I enjoy watching the process so speed-up video is difficult to concentrate on. But it is a revelation to see someone do it. I've actually been turned away from alteration shops-- or it was way expensive.
Hi, unfortunately this answer will disappoint you. They were purchased as part of a men’s suit about 30 years ago from a store called BHS that’s no longer open.
3:44 Why not use a serger and serger the side seams in one go rather than sewing a new side seam and then using by a seam ripper to cut out the old seam? Then you will have to iron/press open the seam so it lays flat. Whats the benefit of doing this vs just using a serger?
thrifted a pair of nice dress trousers, legs are really baggy around the calf and ankle even though the waist fits fine. Going to try this on a pair of polyester pants somebody gave me to learn on before trying with the nice pants
Yes the trousers will not hang straight with the leg as they should. However, if you are taking out very small amounts, depending on the trousers, you may be able to get away with just one seam. For best results I do recommend both.
I'm hoping to bell the bottoms of some wide leg corduroys i have using this method. Im hoping to taper from either side to slim the most at the knee. Could you maybe make a video showing how youd go through this process? Tell what you learn along the way? Im new to sewing, so much so that i still do all my stitching by hand. so far ive repaired seams with ladder stitches and sewn patches, but this seems pretty ambitious for me to do by hand.
Just used this to taper my dickies pants into more of a slim dress pants fit. Thank you. Im a male in my 30s and i like to have fitted clothes but cannot afford a tailor so this works great. I only brought the inner seam in. Should i do both sides for a better fit or will doing just the inner leg seam have the same result?
For a balanced trouser you should ideally do both the inner and outer leg seam. However if you try them on and you are happy with the appearance, and there is no obvious uneveness to lower leg area then you could keep it as you have it. If you're unsure, you could wear them a few times and do the other seam at a later date. The joy of doing your own alterations is you can take your time to consider how they feel on your body as you go.
Thank you! Is there a rule for how much you can taper a leg? Many of my sewing patterns have too much ease from the knee down, the thigh area is fine, I have chicken legs lol.
If really depends on the fabric and style. The best way to decide on how much to taper is to put your trousers on inside out, and pin where you would place your seams. Move around, try with your shoes etc and see if you get drag lines or any uncomfortable points. You can move the pins in and out and try different amounts till you find what feels good for you.
@@elfiesew Would you agree, another really good way is use `stationary bulldog clips` to initially help how much you want to taper, then mark with a tailors chalk and then pin?.
Yes if you have bulldog clips available. Another household item would be pegs. Anything that allows you to see the tapered option and get a feel of it when you move will work great.
You can extend the taper as far up the leg as you require, depending on how much fabric you're trying to remove. If you have larger calfs you will want to keep it lower to ensure you still have enough room in this area. The main thing to look for is that you're joining onto the original seam in a nice smooth transition. No kinks, bends or sharp corners.
Hi! The item is called a sewing ham, tailors ham or dressmakers ham. I don't recommend eating it either haha! If you don't have one, you can use a towel rolled up like a sausage. The purpose of the ham is to allow you to press the seam without pressing the opposite side of the leg at the same time. There is a link to a ham in the bottom of the description in my commonly used tools list. Hope this helps!
Without seeing the trousers i can't give a definite answer but will try my best. If the seam has two visible stitch lines on the outside, like usually seen on some jeans, then altering them involves a lot more work. Possibly opening the entire seam completely and redoing. Not all alterations are cost effective for a business to offer, or even for you the customer. That would be my best guess.
Hi Jeremy, the seam line is brought inwards by 3/4", but that is over the front and back fabric. So totals 1 1/2". You do this on the inside and outside leg of the trouser. Totalling a reduction of 3".
I taylored my son’s prom suit pants with your tutorial- they turned out great!! Thank you!
Fantastic! I hope he had a great prom looking smart in his suit!
Thanks Elfie! Your'a BOSS. I've been wanting to learn how to do this myself. Very well done and informative vid 🙂👍.😊
Glad it was helpful! Its great to be able to extend the use of the clothes you already own.
I enjoy watching the process so speed-up video is difficult to concentrate on. But it is a revelation to see someone do it. I've actually been turned away from alteration shops-- or it was way expensive.
This tutorial was great & easy to understand now I feel more confident about tapering pants correctly
Glad it was helpful!
Hi, unfortunately this answer will disappoint you. They were purchased as part of a men’s suit about 30 years ago from a store called BHS that’s no longer open.
Great tutorial!❤ thankyou, Elfie
You’re welcome 😊
Beautiful work WELL DONE .Love your teaching and I will be following you !!!!! Thanks !!!!🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Thanks and welcome
I have Liked and Subscribed. Exactly what I wanted. Clear explanation and demonstration
Awesome, thank you!
Great video and easy to understand. TY.
Very helpful thanks
Thankyou, it is useful at the end the moment ✌️
You're welcome 😊
THAT RULER IS INSANE 😂
3:44 Why not use a serger and serger the side seams in one go rather than sewing a new side seam and then using by a seam ripper to cut out the old seam? Then you will have to iron/press open the seam so it lays flat. Whats the benefit of doing this vs just using a serger?
This was a tutorial for multiple levels of sewing abilities and most people do not own a serger. Use the method you find best for you 👍
!!! DO NOT UNDO THE ORIGINAL SEAM WITHOUT TEST FITTING YOUR NEW SEAM FIRST!!!
thrifted a pair of nice dress trousers, legs are really baggy around the calf and ankle even though the waist fits fine. Going to try this on a pair of polyester pants somebody gave me to learn on before trying with the nice pants
Sounds great! Practicing on items you are less precious about takes off so much pressure for learning a new technique.
Does the inseam line push up infront if you just do the outside?
Yes the trousers will not hang straight with the leg as they should. However, if you are taking out very small amounts, depending on the trousers, you may be able to get away with just one seam. For best results I do recommend both.
I'm hoping to bell the bottoms of some wide leg corduroys i have using this method. Im hoping to taper from either side to slim the most at the knee. Could you maybe make a video showing how youd go through this process? Tell what you learn along the way? Im new to sewing, so much so that i still do all my stitching by hand. so far ive repaired seams with ladder stitches and sewn patches, but this seems pretty ambitious for me to do by hand.
Just used this to taper my dickies pants into more of a slim dress pants fit. Thank you. Im a male in my 30s and i like to have fitted clothes but cannot afford a tailor so this works great. I only brought the inner seam in. Should i do both sides for a better fit or will doing just the inner leg seam have the same result?
For a balanced trouser you should ideally do both the inner and outer leg seam. However if you try them on and you are happy with the appearance, and there is no obvious uneveness to lower leg area then you could keep it as you have it. If you're unsure, you could wear them a few times and do the other seam at a later date. The joy of doing your own alterations is you can take your time to consider how they feel on your body as you go.
Thank you! Is there a rule for how much you can taper a leg? Many of my sewing patterns have too much ease from the knee down, the thigh area is fine, I have chicken legs lol.
If really depends on the fabric and style. The best way to decide on how much to taper is to put your trousers on inside out, and pin where you would place your seams. Move around, try with your shoes etc and see if you get drag lines or any uncomfortable points. You can move the pins in and out and try different amounts till you find what feels good for you.
@@elfiesew Thanks.
@@elfiesew Would you agree, another really good way is use `stationary bulldog clips` to initially help how much you want to taper, then mark with a tailors chalk and then pin?.
Yes if you have bulldog clips available. Another household item would be pegs. Anything that allows you to see the tapered option and get a feel of it when you move will work great.
Where to start the taper?
You can extend the taper as far up the leg as you require, depending on how much fabric you're trying to remove. If you have larger calfs you will want to keep it lower to ensure you still have enough room in this area. The main thing to look for is that you're joining onto the original seam in a nice smooth transition. No kinks, bends or sharp corners.
Do you think this could be done with shorts?
Yes you can taper shorts the same way. Just remember to give yourself enough room to allow your thighs to spread when you are sat or kneeling.
Did you use straight stich?
Yes, just a regular straight stitch.
@@elfiesew ok. But is straight stich strong enough?
Yes, it will be plenty strong enough. This is the stitch used on most clothing seams, it holds very well.
what's the thing you placed inside the pants to press the new seam. I don't eat pork either
Hi! The item is called a sewing ham, tailors ham or dressmakers ham. I don't recommend eating it either haha! If you don't have one, you can use a towel rolled up like a sausage. The purpose of the ham is to allow you to press the seam without pressing the opposite side of the leg at the same time. There is a link to a ham in the bottom of the description in my commonly used tools list. Hope this helps!
❤
Thank you!
Can I send trousers to you lol 😂
Taylor told me she couldn’t do it cause of double stich Comment please
Without seeing the trousers i can't give a definite answer but will try my best. If the seam has two visible stitch lines on the outside, like usually seen on some jeans, then altering them involves a lot more work. Possibly opening the entire seam completely and redoing. Not all alterations are cost effective for a business to offer, or even for you the customer. That would be my best guess.
I don’t quite understand how a full 3” is removed if only 3/4” is taken from either side
Hi Jeremy, the seam line is brought inwards by 3/4", but that is over the front and back fabric. So totals 1 1/2". You do this on the inside and outside leg of the trouser. Totalling a reduction of 3".
@@elfiesew ah okay I understand, thanks for clearing that up. I’m going to give it a try
Can you do this to mine? You sound local to me. I'll pay you of course.
Draw near to Jesus and he will draw near to you
Nothing to do with the video
@@pharello7but everything to do with your life
Bro my trousers are baggy.
@@munashemanamike4217nope
Amen
i got chicken legs... so am always tappering my pants
haha! Your chicken legs will appreciate your hard work.