Replies

1. 
   ccs49 | Mar 23, 2006 08:52am | #1

   You have to cut the waist band at the center back as there usually isn't a seam in jeans.  (I believe some of the high end brands like Liz Claiborne sometimes have a center back seam thru the waistband)  Instead of easing the yoke back into the waist band I do small darts, one or two on each side of the back yoke depending on how much smaller the waistband is to be.  Easing the excess fabric back into the waistband is probably just going to cause a bubble.

1. 
   SummerS | Mar 30, 2006 10:49am | #7

   This sounds great and I'm excited to try it.  I have one pair of jeans that might need the back seam and the dart techniques.

   Thanks a lot,

   Summer

2. 
   mygaley | Mar 23, 2006 02:35pm | #2

   Dear SummerS:  Both sandpaper and bleach would work; with sandpaper you would have more control and know what the finished product looks like.  With bleach, you might have a surprise when it comes out of the wash.  Galey

3. 
   solosmocker | Mar 24, 2006 03:08pm | #3

   I have to take in the waist on everything I make or buy. I use the same technique as cc49.

   I also have taken a box cutter type knife and sideways cut the felled side seam. I then pull in as needed, replace the felled top layer, then topstitch with jeans thread back in place. You can't tell the difference.

   I don't know which is more of a pain, altering jeans or spending the day traipsing the mall for a pair that fits. I never do get one that fits perfectly. I do find that the styles with the wide lowered waistline are finally agreeing with me. I buy a smaller size than usual of this style. The waist sits higher that way but still looks stylish. I have to sorely admit this style is VERY comfortable. It seems to eliminate waistline fitting issues. Just an observation.

1. 
   ccs49 | Mar 25, 2006 11:24pm | #4

   Even though that style is being targeted at younger women (meant to be worn as hip huggers) I am noticing that quite a few 40 and 50ish clients (and myself) who have waist and hips pretty close to the same size but are short waisted, intentionally buy that style because it works well for our figure type. 

1. 
   solosmocker | Mar 26, 2006 12:06am | #5

   The trick is not to let your bare tumtum hang out like they do! I wish.....

1. 
   FitnessNut | Mar 26, 2006 04:08am | #6

   Yes, some things are better unseen..... ;-)

2. 
   woodruff | Apr 21, 2006 09:42pm | #11

   Oh, dear; I see waaay too much young and flabby tummy hanging out in our beach town. I have read that the overflow is sometimes referred to as "muffin-top."

1. 
   solosmocker | Apr 22, 2006 03:57pm | #12

   Too funny and very apt description! LOL!!!!!!!

2. 
   MaryinColorado | May 17, 2006 08:19pm | #13

   Thanks for the giggle!  You made my day!  Mary in Colorado

2. 
   MaryinColorado | Apr 08, 2006 05:02am | #8

   I also have found the lowrise pants work better for me as I have a "short rishe" so it is very hard to find pants that fit.  I got lazy one day and came across this solution to jeans alterations.  I removed the entire waistband!  Then sometimes I use Seams Great or regular bias binding to cover it.  Even easier if you have a serger with coverstitch capabilities!  I just removed the top of the beltloops then sew them back on at the same time but you could leave them off too.

1. 
   solosmocker | Apr 19, 2006 04:19am | #9

   That is a great idea!

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Apr 19, 2006 08:34am | #10

   Thank You.  I am new to this site.  There are so many great ideas here, it is nice to feel like I have something to contribute.  Mary