How to Sew Narrow Jeans
Today's jeans are straight and narrow, fitting close to the body all the way from thigh to ankle. Most of us have a closet full of boot-cut or flared jeans and may want something trendier without spending the money or might want to revitalize an old favorite. With just a seam or two, you can turn your old boot-cut and flared jeans into modern, stylish ones to wear out on the town with a long tunic top.
Things You'll Need
- Flared or boot-cut jeans
- Pins
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Coordinating thread
- Heavy-duty jeans needle
Instructions
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1
Turn your old jeans inside out. Put them on without turning them to the right side. Mark where the leg begins to flare with a pin on each leg. It may be helpful to have a friend assist with this step, but it is not essential.
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2
Using straight pins, mark a line straight from the thigh to ankle. If possible, remove fullness from the inner leg to maintain neat topstitching on the outside of the leg and make your narrow jeans look like they were made that way. Carefully line up the hem. Take off the jeans, being sure not to disturb the pins.
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3
Use a long stitch length to baste your seam into place when sewing skinny jeans. Do not cut the excess fabric from your jeans at this point.
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4
Try on your narrow jeans and assess the fit. If needed, remove the basting and adjust the seam for a better narrow-jean fit.
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5
Stitch the seam using a short stitch length. Cut away the excess fabric after you sew your narrow jeans. Finish with pinking shears or a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine, or leave a bit extra to fray on the inside of your skinny jeans.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure to allow space for your foot when narrowing jeans.
