I must start sewing again because it hard to get a good fit when buying. My problem today is fitting slacks. I have a big waist and stomach, narrow hips and a smallish butt. Anything I buy that fits my waist has huge legs, especially below the butt. How can I alter the pattern (or the purchased pants) to good halfway good?
Conversational Threads
Threads Insider
Get instant access to hundreds of videos, tutorials, projects, and more.
Start Your Free TrialAlready an Insider? Log in
Conversational Threads
Threads Insider Exclusives
View All-
Hand-Sew Collars and Facings for Extra Neat, Sharp Results
-
Make a Statement With Oversized Silk Blossoms
-
Designed for Living, Not for Fashion
-
Pattern Review: Atelier 8 Avril Lapiz Blouse or Dress
-
Pattern Review: Chalk and Notch Isle Jeans
-
Pattern Review: Burda Style Blazer 105 (1050523)
-
Pattern Review: Simplicity 9789 and 9790
-
Pattern Review: In the Folds Sawtell Dress 011
-
Pattern Review: Jessilous Patterns Sunrise Skort
-
A Mending Tool From the Past: The Darning Loom
-
Try Waxed Canvas for a Durable Bag or Garment
-
Scale Down a Beaded Gown for a Petite Figure
-
Sew Your Best Backpack
-
Add Bonnie Cashin Pockets
-
Knotted Frog Closures
-
Sew Charming Tops from Vintage Embroidered Linens
Highlights
-
Sign up for the Threads eletter
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.See all newsletters -
Sponsored Content
Where to Buy
-
-
-
-
Replies
Many patterns and ready to wear divide your waist measurement into 4 quartrs and distribute the fabric evenly around the body. Many of us with tummies actually need more room across the front. It sounds like you are one of them. I would measure myself carefully and find out just exactly I need around each quarter of my body, both at the waist and the hips, and also across your tummy if you feel that is necessary. If you have flat hips and backside, perhaps you do not need darts in the back or much of a hip curve on the side of the pant. You may need one size in front and another size in back. Try a pair out of muslim, cut with really large side seams and play around with it.
Thanks, Suesew! That will help. I'm a nurse and I've started a new job where I don't wear uniforms. I need clothes (professional) fast!! When buying RTW (I finally figured out what that means!), if the top fits, the bottom doesn't. I'm playing around with some slacks which I have and am just basting to see if I can get to fit. Do you have any tips on that?
buy the Palmer Pletch Book Pants for every body . IT is excellent and will help with this problem enormously.
You will need to lenthen the front crotch seam to fit over you tummy and shorten the back one and probably take in the back leg width down the center of the back pattern piece. Then you will need to fiddle with your side seams to get them right.That is impossible to do with bought pants . so you are right in choosing to get busy on the machine again.
I have been trying to get the perfect pair of pants for a long time now and the best and easiest time I have had is with a Burda pattern and Joyce Murphy's 2 articles on fitting pants. I would also invest in The Palmer Pletsch books on fitting . I have full hips at the top, small waist, tummy and flat rear end. NOt your perfect body! If you don't have the articles, the back issues are probably available.
Nancy
This post is archived.