How to Alter Jeans by Hand
Are you looking to give your favorite jeans a new lease on life? Maybe you’ve outgrown them or they just don’t fit quite right anymore. Don’t worry; altering jeans by hand is a simple and rewarding project that can breathe new life into your wardrobe. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of how to alter jeans by hand, step by step.
Step 1: Choose the Right Jeans
Before you start, select a pair of jeans that you love but need a little tweaking. Make sure they are made from a durable fabric that can withstand the alterations without losing its shape or color.
Step 2: Gather Your Tools
To alter jeans by hand, you’ll need a few basic tools. These include a pair of fabric scissors, a tailor’s chalk or fabric pen, a seam ripper, a needle and thread, and pins. You may also want to have a tailor’s measuring tape on hand for precise measurements.
Step 3: Determine the Alteration Needed
Decide what kind of alteration you want to make. Common alterations include shortening the hem, taking in the waist, or adjusting the inseam. Knowing exactly what you want to change will help you plan the rest of the process.
Step 4: Shortening the Hem
If you need to shorten the hem, fold the hem up to the desired length and pin it in place. Then, mark the new hem line with tailor’s chalk or a fabric pen. Using fabric scissors, carefully cut off the excess fabric, being careful not to cut through the original hem stitching. Finally, zigzag stitch the raw edge to prevent fraying.
Step 5: Taking in the Waist
To take in the waist, remove the original waistband and measure the new waist size. Cut the fabric at the desired point, being sure to leave enough fabric to create a new waistband. Then, re-sew the waistband, making sure to match the original stitching and finish the edges.
Step 6: Adjusting the Inseam
Adjusting the inseam is similar to shortening the hem. Fold the inseam up to the desired length, mark the new inseam line, and cut off the excess fabric. Re-sew the inseam, making sure to reinforce the stitching for durability.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
After making the necessary alterations, take a moment to check your work. Make sure all seams are evenly stitched and that the fabric is lying flat. Trim any excess threads and give your jeans a good press with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles.
Conclusion
Altering jeans by hand is a satisfying and cost-effective way to update your wardrobe. With a little patience and some basic sewing skills, you can easily make your jeans fit just right. So go ahead and give your favorite jeans a new lease on life by following these simple steps on how to alter jeans by hand.
