Simple Alteration : Straights to Skinnies

I came across this pair of J.Crew corduroy's at the thrift store (of course! where else?) this week and was super excited. I've actually been wanting a pair of cords for a couple of years now but my major problem has been finding a pair that fit me (most brands don't make longs/talls in my size - boo!). And, well, technically these are a size or two too big for me, but with a belt they're fine and guess what - longs! yay!

So anyway, they were straight legs and I really wanted me a pair of good'ol skinnies, so with a quick and easy alteration they were perfect!

First step is to put them on inside-out. Then you want to fold over most of the "extra" fabric from right below your knee and on down to get an idea of how much you'll need to take them in (you want to do this on the inside of your leg so that the change in seams isn't noticable) . Next, take tailors chalk (or, like me, a plain ol' pen) and mark off where you'll want to make your new seam (even though you're making them into skinnies, make sure you still have plenty of room to get your feet in and out!).

Next is as simple as following the line you made using your sewing machine. If you're a little nervous about it, start with a loose stitch so that if you mess up, it's easy to pull out. After I made my stitches I slipped them on just the bottom part of my legs to make sure they were the right fit. Both sides I decided I had room to take them in a little bit more (remember, it's always easier to take them in more then to let them out!). Then when I felt they were perfect I did a full try-on before going over my seam a second time to make sure it doesn't pull out when I'm wearing them.

At this point you can decide whether or not you want to actually cut off the extra that's now attached, or leave it on the inside of your leg. I actually opted to leave it attached. It's soft and the fabric wasn't too bulky so it doesn't bother me at all, but if you're doing something like a denim or altering a much wider leg then you may want to cut it off.

Ta-da!
It may not look like a huge difference, but it definitely feels like one to me!

Comments

[Noemie]

Nice One!! I love corduroy too! and what a cool DIY :)

[betz white]

Oh the memories! I spent much of college (oh the 80's!) doing this to all of my jeans and my roommates'. We pegged them so tight we needed a good tug from each other to get our feet out! :)

[Chelsea]

This is a wonderful and simple way to update any pant. Brilliant!

[Kayla]

That definitely does make a huge difference! I have quite a few pairs of pants that I feel would see a lot more wear from me if they weren't so baggy in places. Thanks for the DIY!!

Kayla, http://SomedayDetective.blogspot.com

[Lisa]

Great idea! I recently rediscovered a pair of pink jeans in my closet, but they're flared leg, so I'm totally gonna change the leg shape after seeing this.

[sunglasses hut]

Oh brother, I hope the drool all over my keyboard doesn't create a short on my laptop! I love these dies! Wow! You are one lucky duck to have them to play with! Your work is just beautiful!1

[Clara Hildebrand]

I LOVEEE these! wow, soooo gorgeous! I'm definitely going to keep my eye out for a pair of mustard cords now whenever I go thrifting...

[Natasha]

Awesome! Thanks:)

[Heather]

Great. I have a couple pair of pants that I won't wear because they are too wide in the legs but that won't last long. Can't wait to try it. Thanks