Increasing rise stretch pants if they are too low can be achieved in the following manner.

I am 60 now, so I have been around long enough to see the cycle of fashion.

Hipster was in when I was a young girl, and then high waist-ed came in at my most informative years.  Because I had a bit of excess weight on at that time, I preferred the high waisted, and have always kept my trousers and skirts at the waist.

I could not be converted to the low hipster style garment.  So when I find a pair of stretch pants that I like, which are low waisted, I buy them, take the old band off and replaced it with a wider band that is 5 cm (2") wider.  Plus I did a cross over at the front which looks nice.

Cut a piece of stretch fabric that is your waist measurement - less 5 cm (2") for firmness - plus 30 cm (12") for crossover.   The cross over begins just past the side seam.  This means you will have a "V" in the front and the bands at the front should overlap a good 15cm (6").

You can cut the old band off, or unpick.  By unpicking you keep a little of the fabric from the body.  Measure a pair of stretch trousers you have that are comfortable.  Measure the rise - crotch to top at centre front. Write this amount down and measure the crotch to the top at the centre back.  Write this measurement down.  If you want it to be exact at the sides, measure from the hem up to the top of the pair you like and write this measurement down.  Or you can just taper the front to the back.

Now measure the new trousers in the same locations - centre front, centre back and sides from the hem.  Calculate the difference and allow for seam allowance.  Find yourself a good stretch fabric, making sure to have the stretch going around the body.

You may find you need the front to be higher than the back, or the other way around.  The sides will be another measurement.  You can make a template using paper, Vilene or calico.  Once you have the band the right measurement at the front, sides and back, plus the extra for the front crossover, fold your stretch fabric in half with the fold at the top.  Cut your piece out, allowing for seams.  Pin into place with the fold at the top.  Begin at the centre back.  Pin around to the sides and lay the front crossover on top of each other.  Sew the new band on and overlock excess.

If you find the fabric is not firm enough, you could attach some elastic around the top of the trousers before you put the band on.  Or you could sew some elastic around the fold on the inside of the new band.

To save having to do this, I always use good firm elastic, and take the time to make sure I have the measurements right the first time.

Happy altering

Judith aka genie