HOW TO: Take in the Waist of Your Jeans PROFESSIONALLY (Tutorial from a Professional Tailor)

[@JulianaCook]

It would be amazing if you had a tailoring series! 😍

[@lilithmorgenstern6138]

Totally agree!

[@ninakarlseder9677]

Agree ! I was almost disappointed when Kiana said she filmed three other tips but decided against posting such a long video !

[@club789456]

yesssss

[@shmwmlam3953]

Yes....

[@jenniferlorandos1708]

I came to this video to say the exact thing! How to Downsize a dress would be an amazing video.

[@erobi88]

Thanks for this video! From my own experience, I have three points to add: 1.) Use a sewing machine needle designed for jeans - it makes all the difference in the world. If it seems like your machine isn’t powerful enough, don’t give up before trying other needles. Even a leather needle can be used in a pinch. 2.) For helping your presser foot transition from very thick seams to flatter areas, the little plastic tool called the Jean-a-Ma-Jig is fantastic. 3.) Don’t use thick topstitching thread in your bobbin - it won’t feed properly. Use topstitching thread on the right side of the garment but ordinary all-purpose thread in the bobbin.

[@ashlibuts4095]

i agree with the comment about making a tailoring series! this was super super helpful. It would be awesome if you could make a video on how to downsize jeans that are big everywhere and not just the waistband!

[@khelix23]

Yes!

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

Have you tried this? I want to downsize a pair of mens jeans from 34 to 32 and I think I'm going to have to rebuild the whole pants.

[@deemah3602]

oof you will have to take the entire thing apart

[@decisionmaker68]

im trying to do this ! is it possible to take a pair pants in everywhere and potentially make the tapered leg a straight leg ?

[@ledger9972]

This is exactly what I looking for. Treating clothes like jeans with care is a MUST! Otherwise it's just not going to look good. Thanks a lot Kiana, you rock!

[@KianaBonollo]

Thank YOU for watching!!❤️❤️

[@jackiet5518]

Love your video. I lost 51 pounds and didn't want to throw all my jeans out your technic worked great. Thank you

[@hercoeur]

i really wish you had gone into detail when sewing the darts 😭 i’m a beginner and i have no idea how you did it

[@dawndais9924]

This is not a beginner project. I recommend practicing making darts before attempting this fix.

[@katerin_factory]

It can be done without darts

[@etheleh5115]

I agree. This is not something an inexperienced seamstress should try.

[@user-lk8tt6sx7r]

You can look up a video on darts here on youtube. They are simple. I’m sure even an inexperienced seamstress can pull it off with time and patience.

[@GoddessMisfit]

don’t be discouraged, beginners can do anything. there’s other videos that go more into depth❤️

[@ebunoluwayoung3628]

I'm really glad I came across your page, I had forgotten why I got into fashion and studied it, letting the stress of uni overwhelm me to a point of doubting my passion for it and watching you has done a great job of reigniting my learning journey so thank you x.

[@uhhh446]

that’s so nice 😭

[@ladyrcle]

Omg haha thank you for litterly saying how i feel right now in my fashion study, it made me start on my school assigment that i needed to do.

[@jessiegibson9637]

I can't wait to try this! My husband needed me to make a lot of thick, heavy garments for the SCA so when I bought my first grown up sewing machine (I learned on a kids black friday special) I made sure to get a nice, powerful one.

[@LisaRedwoodmoose]

Super helpful, I had to take in 4 inches so I did 4 darts instead of 2. No more pulling up my pants!

[@lisadryman-rice6919]

Kiana, THANK YOU for. making this possible--for me--at home! I took my jeans to a tailor and was shocked at the results. I watched this excellent video, undid her work, and got down to the task. I feel so empowered now that I can take jeans in at the waist. It's something I have to do (or had to ask someone else to do) for years and now I'm self-sufficient. Woohoo!

[@stefaniem423]

I took in a pair of jean shorts by the middle back seam last year, While it was successful, the stitching is messy since I've never sewn a french seam before and was using a home sewing machine! This is much cleaner and I'm glad I know it for future home tailoring. Thanks!

[@k.l.8804]

Thank you, I’ll def try this on a few pairs! 🥰 Just a pro-tip for for sewing thick fabrics on a home machine, there are special neeedles (thicker) for jeans, even leather ☺️ AND a special pressure foot to buy for the machine 🙂 I got these when I sewed a fabric liner for a handbag that didnt have a line. It was a very thick leather. That pressure foot could be used for both jeans and leather, but the needles were didferent, the leather needle was almost like a sharp bit needle thin knife and the jean needle just like a regular one but thicker ☺️

[@iserod2206]

Thank you for this exceptional tutorial! Now all i need is a sewing machine, thread, learn how to sew, have the desire to actually want to sew, etc etc. In all seriousness though, you made it look so easy and it was clear and beautifully edited. I'm sure those who actually do know a thing or two about tailoring will love this and find it very helpful! I on the other hand will have to figure out a different hack since I can only hand sew. I only go through this torture so clothes fit my kids better. Still appreciate ya 💯%👍!

[@tumater8v]

OMG I just did this and it turned out great! Thank you so much!! This is my first successful sewing project ever, even though I've tried many things before!

[@allisonbingham6785]

Thanks so much! I bought a pair of jeans a size too big by mistake. Live in the country, 46 miles from Marks & Spencer, can't face going back. Watched your tutorial and hey presto! They now fit PERFECTLY. I couldn't have done it without you. Much appreciated.

[@judibowen7444]

Kiana I've been sewing for almost 60 years, and have always been too apprehensive to take in a pair of jeans. I bought some new ones recently which fitted beautifully over my butt, but just didn't sit right with a belt to haul them in at the waist, so I searched KZbin and found your video. OMG! All these years, and I've been scared of doing a job, which with your guidance took me less than an hour! Oh well, I guess they're right when they say that 'you learn something everyday', I just wish I'd learned this around 50 years ago! Thank you SO much for sharing your talent with us.

[@kristinyt]

Thank you for the tutorial! I'm not very experienced but I managed to do this 🙌🏻However, I'd like to note, that this method is good only if you need to take in 5 cm or less. I did 2 pairs of jeans. One needed only 5 cm and the other 10 cm. The first jean looks great, however, 2nd got some "lumps" that I could not fix. I tried to do 4 snips instead of 2, that helped a little bit. But next time I would not do more that 5 cm.

[@bonnie18]

Thank you Kiana for your tutorial! I altered the waist of a pair of Eddie Bauer First Ascent pants (94% nylon 6% spandex) and I am so happy. They turned out really well. Your tutorial is the best and most professional I have seen. I am an experienced sewist but not in this area. I did not find it difficult. Tutorial was so helpful. You need to keep them coming. I agree with those who suggested a tailoring series.

[@evypsilon]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I have only very, very basic sewing skills but you explain this so well that I just succeeded at taking in my second pair of jeans! Also: the hammering tip is golden! 😁 Big thanks!

[@aamadeus3884]

Great video! Thank you for the step-by-step. I’m super impressed that you have a rare yet awesome skill at such a young age. You’re awesome!

[@marijaastrauskaite5455]

Amazing tutorial, simple instructions and easy to follow! I just saved one of my pants from being thrown away, thanks :D

[@gardinerfunookain8448]

Thanks for providing truly professional tailoring techniques that are easy to do yourself. Really clear instructions too!

[@etheleh5115]

Used your technique to take in the waist of my jeans. I’m quite happy with the results. It took me awhile as I took it slow. The hardest part was resewing the belt loop at the end as it had frayed. Thanks for hammer tip; it really made a difference sewing through the thick layers. Most of the hacks people post in KZbin Tube for jeans are just useless and I’m glad I watched you do it properly.

[@lauraallen5152]

I've watched so many videos of tailoring jeans and yours is by far one the best and easiest to follow! Thanks :)

[@carilynjurgeson6178]

I've watched several tutorials on this topic. So far this is the best. Good job!!

[@delaneycairns5183]

I never comment, but your tutorial was very clear and concise for a fairly beginner sewer. Thanks for sharing this knowledge, as I’ve now fixed a pair of corduroys and am moving on to other pants!

[@sarabethhudson3030]

This was amazing! So easy to follow. I have never done anything like this before and after watching your video, I easy took my jeans in at the waist. I struggled a bit with the tension on my machine with the thicker thread, but my jeans fit so well now!

[@Gillkoch1956]

I bought a brand new pair of levis and was so nervous and sceptical about taking them in at the waistband. I followed your instructions meticulously and hey presto I got the best result ever. Nobody could believe that I actually did that. Thank you SO much x

[@dixeinn]

To my fellow small creators/fashion designers, hi how're y'all doing?💜

[@syd.micaela]

Hiiii I’m good how are you

[@dixeinn]

@@syd.micaela I'm trying my best in life tho 😌

[@instant_mint]

This was even better than the method I've used before, which involved splitting the waistband with scissors thus losing material (in case it would need to be taken out again). Thank you so much for this! You earned a new subscriber

[@dmac2748]

I can’t thank you enough for this video. I had a pair two sizes too large with no experience taking up jeans and they fit beautifully. Thank you so much!

[@realstarterv]

Just wanted to say thank you so much for this video! I recently bought some shorts that ended up being a little too big in the waist and was debating on returning them and getting another pair one size down. That other pair got sold so I felt I had no choice but to just tailor the ones I had. They turned out wonderful thanks to your tutorial!

[@DameNickum]

Jeans needles, sharp with an edge, work very well on that bulky fabric. Wonderful video!!😊Jeans are a headache, because I am hipppy with a small waist. My kids keep saying that a too big waist is fashionable 😮nope. I will now be taking the waist band apart as well as putting tucks! Thank you so much!

[@drrock5356]

Awesome work! I'm a man with a 29" waist, and a sewing machine, and every pair of Buckle jeans I own are 3-4" larger in waist size than the label says. I can't wait to try your tailoring tricks.

[@halliethomas4713]

Hi, did you use this method? I have a pair of shorts that are 3” too big in the waist and I was wondering if this method worked on that much of a difference?

[@drrock5356]

@@halliethomas4713 No, I still haven't setup my sewing table yet, probably because I don't have one. I'm the kind of guy who says I'd rather build it, than buy it, and then 6 months later, nope.

[@jenniferwysokowski2409]

I did this today! Thank you. Your video helped me not be afraid to try. I'm thrilled!

[@josedealva4205]

looks super clean, better than other methods I found here, Thank you so much, will definately try it!

[@lissaparris-cobb1869]

Super helpful video. I would recommend a denim and/or leather needle for home sewing machines as well. Those have been super helpful for me when sewing denim.

[@growden100]

This was a perfect training session. I will watch a couple of times. Thank you.

[@RETSAMTV34]

Precise and accurate tutorial! Thanks for showing every step!

[@febrezerocks]

Thank you, that was so easy to understand and easier than I thought it'd be. I was originally thinking I'd have to take it in from the center back seam, but the 2 dart method you showed looks easier and mostly invisible. Thank you!!

[@coloradozmom]

thank you! I've been sewing for a LONG time, but never learned professional tips. This was GREAT!

[@chatorosales866]

Kinda had an idea that’s how it was done. But, watching your video, confirmed it. Awesome work!!

[@marta_sanders]

This is great! I needed this for the last pair of jeans I got. I'd love to watch a tailoring series with other garments or common fitting issues🙏

[@marialourdesgiannetta1253]

you’re amazing Kiana, thanks for showing me❤😊

[@nikyjane1839]

Yess! now i can finally adjust does jeans my aunt gave me. Could you do a video on how to upsize jeans or pants that are a bit too small?

[@BrunoKabahizi]

Thank you, the dart method is much better than some others methods I've seen youtube DIY-ers use. Will try.

[@emmanummi1428]

Thanks for this! It helped me a lot once i watched it with thought and concentration and the result was pretty neat even tho i'm a beginner and not very good at sewing

[@maridrabkova6518]

I've done this in under an hour the evening before a trip, it was sooo easy and my Lidl machine even sewed through all the layers. Thank you for the great tutorial.

[@gabby.sanders27]

i literally love u. my jeans now fit like a glove and i can wear them again, u r a saviour 🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕

[@ohyousillypotato]

I was able to successfully take in the waist on a pair of jeans today because of this video. Thank you so much for making this!

[@_Lavoure]

Me too! Gotta work on the darts

[@nk3850]

I’m a relatively experienced beginner sewist but I’ve never taken in pants. I got some cargo pants on sale but they’re a size too big. I have just watched aboht half a dozen other videos with different methods (most of which looked ridiculous), and I’ll be using your method. Thank you! This is pretty much what I would have done if I had to come up with a fix on my own, but I wouldn’t be confident about cutting the waistband. But the way you’ve got it done really does look great, hidden under the belt loop. Also, I have heard of using a hump jumper for thicker fabrics (or making one out of cardboard just to help lift the foot), so I’ll likely use that for the thick parts. Thanks again 😊

[@iligalvan]

I just did this and it’s perfect, thank you KB!!

[@jimmit77]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. You allowed me to turn my buyers regret over those ill fitting jeans into the satisfaction of getting a great fit by my own efforts.

[@powpaow]

This was so helpful! I did this for the first time with a new pair of jeans I found second hand. I was a little confused by the darts but I figured it out by myself. Thank you!

[@confettied]

Tried this out on a pair of jeans I've just been putting up with having a too-large waistband for ages... works great! Probably not the same quality work as a professional tailor, but professional tailors have better work to do than adjusting my $70 jeans lol. And now I have a skill I can share with my friends 🥰

[@elizawatch]

This is amazing! I have these gorgeous vintage 70s jeans that gapped weirdly in the back and, following your instructions, they now fit and look great! The only thing is: I could not get the thicker, golden color thread to work in my machine. It kept getting these loose loops on the under side and eventually knotting and getting stuck. Is there some sort of trick to make that thread work? A different needle? Different tension? Thank you for sharing your wisdom!

[@fffuuuiiis2948]

Very cool! And you deserves more views. Good to see a sewing video by a real pro, great directions and explanation. I used to run a factory sewing jeans and pants and stuff. I cringe each time I see a video by so-called tailors who don't appear to have any real-world experience besides home sewing, and making things way way convoluted, yet they have millions of views, go figure!

[@joriley5100]

i’ve been watching you on tik tok and these videos felt like such a gift, thank you !

[@addy._.666]

This was my first time EVER using my sewing machine and thanks to your instructions my pants look AMAZING!! 🫶🏻

[@pamchesser6278]

Good job! I watched this twice to pick up on details I missed the first time, but I’m following your instructions and I’m gonna try it. Thanks!

[@lynnbee0]

You are beautiful! And so is your sewing techniques!

[@ozumylmaz6434]

You just made me a huge favor. Even if I buy new pair of pants they always big on the back waist. And ı dont like to make darts that include waist belt and make bulky weird waist band. Your way is perfect for my liking. ♥️

[@jmsjohnson4872]

This was a great video and helped me do a nice job tailoring my jeans. I came back here to look for a video on tailoring a tee shirt. I agree with all the other comments that a tailoring series would be helpful as this video had a very clear explanation and worked well.

[@renepellissier2193]

thanks so much...I was making a pair of corduroy pants with a knit waistband for my granddaughter....mind you, I have made 3 other pairs without problems...but maybe when I serged the seams, I was not very accurate...anyway, the darts worked! Able to attach the knit band with enclosed elastic to the woven pants...thanks!

[@toddkvamme]

Thanks. Tailoring a pair of Ann Taylor pants today for my daughters friend. A little different but still useful.

[@grammy279]

Thank you for demo on this. Mine turned out great. I used to sew, so the really only hard part was going over the belt loop. Hay!!

[@Ritopher]

Nicely done and a great fit! Thanks for posting this!

[@elizabeth555johnson]

This is my project today. Such a great video.

[@mtwdd2048]

Please please please make more of these tailoring jeans videos!!! I watch this video allllll theeeee timeeeeee EVERYTIME I get a new pair of jeans!! I really need help with the crotch area (too much fabric in the crotch) and I keep getting flare jeans that have just too much flare and I can’t figure out how to tailor it nicely/neatly!!!

[@hmckenzie724]

Brilliant. Perfect instructions- perfect finish.

[@2WheelsGood.01]

Awesome instructions. I have a pair of motorcycle jeans that are WAY off in sizing, this will definitely do the trick. I have a Juki 1541 industrial machine with some triple bonded nylon thread, fitting for the case use of these pants!

[@dianethornton192]

Omg! Thank you!! Just what I needed and well explained!

[@jenniferakridge5056]

This is incredible. I have a pair of Jeans to alter. Thanks for showing me how to do this.

[@azria250]

I just did this today and I want to say a thousand thanks! My jeans turned out good

[@dashawndalee]

Amazing! Thanks for this video, I’ll be doing all my jeans like this from now on.

[@siren480]

I’ve always wanted to know how to make a really nice tapered trouser (like tapered leg, wool trousers with maybe a pleat in the front?) I’ve never found a good pattern or video for them 😭 and I love how you explain things, makes so much sense to me!

[@Cornflower20]

If you're still searching, I found an amazing high-waisted trouser pattern by OMAJ that you can buy on etsy and she has a sew-along video for it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYnMnqtphp57g6M

[@c2442l]

Very good video, the result looks perfect. Which way should you press the darts? Also, fo you have a recommendation for a good home sewing machine?

[@jonnylap1]

Hi there, I just found your KZbin channel and I must say I'm really impressed with your knowledge! I'm curious though, would you ever consider doing videos on men's clothing? I'd love to hear what someone with your experience has to say about working with men's shirts, pants, suits, etc... Either way, thanks for your time

[@mariefink3024]

Brilliant! I have a bunch of vintage machines (Singer and Bernina) that I think are up to the task. Can't wait to get a pair of jeans at the thrift store to try this. I would never try this on my Janome electronic machine.

[@amandaloewen6479]

Super tutorial! I’ll definitely be giving this a try

[@alanasorrell2205]

Thank you, finally a video showing a professional way!

[@jennys9043]

You made this look so easy 😭 👏🏼

[@CherylKowald]

I have found using a machine needle for leather, pierces through denim more easily where it is bulky. Also, pressing the little button at the rear of the foot helps lock firmly and guide over bulky seams.

[@guatever333]

Perfect video thanks. I use a humper bumper for many layers.

[@joanne6408]

Thanks for this simple fix.

[@amysimmons4510]

Thank you ! Because of you I did a great job!

[@anicole5206]

Thank you, the best method that I've seen. I'm going to try it.

[@adjjal]

Girl I just found your channel and omg you are so talented, also wth u are so gorgeousss! Thanks for sharing these vids, I'm a very beginner but your videos are super inspiring💕

[@keymon17]

Yayyy!! Thank you so much for the tutorial, I ended up needing to adjust some jeans that were size 2 to a size 4 since they discontinued the style :( They came out awesome, and I can't even tell where the initial cut was :D Only problem I came across was that the pockets turned out a little stretched out after the alterations lol

[@lialara343]

I cant even tell you how useful this is. I’ve absolutely ruined pants before and i dont want to do it again 😂

[@Iamrahcole]

This was very helpful. I have an 11 year old son who’s tall and slim. He’s too tall for children jeans and too skinny for the smallest waist mens jeans. I’m going to use this tutorial to take in the waist of men jeans for him. All the other tutorials I found took apart the seam down the butt. And although I like how it looks I don’t feel confident enough in me or my sewing machine to try it…lol

[@bearsbybrian]

Awesome demonstration, will save me a bundle.

[@YY-ov1zg]

Thank you so much for this actually helpfull video. You just eradicated my hate of jeans - because they would never fit around my waist. Problem is now solved and I enjoy two pairs of jeans that fit perfectly!

[@sabrinaschellhase8607]

thank you so much for this tutorial! 🎉🎉🎉🎉❤ my jeans fit perfectly now

[@mimymcdonalds8570]

This is a great tutorial, would love to see more tailoring videos. I found mom's old shorts and love the wide fit, but they are too loose around the waist, I would have to take in about 2,5 inches. They have a dart on the back and a pleat in the front on each pant leg, and I have no idea where to take in the waist. I would really appreciate if you could give me some advice 💗

[@user-01238]

Did you work out how to do it? Needing help myself lol

[@etheleh5115]

That was an excellent. Thank you. I hope mine looks that good when I’m done.

[@nk3850]

Ooo come to think of it, I have some jeans I don’t much care about that are too big - maybe I’ll try it on those before doing my new cargo pants. 🙌

[@sc_4784]

This was so helpful!! Thank you 🙏🏽

[@banonymous6790]

What if you have to take out more, like 3 inches? Is there a point where it’s too much?

[@CheriBekind]

60 year old sewing machines are MORE likely to sew through layers of Denim than the average new machine. I collect sewing machines and they are built soooooo much better 60 years ago. I have used all of mine on layers of heavy Denim and/or upholstery without issue. Heavy duty, metal parts, and they sew consistently with minimal maintenance. If you are a novice- don’t even consider buying a new Brother machine less than $400, pure junk. My daughter was struggling with a new machine -gift for me so I could get rid of my old machines LOL). I threaded up a couple of my favorites-she couldn’t believe the difference! They are HEAVY-stay in place and stitching was a breeze. Avoid frustration by purchasing a drop in bobbin-one modern convenience that makes a BIG difference. Find yourself an old Kenmore or “New Home” (with drop in bobbin=easier) machine made in Japan. A mechanical machine is more reliable than an electronic. OLD heavy mechanical Brother machines are OK too. Not sure of age-lift it and you will know the difference. Don’t invest in a Pfaff machine-many have issues difficult to fix. Ask around, most anyone 70 or older has one in a closet. Old (1970’s or earlier) kenmore machines are cheap and reliable - even better if made in Japan.