How to Alter Hips on Pants: A Step-by-Step Guide
Altering the hips of pants is a common and effective way to tailor them to fit your body perfectly. Whether you’ve bought a pair of pants that are too tight around the hips or you simply want to adjust the fit for a more comfortable and stylish look, this step-by-step guide will help you achieve the desired results.
Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials: a pair of pants, a measuring tape, a pair of scissors, pins, a seam ripper, and a sewing machine. Make sure you have enough fabric to make the necessary adjustments without compromising the overall shape of the pants.
Step 1: Measure the hips
Start by measuring the hips of the pants at the widest point. This will give you an idea of how much you need to take in or let out. If the pants are too tight, you’ll need to take in the fabric; if they’re too loose, you’ll need to let it out.
Step 2: Mark the adjustments
Using a fabric pen or chalk, mark the areas where you need to make the adjustments. If you’re taking in the hips, mark the seam allowances on both sides of the pants. If you’re letting out the hips, mark the new seam lines, ensuring that you have enough fabric to sew a new seam.
Step 3: Remove the zipper and pockets
Remove the zipper and pockets from the pants. This will make it easier to work on the hips without damaging these areas. Use the seam ripper to carefully remove the stitching from the zipper and pockets, and set them aside for later.
Step 4: Cut the fabric
Using the marked seam allowances or new seam lines, cut the fabric along the marked lines. Be sure to leave enough fabric for a 1/2-inch seam allowance on both sides.
Step 5: Sew the new seams
Pin the fabric together, right sides facing, and sew the new seams using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. If you’re taking in the hips, sew the side seams together. If you’re letting out the hips, sew the new side seams and inseams.
Step 6: Reattach the zipper and pockets
Once the new seams are sewn, reattach the zipper and pockets to the pants. Make sure they are aligned properly and securely stitched in place.
Step 7: Hem the pants
Finally, hem the pants to the desired length. You can either sew the hem by hand or use a sewing machine with a hemming foot.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully altered the hips of your pants. Enjoy your perfectly fitted pair of pants that now fit you like a glove.
