Fabric stretches on jeans waist band.

fabric stretches

Stretch jeans are great, but sometimes the band fabric stretches and can continue to stretch the longer it is worn.  A client asked if there was anything I could do to stop the jeans from falling down.  The jeans could have been taken in at the center back.   There are a number of ways to do this.  However this does cost because of the time involved, so the client asked if there was a way to stop the stretching without the expense.  To stop the fabric stretching cotton tape can be sewn around the top of the band.  I used a thin tape so it was not too uncomfortable.  This is the process:-

1. Cut enough tape to go around the band
2. Unpick the top of the belt loops, and pin down out of the way
3. Fold tape in half and place center fold at the center back
4. Pin around to the front - stop at the belt loop closest to the zip
5. Pin the tape from the center back around to the opposite side stopping at the belt loop closest to the zip
6. Stitch cotton tape onto top of band, trying to sew into the original stitch line on the top of the band (use a thread color the same as existing thread)
7. Stitch the pockets down either all the way or just at the top section about 5 cm (2 in)
8. Zig zag belt loops back on

By stopping the tape at the belt loops by the zip, it still allowed a little bit of stretch on the jeans.  This is a great way to stop fabric stretches in jeans or trousers. Make sure to use a tape that does not stretch, and a thin tape is better than a thick one.

Happy sewing

Judith Turner