How To Add Fabric To Make Pants Bigger

September 26, 2023October 15, 2023 Jessica 0 Comments Bigger, Pants

Are your pants too tight to fit around your waist and legs? Have you been trying to wear them but end up feeling uncomfortable? Well, whether you have gained weight or the pants have become tight over time and shrinkage, you can alter them.

You can always choose to alter your pants and make them bigger by a tailor. However, it will cost you a great deal of money. You can also buy new pants that fit your new size. But why spend unnecessary money when you can make your pants bigger by yourself.

With proper materials and a guide, you can easily make your pants bigger in the comfort of your home. The simple and efficient way to make your pants bigger is by adding fabric to them. If you have some sewing knowledge, then the process will become much easier for you to understand.

In this article, you will explore the details about how to add fabric to make your pants bigger. You will get a detailed explanation through a step-by-step approach to get the best results for your pants’ alteration. So, check this article for more details.

How To Add Fabric To Make Pants Bigger?

Contents

How To Add Fabric To Make Pants Bigger?
How Can You Stretch Pants That Are Too Short To Fit?
How Can You Get Hemming Out Of Your Pants?

If you want to add fabric to make your pants bigger, then you have come to the right place. You can add a durable yet stylish twist with fabric in your favourite pair of pants that don’t fit. Also, this will make them comfortable to wear around.

If you need to add more room or space to your pants, you can insert a fabric gusset on the sides to mix a new pattern or texture. You can make permanent alterations to your pants with the help of scissors and a sewing machine, along with a few more pieces of equipment. You have to adjust the waist and widen the legs and make it bigger.

You have to look for the seam allowance of your pants and further fabric to make them bigger. So, check out what equipment you will need and how you will proceed with the steps to make pants bigger.

Equipment Needed To Add Fabric To Make Pants Bigger

You must know that the proper pieces of equipment ready by your hands is the best way to start sewing. You won’t have to look around to find one thing or other every time as it will be time-consuming.

So, check the equipment needed for your project and make them ready beforehand.

Seam Ripper

You will have to cut and remove fabric from your pants. Also, you will need to remove the stitches for installing new seam allowance and fabric. To make your work easier, you can use the sewing tool called seam ripper. You can find this tool in any stationery or online store.

Measuring Tape

If you’re working on altering your pants to make them bigger, you will need exact measurement sizes. For this purpose, you can use the measuring tape to get precise measurements for sewing. You can use any measuring tape with the inches scale from stationery shops.

Scissors

Although you’re using a seam ripper, there won’t be much need for a scissor. However, you can keep a pair ready by hand for cutting any critical position of the fabric, seams, or edges.

Fabric

You will need about ⅛ – ¼ yard of coordinating fabric to add to your pants. It is always wide to keep a bit of extra fabric in hand if you need to restart any step again.

Sewing Machine

For sewing your pants, you will need a sewing machine. Moreover, your sewing machine should include a 90/14 universal needle for a quick, easy and efficient sewing experience.

Iron And Ironing Board

If you want the best finishing results for your pants, you will have to iron them. So, use any iron in your home for this purpose. In addition, try to use an iron with a low heat setting. You will also need an ironing board or simple cardboard with a flat, clean and even surface.

Ball Pins

Finally, you will need a few ball pins to keep the fabric folds for easy sewing. It will help you to identify the marked positions on the fabric.

To get about 1/2 inch of additional room in your pants, you can try adding some fun fabric gussets towards the sides.

Step 1: Measuring The Sizes

You have to start with measuring the broadest region of your hips and note it down somewhere. Then, you will have to measure the circumference of the pants in wider portions.

Now, you can subtract this pants measurement with the measurement of your hip. This subtraction will help you to identify the extra room needed in your pants to make them bigger. So, now divide this measurement number by 2. This will help you to know the width of the fabric you’ll need for each side.

Then, you will need to add at least two inches to that number enabling a ½ inch seam allowance. For instance, if your pants circumference is subtracted from your hips circumference, you will notice the need for four more inches, then proceed with 4/2=2+2=4.

So, you will have to cut each fabric about four inches wide.

Step 2: Measuring The Pant Length

In this step, you’ll have to use the measuring tape on your pants. You have to keep the starting of your measuring tape at the bottom and find the length of your pants till the waistline. However, you have to ensure that the measurement is accurate and precise.

Step 3: Cutting The Fabric Gussets

Once you’ve determined and measured the length and width, you can cut down two fabric gussets of the same size. You can use your simple pair of scissors to cut these two pieces of fabric gusset without unravelling at the edges.

Step 4: Cutting The Side Seams

Now, you will have to again use your scissors for cutting the side seams of your pants. In addition, make sure that you cut the side seams as close to inside seams as possible.

Step 5: Cutting The Waistband

Now, you have to work on the waistband of your pants. You will have to cut right through the waistband of your pants. You can either use your scissors or seam ripper to cut it through, but the wise choice will be scissors. After finishing the cutting of the waistband, your pants side seams will get open.

Step 6: Folding And Pressing The Fabric

In this step, you’ll have to fold and press about ¼ inch of the fabric gusset twice on each side of your pants.

Step 7: Sewing The Folds

Now, you have to sew the folds of your fabric gusset on the short ends. This will help you to create a finished hem on your pants. However, try to sew the folds with precise measurement and a sewing machine needle.

Step 8: Pinning The Fabric Gusset

Now, you will have to place the right sides of your pants together. Then, you can take the ball pins for pinning the fabric gusset in the sides of your pants. You will have to pin them with exact measurements for seam allowance and further sewing.

Step 9: Sewing With Seam Allowance

Now, it’s time for you to sew again. You can add a seam allowance for about ½ inch on the fabric of your pants. Then, start sewing each side of your fabric gusset onto the sides of your pants. However, it is essential for you to sew while removing the ball pins along the line.

Step 10: Iron The Side Seams

Now, you are almost done with your pant alteration. You have to press open each of the new side seams to iron them. However, you must ensure to use the iron in a low heat setting to avoid any burn or damage. Place your pants on the flat and clean ironing board and start ironing for about a few minutes.

Step 11: Topstitch For Final Results

Finally, for the finishing touch to your seams and preventing them from fraying in future, you have to apply topstitch. You have to topstitch near the side seams. The topstitching will enable a stylish finished look to your pants and give a new comfort wear experience.

Step 12: Making Pants Bigger Without Fabric Gussets

However, if your pants need to get bigger with a bit of room or space, you can use a seam ripper for completing the job. You will have to take out the first stitch row of the side of your pants. This will allow you to give an \extra ½ inch on each side of your pants.

How Can You Stretch Pants That Are Too Short To Fit?

You have to fold your pants in half and hold it tightly with your hands. You can place one hand on the end of the hemmed side of your pant legs. Also, place the other hand on the waistband. Then, bring your hands close to each other and pull the pants apart to stretch them lengthwise. Moreover, you have to do these steps before washing and drying.

How Can You Get Hemming Out Of Your Pants?

You can start the process with the help of a seam ripper. You have to rip out the hem firmly from the inside of your pants. Place the sharp edge of the seam ripper under the stitches to break them around the hem. However, you have to be cautious enough to not rip off the fabric.

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Jessica

I'm Jessica Flores, a professional fashion designer and an expert seamstress.

Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years.

I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills.

It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.