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Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Easy DIY Alteration Tutorial: Slimming Pants

A few weeks back, a reader asked if I could do a tutorial on how to slim pants.  I actually had quite a few pairs in queue for slimming, so perfect timing!  :)



 EDIT: Turn your pants inside out for marking up and sewing!  Thanks Jean - I totally forgot to mention that! 

Questions?  Leave them in the comments, tweet me, or email me :)

Happy altering!
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29 comments:

  1. wellfedfredJanuary 16, 2013 at 8:17 AM

    Thank you !

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  2. AnonymousJanuary 16, 2013 at 8:27 AM

    Thank you, that's really useful!

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  3. J.CrewJDJanuary 16, 2013 at 8:43 AM

    THANK YOU for this. I bought a pair of paisley J.Crew pants from 2004 on eBay for like, $5, that had the same print as a very expensive pair of collection capri pants in 2011. Only problem is the 2004 pants are all wide legged and ugly. They have been sitting in my sewing pile for months... now I know just how to slim them. Thanks again!

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    1. SewPetiteGalJanuary 19, 2013 at 12:11 AM

      Ooh, let me know if it works out!

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    2. J.CrewJDApril 22, 2013 at 12:23 PM

      I will! I am thinking of finally getting to this project this week... I hope, anyway. I am not BFFS with my sewing machine, and the whole idea of slimming my pants terrifies me!

      Delete
  4. Always MayleeJanuary 16, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    Wow, I really need to learn how to sew!

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

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  5. PhoebeJanuary 16, 2013 at 9:34 AM

    Thanks for posting SPG!!! I was wondering which ways you and Jean did your alterations!! Your slimmed pants looks great!!!! xoxo, Phoebe

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  6. DDJanuary 16, 2013 at 9:50 AM

    Thank you so much for this alteration! I just started with sewing so I am looking forward to trying this out.

    www.steffysworld.com x

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  7. JeanJanuary 16, 2013 at 12:34 PM

    Great easy-to-follow tutorial! Even though it's evident in your pics, just wanted to add to any beginners to make sure the chalk drawing and stitching is on pants that have been turned inside out. I know it's a given for those who sew, but not always to those who havent ; )

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  8. UnknownJanuary 16, 2013 at 1:07 PM

    Thats a great tutorial for beginners. I usually wear my pants inside out and just mark where Id like to stitch.

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  9. phiphis blogJanuary 16, 2013 at 4:12 PM

    i love this tutorial - thank you for posting this!

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  10. Amber @ EasyPetiteLooks.comJanuary 16, 2013 at 5:41 PM

    very helpful. one day i'll come back to all of these and try some. in about 3 years.

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  11. Petite TherapyJanuary 16, 2013 at 7:00 PM

    I've been totally meaning to slim my flared work pants. I've been procrastinating it. I thought I had to try it on and pin it to get the right cut. You're way is so much easier.

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    1. SewPetiteGalJanuary 19, 2013 at 12:09 AM

      I've tried that before, but often jab myself instead! Have also tried it on and marked, but it didn't seem very accurate. I might just be a klutz, lol. This way was easiest for me, but by no means the best or only way to do it :)

      Delete
  12. OlyviaJanuary 16, 2013 at 7:31 PM

    Times like these I wish I had a sewing machine and a serger machine to fix all my pants as easy as your tutorial! Took me forever when I tried slimming my own wide-leg pants sewing by hand (http://caramelcovered.blogspot.com/2012/08/wide-or-straight-pants-for-short-legs.html). For preventing the frays where the edges are, I just sort of sew in a spiral way like a candy-cane wrap around the edges...if that even makes any sense,haha

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    1. SewPetiteGalJanuary 19, 2013 at 12:10 AM

      I cannot even imagine hand-sewing that - I am super impressed! And I totally get what you mean with the candy cane wrap :)

      Delete
  13. UnknownJanuary 17, 2013 at 11:20 AM

    Nice! What a great tutorial :)

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  14. AnonymousJanuary 17, 2013 at 2:27 PM

    How does sewing into the crotch area work? I imagine that would be a tricky area to fit and make the seams meet up as the back has more material than the front, and you would also have to avoid hitting the zipper? Can you show more detail in that area? Thank you!

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    1. SewPetiteGalJanuary 17, 2013 at 8:21 PM

      I actually start at the inner thigh (probably 2 inches down) because, you're right, it could turn into a mess otherwise. Sorry for being unclear!

      Delete
  15. With Each Passing DayJanuary 17, 2013 at 9:56 PM

    Thank you for a easy sewing tutorial.

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  16. ChristieJanuary 19, 2013 at 12:06 PM

    Such a great DIY project to do at home. I love how you can alter something from the old to make it new again !

    xx,

    www.loveandcompanyblog.ca

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  17. Lisa - respect the shoesJanuary 19, 2013 at 5:39 PM

    You keep coming up with these great DIYs, I'm going to need to invest in a sewing machine! ;o)

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  18. AllisonJanuary 21, 2013 at 6:43 PM

    You are so talented! You make me realize how badly I need to learn how to sew...maybe I wouldn't have had to donate all of my old flared jeans!
    :)
    Allison

    A's Fashion Files
    Shop Kawaii Kitsch by A on Etsy, and get free domestic shipping with code FREESHIP

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  19. lisacngJanuary 25, 2013 at 10:31 AM

    Totally thought I left a comment but guess not :O. Do you mess with the crotch area? Great tutorial and great transformation!

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    1. SewPetiteGalMay 3, 2017 at 8:20 AM

      Oops, sorry I missed this! Nope, taper in leading to the crotch - definitely don't want to adjust that!

      Delete
  20. AnonymousApril 15, 2014 at 4:22 AM

    Waooow!!! Really very cool site of blogs. You can imagine what you have done for me.
    bubblegum casting reviews

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  21. Zully López-RomeroMarch 7, 2017 at 8:00 AM

    Thank you, I´m going to try that with my pants! Hugs

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  22. AliJune 25, 2018 at 3:00 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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