How to Cut Open the Waistband in Jeans to Insert Elastic

Adding elastic to your jeans can help them stretch while you are pregnant.

Jeans are comfortable pants that can be suitable for a wide variety of social situations. However, they don't stretch out at the waist which can make them difficult to wear if you are gaining weight or pregnant. Adding an elastic waistband to your jeans can help them stretch out and make it possible to avoid buying new pairs of jeans. Cutting open the waistband and adding the elastic is a simple process that most amateur tailors or sewers should be able to handle.

Things You'll Need

• Jeans
• Scissors
• Safety pin
• Elastic band
• Straight pins
• Thread
• Sewing needle

Instructions

1. Cut two one inch vertical slits on the inside of your waistband about 3 to 4 inches from the zipper on each side of the zipper. Only cut through one layer of the waistband.

2. Attach your safety pin to one end of the elastic band and close it. Push the elastic into the hole pin first. Carefully work the elastic through until the safety pin comes out the other side. Remove the pin.

3. Pin the elastic band down on one side to hold it in place. Put on the jeans and adjust the length of your band until the jeans fit you easily. Cut the elastic band on the other side so that it is even with the hole and pin it down.

4. Sew the openings on each side shut, sewing the end of the elastic down while close the hole. Make sure to sew it a few times to hold it in place completely.

5. Add a few stitches along the length of the waistband on the inside to hold the elastic in place.

References

• Sew Girls: Alterations Instructions
• Sewing Answers: Elastic Waistband