3 Ways to Stretch Jeans too tight

Would you like to get a few more inches out of the waist band on your jeans?

I had a client who needed between 3.75 - 5 cm (1 1/2 in - 2 inches) in the band only.

There are many varieties of bands on jeans and trousers.

First is the method of closure.  Most jeans have either a clipped stud or stud and button hole.  Others have a standard button and button hole.  Then there is the band itself.  The most common are (1) a band with two sections - front and back which are top stitched down at top and bottom, but with a stud and/or decorative button hole, (2) a band in one piece that is folded over at the top and is top stitched, which also has a stud/button hole and (3) a band in two pieces, but with a standard button and button hole.

1. The band is in two pieces.  This is the best scenario, because the back section of the band can be used for the extension in the front.  Because of the press stud at the front, and the decorative button hole, I did not unpick the front section on either side.  However I did unpick UP TO this section.  If there is any tape on the body of the jeans, take it off.  This is done to "STABILIZE" the waist band.  If there is any tape or stabilizer on the band remove it.
Some jeans have a leather label at the back.  This is a great place to place any insert.  Work out how much you need for the band and add FOUR seam allowances.  One for each end of the extension and one for each end of the band where you will attach the extension.  Cut the band on the right side somewhere around the back of the jeans.  And cut the back section of the band and measure out the extension amount plus seam allowances.  The dark section is from UNDER the label.  The extension is beside it.
Find a fabric that is similar in weight to the denim.  Cut this to fit into the back section of the band.  Again you will need to measure the same amount as cut out PLUS FOUR SEAM ALLOWANCES.  Notice in the photo that the denim on the inside is a lot bigger than the denim section on the outside.
Do create an authentic thread "look" use two threads in the TOP of the machine.  I use a cone holder at the back so I can use a 5,000 reel thread

The second jeans band was in one piece.  This means it was folded over at the top of the band.  This makes it impossible to use a part of the band like in the first option.  However you can be creative and find some fabric that will make it look like a label.  I keep my off cuts, so sometimes I might find a denim almost the same shade.  I love animal print so went with a contrast for these jeans.  I did unpick all the way to the front on either side of the stud and button hole.  then I stretched the band back onto the body of the jeans.

The third alteration was on white casual trousers with a band in two pieces, but with a standard button and buttonhole.  In this instance, I could release seams at the center back and side seams.  So I unpicked the band from the BUTTON end around to the button hole, BUT I LEFT THE BAND ATTACHED AT THE BUTTONHOLE END.  Seams were released, stabilizer tape removed.  Because the band was in two sections, I used a piece from the back for the extension AT THE END OF THE BAND WHERE THE BUTTON IS ATTACHED.  I tend found a white fabric to use for the inside.  When the trousers are done up it is impossible to tell there is an extension there.

All three methods work well if you need a few inches in the band.  Keep in mind that a lot of manufacturers do place stabilizer tape around the top of the panels at the waist.  Removing this will give you more room.  But there is also seams that can be let out and darts or pleats that can be unpicked.

Happy altering
Judith Turner

2018-05-03T16:19:10+10:00 By |Categories: Clothes too tight - Let out, Jeans|Comments Off on 3 Ways to Stretch Jeans too tight

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