Have you found a perfect pair of jeans for you, but the shape of the ankle-tight leg doesn't drive you crazy? Whether you want to transform straight-leg jeans to fit better with boots, or you want to make a trendy flared pair of jeans, trying your hand at your sewing skills will allow you to widen the leg of your boots. your jeans and customize them to your liking, creating a unique garment.
Steps
Step 1. Choose how wide you want the "paw" of the jeans to be and how high you want it to begin to widen
Step 2. Choose the material to insert
- Try to choose a fabric that is the same weight as the jeans. Denim with denim, twill with twill, etc.
- Choose a patterned fabric, a different color, or paint and embroider the fabric to insert to create a contrast. You could also try to choose a fabric that is similar in weight and color to the original pattern to produce a less eye-catching pattern.
Step 3. Untie the pants using a hook
You could also cut them, but they would tear more easily. Start at the bottom of the leg, repeating for each side, and use the hook to open the seams to the desired length. You will stitch the tops of these cuts later (so they cannot tear) when you add the insert (also called a 'gusset').
Step 4. Use the hook to unstitch the leg hem several inches from each side of the cut
You'll sew it up later when you hem the edge of the gusset.
Step 5. Measure the opening
Step 6. Record the measurements on the fabric you will use for the gusset
Step 7. Fold the gusset fabric in two pieces, one on top of the other, and mark the line where you will cut diagonally on the wrong side of the fabric
• Make sure the diagonal cut is slightly longer than the cut on the pants. • When measuring the point where you want to start the cut, remember that you will have to cut the DOUBLE of the desired length, since the material is folded (10 cm, for example, will become 20 cm when opened). • It is advisable to perform two pieces at a time to ensure that the anchors are identical in shape and size.
Step 8. Cut both sides of the triangular dowel at the same time, so that they are symmetrical
Step 9. Roll up your pants
Step 10. Pin the edges of the gusset over the raw edges of the cut leg, matching the right side together
Step 11. Sew the edges of the gusset
It is advisable to leave the same seam allowance as the pants.
Step 12. Go over the seams of the gusset
Step 13. Turn the pants over to the right side and topstitch the seam
This will reinforce the long seam and, at the same time, the top of the cut. It is advisable to go over the top of the cut several times, in order to prevent it from fraying later.
As you go over the seam, remember to keep the area to be sewn flat, letting the trouser leg roll up around the presser foot
Step 14. Roll up the hem and sew it back
Step 15. Roll up the pants and repeat the process for the other leg
Step 16. Trim any excess thread
Step 17. Put on your new jeans
Aren't they great?
Advice
- If possible try to unstitch the seam instead of cutting the material. Then sew it flat, proceeding the same way for each side of the leg. Unstitching will make it much easier to insert the insert later.
- Practice on an old pair of pants before trying your hand at new ones.