How to Take in Pants

Taking up pants when they are too large is not an awesome job even if you don't know how to sew there are some great inventions out in the world of sewing. We certainly have come along way from the old sewing machine you have to petal. So let's start the process and we'll have those pants taken up in no time!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• sewing machine (if you have one)
• needle and thread (if you have them)
• sissors or seam ripper
• If you have none of the above we can complete the project with Liquid Stitch, also called Sewing with a tube.
• An iron and ironing board
• Now you are ready to begin

1. You first want to start out with clean pants and dry them on a setting that preserves wrinkles. Then get out the old dusty iron and iron them well. I now use a spray starch that also has a chemical in it that prevents on clothes. It's a life saver.
2. First determine where your pants need to be taken up. I do leave the seam in "just in case" but if you are sure of yourself you can take the seam out. The over edge in some pants is a little hard to get out but the other seam is easy if it is a straight seam. You start with just a small nick in the thread with your scissors and then it will just ravel out all the way down. If they are needed to be made smaller at the waist you will need to put a couple of darts (the reason it is called a dart is that the way you take up the pants resembles a dart or in my case a V) in the top of your pants. You do this by trying on your pants and taking a safety pin and calculating how much space needs to be taken up on each side of your pants to fit. If you have a sewing machine you will be able to take the pants up by sewing a seam that resembles a V. As you look at the letter V you will see the biggest seam is at the top then you sew down to a point. You do this evenly on each side.
3. If you are using the Liquid stitch you follow the same instructions as above but follow the instructions on the back of the tube and on card that comes with the tube. This adhesive is fast drying and washable. You will do a test in a hidden area before using for bonding strength. Do not IRON until dry. Do not apply weight or heavy pressure to bond. Don't wash for 24 hours. Do not dry clean. If you are taking up a heavy garment apply freely.
4. If you are taking the pants up on the sides or in the crotch area you will again, first try on the pants and see how much you will need to take them up. I measure by the 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 inch and you can set your machine when you sew by the measurements engraved underneath the pressure foot. You are now going to sew a straight line with the machine, or by hand with a needle and thread, or with the Liquid Stitch.

Tips & Warnings

• Do this project slowly and it is so much easier than being in a hurry to wear your new pants. Sewing and fixing items takes patience.
• I like to have sharp scissors, good thread, and the thickness of the needle depends on the material. Again, the new liquid stitch is great. The next thing you know you'll be making curtains.
• None of the items used in the project should be around where children can have access to them.