How to Turn Pants into Capris
Capri pants, pants that go to mid-calf, got their name from the Italian island of Capri. As the name suggests, they are commonly worn when the weather is warm. Because they are constructed the same way a pair of pants is made, many styles of pants can be turned into capris by hemming them shorter. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Chalk
- Tape Measure
- Scissors
- Matching thread
- Sewing machine
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Chalk
Instructions
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1
Put on your pants. Decide how long you want them to be.
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2
Mark where you want to hem to be on the pants with a piece of chalk.
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3
Take the pants off and lay them flat on a table or floor.
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4
Decide how wide you want the hem to be. Add 1/2 inch and make a chalk mark on the pants that far below the original chalk mark. If you want a 2-inch cuff/hem, make another mark 2 1/2 inches below the first mark.
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5
Fold the pants flat and make sure the pant legs are straight, flat and evenly laying on top of the other.
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6
Cut a straight line along the second chalk mark you made. If material is thick, cut the top pant leg first, then lay flat and use as a guide for cutting the second.
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7
Fold the ends into the pant legs at the desired length to create a clean edge, turning the cut edge under 1/2. Make sure the fold is even all the way around and not lower or higher on the back or sides. Once both pant legs are even, press with an iron to help secure and mark your new length and hem.
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8
Turn pants inside out. Using a sewing machine with matching thread, start making a seam to secure the new hem about 1/4 to 1/2 inch above the bottom.
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9
Make a second seam 1 1/2 - 2 inches above the first seam to secure the ends of the fabric that have been folded up into the pant leg and to create a finished look.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you don't have a sewing machine, sew hem by hand.
For an unfinished look, just cut them to the length you want and leave the rough edges.
References
- Photo Credit Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images
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Comments
View all 6 Comments-
mymsie333
Apr 17, 2009
what do you do if the pant legs are tapered? I'm doing a blind hem stitch on my machine and am coming across extra fabric and puckering. -
AtlantisChild
Aug 05, 2008
Shorts for me. Don't care much for capris. Plus I have a tend to rip otherwise good jeans at the knee. :(
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D Porter Porter
Feb 26, 2008
I'm saving this article. I don't really like Capris on me but I have some pants that are just too short.
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momoftwingirls
Feb 24, 2008
That is exactly how I make my jeans into capris or shorts. Great article!!
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JMKIT
Jan 22, 2008
What a great way to extend the life of your clothing! I have done this before too, especially for my sons when their legs were growing super fast. I would turn their jeans into shorts just like this!
