How to Alter Jeans to Remove a Gap in the Waist

Skinny jeans are stylish, but might leave you with a gaping waistline.

Many women find it difficult to find a pair of jeans that fit them perfectly in the waist, hips and buttocks. Jeans that fit the hips and rear will often form a gap at the back, particularly in mid- and low-rise styles. Wearing a belt will help address the gap, but adds bulk to your waist that might not complement all styles. A gap in the waistline can be addressed with a simple alteration.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Denim needle
• Thread

Instructions

1. Turn your jeans inside out.

2. Locate the midpoint along the back waistline of your jeans.

3. Cut a narrow "V" into waistband, with the center of the "V" aligned with the center of the waistline.

4. Take one side of the "V" and bring it to the other side.

5. Hand stitch the "V" together using your needle and thread.

6. Try on your jeans to check whether the gap is resolved. If not, you can try repeating this process on either side of the first alteration you made.

Tips & Warnings

• Start with a narrow "V" first and place just a few stitches initially. Try the jeans on to assess whether you are making a large enough adjustment. It is easier to go back and make a larger "V" than to try to repair a cut made too large.

References

• The Denim Doctor: Gallery Of Previous Denim Alteration, Repair & Restoration Work
• Learning Alterations: Become a Real Pro at Clothing Alterations
• Threads: Everyone Can Have Jeans That Fit