I have a remedy for pants that are a little too big in the waist. I can't speak for all fabrics, but if a fabric is medium weight or lighter, this technique might work. First you would have to take out the topstitching holding down the facing first. Then take elastic and sew it to the seam allowance at the waist. Butt it up almost to the seam, then stretch it slightly as you zigzag it onto the allowance. If you do it evenly, you won't even notice the easing when you are wearing it. I mainly do this on the back half because my derriere is larger and the back waist often gapes a bit, even though I tried to get them perfect. I have some really good clear elastic that I normally use, but I've also used braided elastic. It makes the pants really comfortable because there is give in the waist, but it's not so much as to look gathered. You'd probably want to try it on a scrap to get a feel for how much to stretch it as you sew. I suspect that the stretch in the fabric is why they feel loose. My theory is that the heat of the body loosens the spandex. It's great to see you so optimistic about sewing pants! The more you do it the better you will get. How you sew while holding the phone/camera, though, I will never know! I've never made a one piece pocket like that, where it folds back over. I need to try that.
I like the idea of using elastic. The facing is like a tube all the way around because I didn't sew the ends shut. I might try just stringing some elastic all the way through and anchoring it at each side of the zipper--it's worth a shot. I probably will have to use thicker elastic, like an inch. I like your theory about the stretch. They are very comfortable when I sit down and I don't like wearing belts
I have a remedy for pants that are a little too big in the waist. I can't speak for all fabrics, but if a fabric is medium weight or lighter, this technique might work. First you would have to take out the topstitching holding down the facing first. Then take elastic and sew it to the seam allowance at the waist. Butt it up almost to the seam, then stretch it slightly as you zigzag it onto the allowance. If you do it evenly, you won't even notice the easing when you are wearing it. I mainly do this on the back half because my derriere is larger and the back waist often gapes a bit, even though I tried to get them perfect. I have some really good clear elastic that I normally use, but I've also used braided elastic. It makes the pants really comfortable because there is give in the waist, but it's not so much as to look gathered. You'd probably want to try it on a scrap to get a feel for how much to stretch it as you sew. I suspect that the stretch in the fabric is why they feel loose. My theory is that the heat of the body loosens the spandex.
It's great to see you so optimistic about sewing pants! The more you do it the better you will get. How you sew while holding the phone/camera, though, I will never know! I've never made a one piece pocket like that, where it folds back over. I need to try that.
I like the idea of using elastic. The facing is like a tube all the way around because I didn't sew the ends shut. I might try just stringing some elastic all the way through and anchoring it at each side of the zipper--it's worth a shot. I probably will have to use thicker elastic, like an inch. I like your theory about the stretch. They are very comfortable when I sit down and I don't like wearing belts