Easy Thrift Flip Tutorial: How to Alter Pants That Are Too Big
Hey guys. Welcome to today’s thrift flip tutorial on how to alter pants that are too big.
The world is overstocked with clothing these days. Don’t waste your money buying something new when you can easily customize thrift store clothes to fit you just right.
I found a pair of gorgeous white linen palazzo pants two sizes too big and I managed to resize them to fit me perfectly. Follow along to find out how.
Tools and materials:
- Oversized pants
- Seam ripper/blade
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Sewing chalk
- Sewing machine/needle and thread
1. Remove and resize the waistband
Remove the waistband with a seam ripper or a blade. Measure your waistband and cut the waistband to fit your waist.
Cut off the extra fabric on the side with the button. It’s easier to move a button than it is to make a new buttonhole.
Turn the waistband edge inward by ¼ inch, pin, and sew.
2. Resize the legs and lining
Turn the pants inside out and lay them flat. The pants I’m altering have a lining.
If yours does too, separate the lining with a blade or seam ripper.
Try the pants on again and measure to see how much excess you have. Mine were 4 inches too wide.
I pinned off 2 inches from both sides of the waist. Then I measure 1.5 inches in at the hips.
Next I measured and marked 5 inches down from the waistline.
At that 5-inch point, measure and mark ½ an inch inward. The 2-inch inward measurement from the top of the waist will slant out toward the 5-inch mark.
That line will continue to slant outwards until it meets the edge at 20 inches down from the waist.
Do the same with the lining this time marking ¾ inward slanting out towards 15 inches down the leg.
At the 15-inch mark measure in ½ an inch to slant that line outward until it meets the 20-inch mark. Connect all measurement markings.
3. Start sewing
Pin everything and sew just above the measurement markings.
Cut off the excess fabric leaving ½ an inch for seam allowance.
Then you can surge the sides to prevent fraying. Turn the lining back into the pant leg.
4. Reattach waistband and button
Now it’s time to reattach the waistband. Insert the waistline into the waistband and pin it. Then slowly and carefully sew with a topstitch.
Reattach the button and you’re good to go!
What a fabulous way to achieve the perfect fit from a pair of thrift store pants. It’s so convenient to know how to alter pants that are too big.
What do you think? Leave me a comment and let me know.
Next, learn How to DIY a Cute and Easy Upcycled Denim Bag.
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