How to Put an Elastic Waistband on your Jeans!

[@ZeldaSews]

You and Stephanie Farrell Focus had the same idea!😅😅😅 This was great Jen!

[@coreyfisher3167]

Great video, I need to try this. Ever since I passed 60 buttons on jeans don't cut it anymore! The more you wash them, the more they shrink. At least that's what I keep telling myself lol.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Yep, I'm going with the shrinking-in-the-dryer thing too. Works for me. And give me all the elastic waists, now that we don't look like frumpy old women with the gathered elastic waists! If you try this, let me know if it works.

[@jacquiehonnor4989]

Loved your video Jen, very helpful. Yes I’m the same, covid lockdown and 60 this year I need elastic waists lol 💖

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Jacquie - I agree!

[@deboramoyer119]

I’m late to the party in commenting, but the removal of the zipper and metal button eliminates the bulk on the front of the jeans. This allows tops to lay flat, resulting in a smoother look.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks for the tip -

[@heideray7343]

What an amazing tutorial! Just boxed up my sewing in hopes we move in 2weeks. Saved on my sewing list, the first I do will when I unpack! Thank you for sharing this! BIG HUG!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thank you Heide! Moving is just so hard. Take care of yourselves! ❤️🤗

[@Frugalisama]

Good to see the process behind it all Jen, they look really comfortable 😘

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Hey Sam - they really are comfy. I need more jeans that match so I can cut new waistbands for the others! ❤️

[@cascrafter]

Thank you for figuring this out. I am going to try this myself. Loved the thought process as you went. I may feel better about trying different things in the future.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Glad it was helpful! I was afraid it would just get tedious but hearing that it helped others out is a boost!

[@trishg58]

Hi, I enjoyed watching your process in real time. Great project.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks so much!

[@dortega787]

one thing that I really like of you is your perfect manicure on every single video.ce nice video.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Diana - I've had acrylic nails for years and years now - mainly because I use my hands so much and my natural nails are so soft. I've gone for short periods without them, but I usually go back because my nails are tools in many ways. Plus it's just fun to try out all the colors!

[@carmensalome]

Agree! Always the best nail colors!

[@dortega787]

@@TodayinJensSewingRoom I love it. 🤩

[@annaadams1910]

👏👏👏👏👌 Good job ~ I enjoyed watching and hearing your whole process. I’ll have to look and see if I have a pair of jeans to try this on. Thanks for your video.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

My pleasure - thanks Anna!

[@pattihusk8181]

Jen, thank you so much for this video! I am saving it to my Watch Later videos so I can refer back to it. I loved the way you explained your ideas for your next steps😘. I must say the waistband turned out nicely....great stuff😉.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Patti! Hope it helps later and doesn't confuse you completely 😂❤️

[@karensnybeck1580]

As my Mama used to say,,,”you so smart”!!!!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks 😂

[@ShirleyJarrett]

This video is most welcome! I have jeans I embroidered & have stopped wearing as I love the elastic waist pants .... sew.. off with the fitted waist, on with a yoga band! Thanks so much for the how to?

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

You are most welcome - hope it works for you!

[@lavadajenkins2955]

You go girl! I will be trying this!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I think it could still be tweaked but it works! ❤️

[@cherylross4238]

So enjoyed your video on how you added elastic to a already to wear! I love makeovers. And appreciate not having to sit thru you sewing every seam at the machine😁. i did like your style of ‘teaching ‘. !!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Cheryl! That's good to hear because getting my phone to film at any angle that involves my machine is nigh unto impossible. I'm doing good to film from the top down! #youtuberfirstworldproblems 😂

[@theresasmith1000]

This was such a useful video! I SO enjoyed watching and listening to your process. Great critical thinking!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thank you my friend! My brain in action. It is frightening. 😳

[@janell2645]

Best how to tutorial ever! It helps solve a problem for me and I loved watching your process. Thank you!😊

[@mayaschapira]

Awesome, I have to show this video to my Seemstress 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️😀, congratulations 🎉 Maya…saved and subscribed 👍👍👏👏🙏

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@mariontilton8494]

Not only a great sewing video, but computer instruction as well. Good job. Thank you. I learned 2 new things today.😀

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks Marion!

[@vanessashaw2159]

I like this and you're absolutely right. Many times, the zipper and waistband only add bulk. Thanks

[@SewNotes]

Amazing!! Thanks for showing us the process!!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Kris! ❤️

[@ccpperrett7522]

Thanks Jen! Great job working that out. I may try this on some jeans too. God bless!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks a bunch! I hope you try it! ❤️

[@maryhull531]

Exactly what I was looking for . My zip broke on my my jeans . Instead of throwing it out I thought I would take the zip out out and then put on an elastic waistband . Thank you for this video.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

🎉yay! That's just what I'd hoped - that it would be helpful! Do make sure you can get them over your hips without the zipper, though. With mine, it's close.

[@rikkib7636]

Thanks Jen, I need to add elastic to some maternity jeans I'd like to make non-maternity (they're such comfortable skinny jeans I don't want to part with them, lol). Your video inspires me to get to it sooner than later:)

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Great idea Rikki! Good luck, hope it works!

[@lindathompson5420]

Omg this is great tutorial!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Glad you think so! Thanks Linda!

[@tracie6837]

Jen this was amazing...thank you!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Tracie!

[@myralorraine]

Nice job! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽. This is why I don’t normally do tutorials on my channel...thank you so much for making me feel human because I do the exact same thing you did in this video when I’m trying to figure something out! Especially any hacks that I do! I was smiling the whole time through this video! Thanks so much for sharing and congratulations on your success! 😉🥰

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

SO TRUE. I'm trying to edit another one right now and it's maddening - I apparently didn't film a step - voiceover or no (decisions, decisions) - it's hard. I'd love to be more professional but some things are just beyond my capacity to care that much, you know? Glad you figured it out right along with me 😂🤗❤️🌴

[@myralorraine]

@@TodayinJensSewingRoom Absolutely! I love the way you look at it too! I may just adopt that view! (wink, wink!)

[@pastorshumate]

I love this video. Could you keep your comments up for a little bit longer. I had to keep rewinding to read them and I read pretty quickly.

[@virginiakasselman5953]

Love this video and yes I’m ready for Elastic Waistbands,!! I’m subscribed so I don’t want to miss a thing! Happy Sewing!, Arkansas

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Virginia! I'm glad it was helpful. I'm getting to the point where I don't have any regular waistbands . . . man that pandemic really changed fashion, didn't it? Odd, whooda thunk it? ❤️

[@virginiakasselman5953]

Yes it changed a lot including my waistline!!😳I I’m going to try to attempt doing this on a pair of capris I have that I love and that have a waistband( no stretch) and zipper -plan to do exactly what you did and Jen I’m so glad I can go back and view that video! Good video girl! So glad I found your channel! Yeah -whodda thunk? 😂🤣Virginia in Ar.@@TodayinJensSewingRoom

[@juliegriffiths4272]

I really enjoyed watching you do this. Thank you from South Wales.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@asfybylorna5920]

Jen you did a wonderful job with this project and your explanation as you worked was superb. 👌💕

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thank you so much! My brain is a difficult roadmap sometimes . . . ❤️

[@SlapHappyRetirement]

This is brilliant Jen! I have many pairs of canvas pants and jeans that are too low in the rise, if I add a wider band, I can correct that and then hopefully they will stay up and be wayyy more comfortable. Thanks for posting (I didnt need to speed it up once). Will report on the results ;)

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Please do! All my shorts these days are elastic waistband but never that wide. I think if I make a pair I'll widen that waistband just a smidge - ❤️🥝

[@gwendixon7490]

Oh, my!! This is a game changer for me. I have several pairs of jeans and jeans shorts that are too big in the waist in order to cover the junk in my trunk. I wonder if I can get away with leaving the zip in place? What do you think.

[@gwendixon7490]

Thanks for the video!

[@margiecook6379]

Don't see why not! That's my problem also. ,Think I will try this on one of my pair. thanks.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Hey Gwen - I'm sure you can leave the zip in place. Check out Stephanie's video on how to do it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXOVZqtjm7mga5Y She does this same thing slightly differently and I think she does that. Her waistband is a lot more forgiving than mine -

[@gwendixon7490]

I’ll check it out. I need all the forgiveness I can get! 😅

[@seasonflower9126]

Thank you Jen! I just had a zipper break on my favorite pants, but I was wanting to fix it as an elastic waistband instead of replacing the zipper. You’ve saved me a lot of time

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@withrowjeanette5787]

Enjoyed this video. Watching you work through all the points. I am gonna fix some of my pants like that. Thanks so much

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Good luck! Let me know how it goes.

[@susanjohnson3973]

Yes, perfect for comfort!!💖

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I'm getting spoiled - I don't like wearing regular jeans anymore!

[@margiecook6379]

Jens sewing room, hey there! Loved your video! I will be trying this out on a pair of jeans , that is too big in the waist I love the fit in the. Legs and seat. Thank you so much. I remember" you gotta love it when a plan comes together." Cigar and all.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Hey Margie! Let me know how it goes! ❤️❤️❤️🚬😂

[@margiecook6379]

@@TodayinJensSewingRoom I will!

[@maryellenscholand1001]

FANTASTIC. Doing it today.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Wonderful! Thanks Mary Ellen!

[@barbaracartwright2737]

I worried that once you sewed the fly shut ,that it wouldn't fit over your hips? But this mustn't have been an issue as you would have mentioned it. Great tutorial, thanks for doing all the brain work 👍

[@susanwoods174]

That's exactly what I was thinking as soon as I saw the title. But jen is nice and slim, not like us' hippy' women 🙄

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Good point! But these were slightly big on me, so I think that made a difference. Also, the denim is stretch - not just on the waistband but everywhere. I think that allows for a lot of the ease, plus making the waistband wider would also help. The next pair I'm using 3" elastic. Thanks, Barbara! ❤️

[@IMOO1896]

I don’t know why I thought this was a tutorial to add a yoga style waist band on regular pants. But, I’ve enjoyed the process anyhow.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

The process is really about the same.

[@socarole66]

Great video Jen and Happy February. That was almost like a maths problem solving lesson! I talk like that to myself and I don’t do filming 🤣. Hope you still managed to get them on. Thanks for the tip re speeding up videos, I had no idea you could do that 👏🏼. 👖

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Carole - and they fit great, I wore them on Saturday. It was like math! I talk to myself all the time - I was trying to draw the plans for the sofa table yesterday and even I noticed it! 😂 I think it helps to hear it out loud, maybe? Maybe I'm just bonkers - 😜 I watch a lot of videos at 1.5x, I also listen to books at 1.5x. It takes a minute for your brain (and ears) to adapt, but it's way less tedious. I look at a video and see that it's 30 minutes long and think 'no way I'm watching that!' But when I watch it at a faster speed, it makes a difference. Plus I can watch a lot more people! ❤️🤗

[@socarole66]

@@TodayinJensSewingRoom your videos are never tedious, so normal speed is just fine for me! Xx

[@pamkarickhoff7814]

I love this. I working on McCall's Palmer/Pletsch jeans pattern now. I almost have the fit...almost. This is just really cool that you figured out how to do this. I have a pair of RTW that is just a tad snug and was wondering how get a better fit in the waist. Looking at Amazon now for elastic. Thanks for sharing your thought process from beginning to end. I'm currently coming back to garment sewing after years of quilting. Thanks again.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Pants are just hard. I hope you can try this and hope even more that it works. I think I got my elastic at Hobby Lobby - but they have it everywhere. The softer stuff is better, I think, than the braided but either will work. You should be able to find it at Joanns, Walmart, Hobby Lobby - any of those will have the 2". Wawak is also a good source for the wider stuff. Good luck!

[@mronson4035]

Brilliant. Very helpful

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@trudi1962]

If you sew the waistband right side to the pants wrong side, then you can neatly topstitch the right side to finish.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Great tip!

[@rosevargas1980]

Great job....now I know how to fix my jeans 😊 thanks

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Rose! Welcome to the Year 2 of the Elastic Waistband - 😄

[@susankidd9963]

How good are you I would never thought of doing that well done Jen , do you find you can get them over your hips ok? great job👏👏

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I can - that elastic stretches a lot. It works! Also, check out Stephanie's video on how she does this same thing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXOVZqtjm7mga5Y She uses a different method with a knit fabric that might be more forgiving. Let me know if it works. And thanks, Susan!

[@creimom2536]

Thank you for this video. Hope this isn't too dumb of a question. When you top stitched you used a stretch stitch of somekind?

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

No, it's a great question. I didn't use a stretch or zigzag stitch, but I probably should have to accomodate the elastic. I'd recommend it to everyone else.

[@juliehiggins4944]

Thanks for showing this to us! I’m going to do this to a few of my jeans. My question is, how do they fit you? Are you happy the way the waistband lays?

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I'm really happy with the way the waistband is so comfortable. I do wish I'd made them slightly smaller, because they're still a little bit big. But SO much better with the elastic waist. I've had some questions about how easy they are to get on without the zipper fly, but I think that depends on how stretchy the denim is to begin with. Most jeans have lycra in them now, so usually it's not an issue. These white jeans don't stretch - but again, they're slightly big on me so it's fine. I won't be trying this with the non-stretch jeans I talked about. But the other 2 pairs - yep, definitely doing those!

[@Knightly7611]

Great video thanks

[@patanco13]

I am so leery. on trying this, but I am hoping you can answer me. Do the jeans fit now after adding the elastic? A quick reply is appreciated and needed! Thanks!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Yes. They still fit and I wear them all the time (or at least when I wear pants). But it so, so, so important to make sure they will go over your hips before you cut. If not, they won't fit.

[@101sushmaenglish]

Thank you. Had always wanted to do this but wasnt sure if it could be done at home

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Just make sure you cut down enough at the top to go over your hips. That's really important with getting them on.

[@glendamock2041]

Thank you.

[@beatlejuice42]

Great job. I just had to do that. But I think u figure it out faster. Lol

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks 👍

[@TheresiaMareme]

Beuatiful ❤

[@vernegarlock4169]

Brilliant! Thanks xo

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@krisl.4962]

Great video, Jen! What stitch did you use to topstitch the waistband? I have had problems with the stitches popping when the elastic stretches :(

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Hey Kris - just a regular straight stitch. So far so good.

[@connienatale7886]

Thank you for the computer tips, too.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

You are most welcome, Connie.

[@DianaHarveyClark]

I am going to try this on an old pair of my jeans. I got that cornbread video on this channal.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Wonderful! Going right now to check it out. ❤️

[@makeyourselfathome6826]

So fun.

[@Luke2128]

Where did you get your material for the inside panel for the abdomen area and what is it called. I have a pair of crop pants I want to alter with an elastic waist band.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I got it from another pair of jeans I thrifted.

[@claudianowakowski]

So, do they fit nicely?

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

They fit well. Definitely better than before.

[@KSMP]

Wouldn't using a straight topstitch take away a lot of the stretch?

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

It might - a very narrow zigzag might be better.

[@irenejohnson3201]

What it you don’t have a different pair of jeans to measure from that has elastic in them can you measure a regular pair of jeans that fit you and use that measurement for the elastic measurement? I hope this makes sense

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

You could also just use a piece of elastic to go around your waist and mark it where it fits. I'd advise that rather than just measuring the waistband of your regular jeans, because those likely won't stretch like the elastic and you may end up with too big a waist.

[@lesleyjones5455]

What stitch did you use for the top stitching Jen thanks type and width and length

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

I just used a straight stitch - but if you're worried about the stitches popping, you can use the very slightest zigzag at a regular or slightly longer stitch length. I wouldn't go longer than about 3mm.

[@nicklebak3884]

How would i go about putting a drawstring on my denim

[@teresamartin9042]

That is so cool! I am going to use this method to half elasticated a pair of jeans i have just made so that I don’t have to do the zip fly!

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Great idea!

[@charlottehayward5943]

An easier way to put elastic in jeans is split the waistband at both sides on the inside and run your elastic thru then see.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Such a great tip! I did this with a jeans skirt I made that never fit me quite right. Makes such a difference! Thanks Charlotte -

[@IMOO1896]

This is how I do must of my jeans, wine the waist needs snuggling up, and when the back gaps open. A little work works wonders.

[@debcobb9739]

You did a great job...thinking out loud on your feet...i talk myself through and I am alone and definitely not on video...check reply on fridaysews. Many blessings.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Thanks Deb - ❤️❤️❤️

[@leahsodyssey123]

You look like Laura Dern the actress.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

LOL has she been in the news lately? I get that all the time. It's a great compliment - she's really pretty!

[@maudeencollier9521]

Wow but you can take such a long time in for simple waistband.

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

Like I said, I was figuring it out as I went - you just got to come along!