How to Tailor the Rear of Pants

So you've found the perfect pair of pants: the waist is snug but not tight, the length is perfect and the legs fit like a glove. The only problem is the fit in the rear. Since most pants are designed to be taken in or let out via the back seam, tailoring pants can be done at home. It can be difficult to find pants that fit perfectly, but it's a relatively easy process to tailor your own pants with the right materials and a little practice.

Instructions

1

Try on the pants to adjust the size. If the pants are too large, try to pinch the fabric of the pants and estimate how much material on either side of the seam needs to be reduced. If they are too tight, estimate how much fabric needs to be let out.

2

Open the rear seam, from the waistband to the crotch, with the seam ripper. Be careful not to cut or damage the fabric.

3

Assess the extra fabric beyond the seam. If you want to loosen the pants, determine how much of the extra fabric you want to use to create the new seam. If you want to make the pants tighter, decide how much more fabric needs to be used.

4

Measure equally on both sides of the seam where you want to place the new seam and mark the inside of the fabric using a fabric marker. Make sure to measure carefully with measuring tape so that each side is equal in its measurements.

5

Gradually curve the seam line, using your pencil or marker, so that it blends back in with the original seam toward the edges of the seam, near the crotch and near the waistband. This way, the pants will not have an awkward-looking puckering at the top ends of the seam.

6

Pin the pants together along the new seam line to prepare for sewing.

7

Sew along the seam line. Remember to carefully follow the curve of the line.

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