How To Widen Pant Legs?
How to Widen Pant Legs
Pants that are too tight can be uncomfortable and restrictive, but they can also be unsightly. If you’ve gained weight or simply want to give your pants a more relaxed fit, there are a few easy ways to widen them.
In this article, we’ll show you how to widen pant legs using a sewing machine, a needle and thread, and a few household items. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right width for your pants and how to make sure the alterations are done correctly.
So whether you’re looking to add a little extra room to your favorite pair of jeans or you need to make a pair of dress pants more comfortable, read on for all the information you need to know about widening pant legs.
Step | Instructions | Image |
---|---|---|
1 | Turn the pants inside out. | ![]() |
2 | Find the seam at the bottom of the pant leg. | ![]() |
3 | Unpick the seam. | ![]() |
4 | Turn the pants right side out. | ![]() |
5 | Press the seam open. | ![]() |
6 | Measure how much you want to widen the pant leg. | ![]() |
7 | Add 1/2 inch to the measurement for seam allowance. | ![]() |
8 | Mark the new seam line on the pants leg. | ![]() |
9 | Re-sew the seam. | ![]() |
10 | Press the seam open. | ![]() |
Pants that are too tight can be uncomfortable and restrictive, and they can also make you look frumpy. If you have a pair of pants that you love but that are just a little too snug, you can widen them by following a few simple steps.
In this tutorial, we will show you how to widen pant legs using four different methods:
- Hemming
- Seaming
- Adding a panel
- Letting out the crotch
We will also provide you with a list of the tools and materials you will need to complete the project.
Methods for Widening Pant Legs
There are four main methods for widening pant legs:
- Hemming: This is the simplest and most straightforward method, and it is only suitable for pants that have a hem. To hem your pants, you will need to remove the existing hem and then sew a new hem that is wider.
- Seaming: This method is more involved than hemming, but it is also more versatile. You can use seaming to widen pants that do not have a hem, and you can also use it to widen pants at the knee or the thigh. To seam your pants, you will need to open up the seam and then sew it back together with a wider seam allowance.
- Adding a panel: This method is a good option for pants that are too tight at the waist or the hips. To add a panel, you will need to cut a piece of fabric that is the same width as your pants and that is long enough to cover the area that you want to widen. You will then sew the panel into your pants, between the two layers of fabric.
- Letting out the crotch: This method is only suitable for pants that have a crotch seam. To let out the crotch, you will need to open up the crotch seam and then sew it back together with a wider seam allowance.
Tools and Materials Needed
To widen your pants, you will need the following tools and materials:
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Fabric scissors
- Pins
- Tape measure
Instructions
The instructions for each method of widening pant legs are as follows:
- Hemming:
1. Remove the existing hem.
2. Measure the desired width for your new hem.
3. Fold the fabric up to the desired width and press.
4. Pin the hem in place.
5. Sew the hem in place.
- Seaming:
1. Open up the seam.
2. Measure the desired width for your new seam allowance.
3. Fold the fabric out to the desired width and press.
4. Pin the seam in place.
5. Sew the seam in place.
- Adding a panel:
1. Cut a piece of fabric that is the same width as your pants and that is long enough to cover the area that you want to widen.
2. With the pants wrong side out, pin the panel to the inside of the pants, between the two layers of fabric.
3. Sew the panel in place.
- Letting out the crotch:
1. Open up the crotch seam.
2. Measure the desired width for your new seam allowance.
3. Fold the fabric out to the desired width and press.
4. Pin the seam in place.
5. Sew the seam in place.
By following these instructions, you can easily widen your pants to fit your desired size. With a little bit of sewing know-how, you can breathe new life into your old pants and create a new pair of stylish pants that you will love to wear.
Additional Tips
- When widening your pants, it is important to make sure that you do not make them too wide. If the pants are too wide, they will not fit properly and you will not be able to move around comfortably.
- When sewing your hem or seam, make sure that you use a strong thread and that you sew the stitches securely. This will help to prevent the hem or seam from coming undone.
- If you are not confident in your sewing skills, you may want to take your pants to a professional tailor. A tailor will be able to widen your pants properly and ensure that they fit you perfectly.
How To Widen Pant Legs?
Pants that are too tight can be uncomfortable and restrictive. If you’ve gained weight or your legs have gotten bigger, you may need to widen your pants legs to make them more comfortable. There are a few different ways to do this, depending on the type of pants you have.
Steps for Widening Pant Legs
1. Measure the pants. You need to know how much you need to widen the pants legs in order to determine which method to use. To do this, measure the width of the pants leg at the widest point, both before and after you’ve put them on.
2. Choose a method. There are a few different ways to widen pant legs, depending on the type of pants you have.
- Hem: If you have pants with a hem, you can simply turn up the hem by the desired amount. This is a quick and easy way to widen the pants legs, but it’s not permanent. If you want to make the widening permanent, you can sew the hem in place.
- Seam: If you have pants with a seam down the side of the leg, you can widen the leg by undoing the seam and adding a piece of fabric. This is a more permanent way to widen the pants legs, but it’s also more difficult.
- Dart: If you have pants with darts in the front or back of the leg, you can widen the leg by taking out the darts. This is a good option if you only need to widen the pants legs slightly.
3. Turn up the hem of the pants by the desired amount. If you’re using the hem method, simply turn up the hem of the pants by the desired amount. You can use a sewing machine or a needle and thread to sew the hem in place, or you can simply fold it up and pin it in place.
Tips for Widening Pant Legs
Here are a few tips for widening pant legs:
- Use a sharp needle and thread. This will help you sew the hems more easily and prevent the thread from breaking.
- Start with a small amount of fabric. It’s better to start with a small amount of fabric and add more if needed, rather than starting with too much fabric and having to undo your work.
- Be patient. Widening pant legs can be a time-consuming process, so be patient and don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time.
Widening pant legs is a relatively simple process that can be done at home with a few basic supplies. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily widen your pants legs to make them more comfortable and stylish.
How do I widen pant legs?
There are a few ways to widen pant legs. You can:
- Use a seam ripper to remove the side seams and re-sew them wider. This is the most common method, and it’s relatively easy to do. Just be sure to measure the new width of the legs before you sew them, so that they’re evenly widened.
- Add a piece of fabric to the inside of the leg. This is a good option if you only need to widen the legs a little bit. Just cut a piece of fabric that’s the same width as the leg and the same length as the desired increase. Then, sew it to the inside of the leg, along the seam.
- Use a sewing machine to add darts to the legs. Darts are triangular tucks that can help to create a more fitted look. To add darts to your pants, measure the desired width of the leg at the knee and the ankle. Then, mark those points on the pants leg. Next, draw a line from the knee point to the ankle point, and then sew a dart along that line. Repeat this process for the other leg.
What tools do I need to widen pant legs?
You will need the following tools to widen pant legs:
- A seam ripper
- A sewing machine
- A needle and thread
- Fabric scissors
- A measuring tape
How much does it cost to widen pant legs?
The cost of widening pant legs will vary depending on the method you choose and the cost of the fabric. If you use a seam ripper and sew the legs yourself, the cost will be minimal. However, if you take your pants to a tailor, the cost will be higher.
How long does it take to widen pant legs?
The time it takes to widen pant legs will vary depending on the method you choose and your sewing skills. If you’re a beginner sewer, it may take you a few hours to complete the project. However, if you’re an experienced sewer, it should only take you about 30 minutes to an hour.
Can I widen pant legs without sewing?
Yes, you can widen pant legs without sewing. You can use a heat gun or a hairdryer to loosen the fabric and then stretch the legs to the desired width. However, this method is not as durable as sewing, and the legs may stretch out over time.
What if I make a mistake while widening pant legs?
If you make a mistake while widening pant legs, you can either try to fix it yourself or take the pants to a tailor. If you’re trying to fix the mistake yourself, you can carefully unpick the stitches and then re-sew them. However, if you’re not comfortable sewing, it’s best to take the pants to a tailor.
How do I prevent my pants from getting too tight?
To prevent your pants from getting too tight, you can:
- Buy pants that are a size or two larger than you normally wear.
- Wash your pants in cold water and dry them on low heat.
- Avoid wearing your pants too often.
- Take your pants to a tailor to have them adjusted.
there are a few different ways to widen pant legs. You can use a seam ripper to remove the side seams and resew them wider, or you can add a patch of fabric to the inside of the leg. If you have a sewing machine, you can also use a zigzag stitch to widen the legs. No matter which method you choose, be sure to test it out on a spare pair of pants before you start working on your good ones. With a little bit of effort, you can easily widen your pant legs to get the perfect fit.
Author Profile

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Carla Denker first opened Plastica Store in June of 1996 in Silverlake, Los Angeles and closed in West Hollywood on December 1, 2017. PLASTICA was a boutique filled with unique items from around the world as well as products by local designers, all hand picked by Carla. Although some of the merchandise was literally plastic, we featured items made out of any number of different materials.
Prior to the engaging profile in west3rdstreet.com, the innovative trajectory of Carla Denker and PlasticaStore.com had already captured the attention of prominent publications, each one spotlighting the unique allure and creative vision of the boutique. The acclaim goes back to features in Daily Candy in 2013, TimeOut Los Angeles in 2012, and stretched globally with Allure Korea in 2011. Esteemed columns in LA Times in 2010 and thoughtful pieces in Sunset Magazine in 2009 highlighted the boutique’s distinctive character, while Domino Magazine in 2008 celebrated its design-forward ethos. This press recognition dates back to the earliest days of Plastica, with citations going back as far as 1997, each telling a part of the Plastica story.
After an illustrious run, Plastica transitioned from the tangible to the intangible. While our physical presence concluded in December 2017, our essence endures. Plastica Store has been reborn as a digital haven, continuing to serve a community of discerning thinkers and seekers. Our new mission transcends physical boundaries to embrace a world that is increasingly seeking knowledge and depth.
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