the fabric in the pants is unlikely to be the same type or pattern as the pants themselves. This can also be used to take in the waist of skirts, jumpers, and other types of clothing.
When adjusting or changing the fabric texture of your clothing, make sure to account for any potential shrinkage. Also, before taking in the fabric, it is important to stretch the fabric to make sure the seams do not become distorted. This can cause the fabric to tear and make the clothing unwearable.
Safety Measures When Ironing
When ironing the pants, it is important to be mindful of the fabric type. It is recommended to place a damp cloth between the iron and the fabric as to not damage the clothing. It is essential to keep the iron on the lowest possible heat so that the fabric does not burn. Always ensure that the iron is away from the skin and keep children away when ironing.
To ensure a longer-lasting effect of the process, it is important to finish off the edges with a seamstress or sewing machine. This will secure the fabric in place and make sure the clothing lasts for a much longer period of time.
Conclusion
Without the proper tools, materials, and knowledge, it can be difficult to take in the waistline of a pair of pants without a sewing machine. Although it may seem daunting, by following the instructions, using the correct tools, measuring accurately and taking safety precautions into consideration, it is possible to take in waistbands without a sewing machine.
