How to Take-in Waist on Jeans *Tutorial* (professional results)

I really hope you enjoy this tutorial on how to take in the waist on jeans. I hope you found it educational! If you liked it, please show us some love and join the community so you don't miss out on any other content. If you have any sewing questions, please feel free to ask!
Time-Stamps
Materials -- 0:19
Detach Belt Loop -- 1:48
Dismantle Waist Band -- 2:38
Remove Belt Loop -- 3:32
Remove Seams -- 3:46
Measure and Mark -- 5:37
Sewing -- 6:13
Finishing Touches -- 11:17
Check out my vlog where I demonstrate the process I undergo when I hem pants and take in the waist as well:
• Jeans Hem and Waist Ta...
Music:
Phantasm,
Carefree,
Crinoline dreams.
All by Kevin MacLeod from incompetech.com
License: creativecommons...
My daughter did the voice-over for me.

[@californialove964]

And this is why I never complain about price when taking clothes to a tailor. I can take in my own shirts and taper my pants legs, but altering the waist, taking in shoulders, adjusting coats... never in my life will i be able to do that. Grateful for those who make a career out of this amazing and patience-testing skill.

[@TheMexicoRed]

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[@arnettamayo5973]

1

[@mindyourbusiness3587]

Never I luv my tailor

[@Watchdksew]

This is a fantastic video. The audio is clear, your filming is clear, the steps are thoroughly explained while being succinct. Wonderful.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wow thank you so much Danielle :)

[@vasilikimitsoni6573]

By nj

[@dinah9912]

I agree wholeheartedly

[@susanc8434]

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[@um-shaymaben3120]

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[@saltNpepper952]

Thank you for this. While other videos showed the easy ways to alter the waistband, it wasn't too flattering for the jeans. This is definitely the tutorial i was looking for! Great job!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wow thank you so much! :D

[@caree44]

Yes, thankyou :D

[@ManuGalactus]

The best tutorial I've seen on downsizing jeans! And I've seen quiet a few... So professional and well explained. Bravo!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wow thank you so much! I’m very glad you enjoyed it :))

[@maryelder2469]

,eź

[@joannecarroll5504]

You are a natural-born teacher & a skilled craftsperson, you've got yourself a new subscriber. I've been sewing nearly 50yrs, mostly self-taught from books & I believe we can always learn more from others. I love the logical way you work & how thoroughly you explain it all - clearly proving that when people throw a piece of clothing at us, saying 'You can take this in, right? It's only a small job' that they usually have *no* idea. 🤦‍♀️

[@DowntownTailoring]

Haha you're absolutely right about that! Anyway, I really appreciate your kind words and your support! Thank you Joanne :)

[@110382laura]

Amazing tutorial, I've seen loads where people just put darts in the back but it's so obvious. You've made me think I might actually be able to do this. Thank you so much!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you for the kind words!!

[@rachelk.9850]

I used this tutorial today, and even as a very novice sewer, this was clear and easy to follow, and I'm very happy with the results on my own jeans - they fit beautifully!

[@mcledesm]

best tutorial ever!! I did the downsizing in 3h by hand!! because I don't have a sewing machine. it ended up looking amazing and I had no stress doing it (because I saw some videos of people suffering while doing this haha) it was a happy process! thank you very much for sharing 😊❣️

[@sophie427]

i don't have a sewing machine either! can i ask what stich you used and if it holds up on a regular cycle in the washing machine?

[@meraladuli2171]

I did this and the results were fantastic!! Very well done tutorial!! Makes everything super easy for us learning!!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wow! That’s great to hear, thanks for updating us!

[@koiib]

One of the best tutorials I've ever seen in any category. Thank you!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wow! This is such a stellar compliment! Thank you so much!!! :)))

[@simple4kill]

This is the only proper tutorial on how to take in jeans seams. Everyone else is completely disregarding the original seam style which is so key in the overall look! I was fearing it would be to difficult for me to attempt, but you made it so clear that I'm ready to give it a go :) Thank you!

[@michellecordes8112]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I had a pair of purple jeans I loved but I have wide hips compared to my waist and they always sagged really really bad. I followed your tutorial and was able to take in 3 inches and they fit PERFECT now! The small details did not come out quite as flawless as yours did, but for my purposes they were completely fine! Thank you so much for helping to bring back this lost art form and combat fast fashion! 🙌✨❤️

[@DowntownTailoring]

I'm so glad! ☺ Thanks for letting me know 🥰

[@ileanahernandezcaban6141]

This video is the best. There are so many videos where the alterations look awful and the pants ended up looking into something I would not wear. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@BilliAndAlex]

Thank you for including all the details. This was super helpful! I watch this again every time I do a jeans alteration just to make sure I'm doing it right.

[@SteveBryant2]

I've looked at several videos on altering jeans and this video is absolutely the best. In fact, this video could win a contest for best tutorial video in terms of clarity, illustration of step-by-step procedures, etc. Thank you very much!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Omggg I’m so flattered! Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@DanLeFeuvre]

I'm a beginner. Just bought my sewing machine this month, but one of my dreams to be able to work on/resize in the future are jeans. Jeans make or break a look. My mom and I always have issues when it comes to proper fitting jeans(we always visit the tailor), and so someday I want to be able to adjust jeans myself properly. Hopefully I learn the basics fast! I've only learned how to sew pillow cases and pajamas. So I guess I have a long way to go 😅 Thank you for this very detailed and great video. I wish to be as great as you soon!

[@meredithbowling1034]

Love this tutorial! I’ve been searching for a while and I can only find “cheat” alterations that look so bad at the end. But this is perfect!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much for your kind words. I'm glad you found what you were looking for! Cheers!

[@emongoogle2517]

Thanks! I followed this today for a pair of chinos! The inside seams were slightly different, but your tutorial worked great, and I'm very happy with the results!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wow!!!! I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you for trying it and for the kind comment :)

[@chiara4249]

I just used this tutorial to take in my jeans!! It worked wonderfully and I’m so happy that my jeans finally fit

[@DowntownTailoring]

This is so nice to hear 🥰 Thanks for letting me know!!!

[@drkatel]

Though the past year has been pretty awful, I’ve found a couple things to be grateful for. First, after having to leave college and move home, my daughter has managed to lose quite a lot of weight. And second, I made a couple of masks and then got totally hooked on sewing (my new obsession). I’ve taken 3” off the waist of several pairs of my daughter’s jeans. I’m pleased with the result but boy, am I ever SLOW. Being a perfectionist is hard when you don’t know what you’re doing! 😂 Wish I’d found this video a lot sooner. I laughed when you used the hammer because that’s what I did, except I thought I was the originator of the trick, lol. Your skill is to die for. I hope I can become half as good, especially with my top stitching. Ugh, it takes me forever. ❤️👍🏼

[@DowntownTailoring]

That's so nice to hear! Keep it up!

[@caseymcsherry4985]

I wish all KZbin tutorials were like this! What a great video ❤️

[@sarahgoodwin9551]

This is the best tutorial I’ve found for tailoring jeans. Very clear and easy to follow. Just finished up two pairs of jeans following your steps. Thanks so much for sharing!!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Oh that’s fantastic! I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing :))

[@fnewington]

Best tutorial I’ve found for taking in jeans waist. Thanks for showing us the proper way to do it.

[@haniel1104]

Firstly Thanks. Secondly, Women are the best teachers in the world. Every female teachers I had were the best teachers I ever had. Who could imagine I downsized my jeans after watching this tutorial😀. Really😀. thanks again.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wow, thank you! 😊

[@lilliantrudel8788]

Thank you for this tutorial. I was finally able to fix jeans that were a tad big on the waist and now it fits perfectly. Your video was so helpful and the instructions were clear. Love the professional way of fixing them. Thanks!

[@DowntownTailoring]

I'm very glad! Thanks for letting me know 🥰

[@lynellerker5953]

I've struggled many times with this alteration knowing there must be a better way. Thank you for this video because you've shown me it! Brilliant video, highly recommended 👍

[@Amyisreallymad]

I've watched MANY youtube videos on how to properly take in the waist on jeans and this is the best, most thorough one!! Thank you!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

I’m really glad you liked it, thank you!!

[@halflearned2190]

This is it. The best tutorial on denim waist adjustment

[@DowntownTailoring]

I’m so glad you like it! Thanks so much 🥰

[@dorayjapay2591]

Been looking for a video that can help me alter big pants to my size and this is video makes me understand more easy 😊 not a professional semistress just using it for my own repair so no need to go and pay this helps alot Thank you

[@daisyrea7219]

Fabulous video enjoyed watching. I used a felling machine back in the day technique in using the folding feeder but I was sewing suede coats and covered in fur lol. You could help yourself to supplies for a few pounds but I am going back 35 years.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Excellent idea Daisy!!

[@miaaa8156]

This is one of the best sewing videos I've seen! I used this on shorts instead of pants and they turned out great!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wow!!!! That's so exciting to hear! Thank you for the compliment and I'm glad it turned out well :)

[@kimbermartell6514]

GIRL! This is the best denim tutorial Ion the internet! And I watch a LOT of sewing tutorials 😅. Super helpful, thanks so much!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Yay! Thank you! I appreciate your comment 🥰

[@SamanthaMadison197]

I bought my husband some 100% linen shorts in a charity shop for just £4 even though they were several sizes too large for him. I followed this video and took 4 inches out of the waist and now they fit perfectly. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@DowntownTailoring]

I'm so glad to hear! Thanks for letting me know 🥰

[@dsymns100]

I’m not even know how I end up in these video but I love it I do alteration myself and it was just nice to see the end result these to me it mean your like what you do are proud of your work 👏👏👏 to me the hardest part it’s always find the exact color tread to match the original color on jeans 😅

[@DowntownTailoring]

Oh yes it is tricky haha! But thank you so much for your kind words!

[@Pasiphai]

Your post is amazingly detailed. I repair the clothes myself, especially the jeans, and I find that I miss the professional sewing machine. Its purchase is in my future plans. Fotini from Greece

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks! Greetings from Canada 🇨🇦 😀

[@digitalbreakthroughs]

Excellent tutorial! No distracting music! Whatever you charge is worth every penny!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks 🥰

[@kefirheals7383]

WOW. What a beautiful alternation job. I am saving this tutorial. I have a couple of my husband's jeans that need to be made smaller just like that pair you did. THANK YOU!!!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wonderful! Thanks 💕

[@MajimeTV]

Very thorough explanations. Thanks! I came across this video while looking for ways to take in a pair of men's jeans

[@melody7224]

Second time using this tutorial to take in a pair of jeans, three inches this time! fantastic tutorial!!

[@alyssalofgren3027]

Thank you thank you for this video! I was able to take an ill fitting pair of jeans by 3 inches at the waist, and they look amazing!!! It looks like they were always this way. Fantastic tutorial - would highly recommend.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Ouuuuu that’s amazing!!!!!!! Thank! It’s my absolute pleasure!

[@reallilnasx1459]

this video is really underated. i got hand me down jeans from my mom recently for school and i’ve been able to tailor the waist well

[@nicky6579]

You made it look so easy! I can't wait for my skill level to increase!

[@JessiTube]

WOW. I am so impressed by the quality of this video and the pants!!!! So detailed! Thank you so much!!

[@JessiTube]

I am just so blown away. This is so professional. Thank you.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much for your kind words! 🥰🥰🥰

[@ProfGilRodrigues]

Really professional result. The best I've seen so far. Congratulations on the technique and the video.

[@DowntownTailoring]

That is so kind, thank you!!!

[@-zunaid2124]

Didn’t understand most of it but woahhh. Super clean. Looks amazing.

[@MultiMarou]

Merci ! This is a great video, wonderful technique and a lot of useful details and comments. Thanks to you I have been able to alter a pair of jeans this afternoon and the end result was quite ok for a first attempt. Solely relying on your video.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wow!!!! I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you very much. Hopefully with practice you’ll be able to make perfect alterations soon! :)

[@ladonnawashington1643]

This is far past my skill level. I appreciate this video immensely. Attention to detail. Well done!

[@giatekla]

this is such an incredible tutorial, the clearest i had ever seen! and the results are fantastic too. also learned something about flat-felled seams!

[@hammockmonk]

That razor blade work: next level. Thanks!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Haha thank you!!

[@katya2122]

i used this tutorial yesterday so well explained really made it feel achievable worked out super well!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Great to hear! Thanks for letting me know 😊

[@tatacousin]

I'm glad you mentioned stitch length! I've seen a lot of alterations where stitch length isn't adjusted!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you for your observation! It's a very important detail!

[@chrisjohnson9384]

You’re so talented and patience.

[@gigih157]

Awesome video. I was ready to send hubby's jeans to an alteration shop until I saw this. Really well done!!

[@hyenova4550]

Thank you for this video, super professional while accessible and easy to understand! Will try that!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you so much! Let me know how it goes!

[@wo1fff747]

A life saving video as this could save a lot of jeans life.

[@megmccartney1997]

thank you! just followed your video step by step to take in some pants 4 inches! This was my first time doing and I'm so proud of myself

[@DowntownTailoring]

I'm so glad to hear that. Thanks so much for letting me know 🥰🥰🥰

[@mirkosmi1800]

Interesting video and useful...this woman is a master, works precisely and neatly....thank you...

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much, you are so kind! 😊

[@mirkosmi1800]

@@DowntownTailoring I love this job , tailoring...

[@fjeepers]

This. Is. Amazing. Just bought a pair of jeans that fit nicely in the legs, but are a bit saggy around the waist. I CANT WAIT TO DO THIS!!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Nice!!!!!! Good luck! Let me know how it goes!

[@imtinyem]

Thank you for such a clear video on how to get proper professional looking results!

[@DowntownTailoring]

My pleasure 🥰

[@JR-lx8nn]

nicely done and well scripted. I like the casual, friendly narrative that sounds like you are talking to me, and not to the camera. Thanks. JR

[@DowntownTailoring]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks 🥰

[@ramanihusic9013]

This is so well made. I've been looking for a video like this and it's perfect! Definitely going to downsize my pants like this.

[@uppereast74]

Your video is excellent. Many times I find a pair of jeans on sale that are one waist size up from my regular size, and I pass them by because the cost of a professional alteration cancels out the savings. I'm going to try and alter a pair of thrifted jeans before I attempt work on a new pair. If all goes well it will mean savings down the road. Thank you. You are an excellent teacher.

[@no-wire-hangers]

Seriously good sewing skills.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wow thank you so much!!

[@annagizziatlas62]

I was trying to replicate the flat fell seam with poor results. This method is much easier and looks better! Thank you!!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks 🥰

[@patriciaferrito9245]

I love to find out that I've been doing it the correct way all along! Thanks for the great videos.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much for your support 💕

[@seungminsforeheadyourarelysee]

oh how easy it will be if only i have a sewing machine. i have so many thrifted jeans that dont even fit me on waist and i badly want to alter them in a clean way. i plan on handsewing, but that will be too hard. im saving this video when i buy my sewing machine. many thanks for the tutorial.

[@elementgypsy]

Good tips. Thanks. I saw a few other videos showing this proper way.. yours is very good. I was lazy and just tucked in the sides a little and hand stitched. Bumpy and they still fall down. Will do this way.

[@izabeau1953]

Fantastic, I have just done two jeans , the waist is to big, but I just made two darts and that is horrible. I am going to challenge myself and do it like you showed. Fantastic work . Tks for sharing this....WOW ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@dtm8073]

Awesome job as usual! Professional job by a professional person.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you so much!!!

[@colonelfrancismugabe1655]

Incredible. I love it. But the truth is this needs time very well made video.

[@kariwalker3360]

I am so delighted with your video and directions. Perfect details about what and why you do certain things. I have always altered my own clothes buy seeing how a professional does it helps me too. I am going to look at other things that you teach. Thanks

[@DowntownTailoring]

Ouuu this is such a kind comment, thank you so much!! I’m glad to have helped :))

[@gabrielleanne2101]

Great tutorial. Clear audio, and you teach well. I now know how to alter the waist, thanks to you.😉😃😃

[@DowntownTailoring]

🥰🥰🥰

[@JustBeYouTy]

My jeans about to be fitting beautifully! Thanks

[@DowntownTailoring]

Haha yesss I hope so!!

[@Lorenzo-hu7fh]

best video on tailoring jeans!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻i usually hammer the flat felles seam just to make it easier for the machine, even if I use a triple feed that seam is tricky 😂

[@DowntownTailoring]

Yay! Thank you!

[@tammymartin-nelson7591]

Love your teaching ability and the quality of this video. Your amazing, thank you!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you so much Tammy, I really appreciate your kind words! :)

[@mutsumikitagawa3923]

It’s so nice to see your professional sewing! I’d like to know how to take in thighs on double stitched seam pants please🙏

[@lovethosebudgies]

Excellent, professional job, and the best video I've found on this. Unfortunately it's way out of my skill set, but well done!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Little by little!

[@breanne2117]

Thank you! This is exactly the video I needed. I want professional results. I found the perfect pair of Levi's, perfect....except for the waist.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Nice!

[@tylerwatson561]

This worked amazingly!! thank you so much. Altered some men's 34" to 28", for an oversized style and they look great!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Oh my goodness! I’m so glad to hear that!!!!! Congratulations:)

[@poppykok5]

Absolutely positively, brilliant tutorial, but the best part for me was discovering there's such a thing as a "curved" ruler... *: )* Seriously, where's it been all my life...HaHa Thank you Ma'am...

[@DowntownTailoring]

Haha! I know right? I LOVE my curved ruler... people are organic not geometric! If you watch my previous "wedding dress alterations" vlog, at the 4:15 time stamp, you can hear me rave about my love for that ruler.

[@poppykok5]

...and you KNOW I'll be checking it out right away... *: )*

[@amberfrazier575]

I’m with you girl!

[@jojosewist8921]

Poppykok5, That curved ruler is called a French Curve.

[@poppykok5]

Thank you kindly, JoJo Sewist...I ended up buying a French Curve ruler at Walmart & have had much fun experimenting with it...Now I want a Hip Curve ruler... *: )*

[@MissTiffanyGalore]

Hey Ladies 👋🏾 you did a splendid job 👏🏾👏🏾 I got my first job today and it is to do a similar thing. I will revisit this post if I have to 😂 thank you for sharing 💝💝💝

[@danutagajewski3330]

Great tutorial....you've given me the confidence to take in my jeans...thank you.

[@DowntownTailoring]

I'm so glad to hear!

[@marieokamoto8791]

Wow it’s really involved to do such a good job. No wonder you guys are the professionals! I really like your channel everything is clearly explained. Thank you!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks!

[@alfonsomigueldonato6895]

Very well said.so I do the pants alterations perfectly.thanks to you

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much for letting me know. I'm so glad you can alter your pants now!

[@nickgreg8068]

Masterful sewing, explanation and editing, very impressed.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much for your kind comment 😊

[@brendalaveine7756]

Osiyo. Super demonstration. Ur the best. Thanks

[@graceszucs]

I just did this on a pair where I had to remove 4”. This is probably way too much fabric to remove using this technique and I only did a very okay job, but I’m still really proud of myself and happy with the results. Thank you!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Yes. 4" might be a little too much sometimes. Here two videos where I needed to take in a little more. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3-wXpeeqaeooKc kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5CYdoGDrr5mis2cttps://kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5CYdoGDrr5mis0

[@graceszucs]

@@DowntownTailoring Oh WOW! I have more pants that are way too big. Can't wait to check this out!!!

[@anthonycraig274]

OK, this is next level tutorial. Explaining how to do x and why.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much for your comment 😊

[@njovine]

Thank you so much. You sent to this video from TikTok.

[@DowntownTailoring]

I’m so glad that you found it!! Cheers!

[@jazminevillegas6800]

You are absolutely awesome!!! Exactly what I needed, step by step with perfect explination and demonstration, Thank you so much!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much 🥰 I'm so glad you liked the explanations!

[@GirdsHerStrength]

You did such a nice job! I once took a pair of jeans to a mall tailor for taking in, and they just sewed darts at the pockets. I could’ve done that at home! I was looking for this sort of tailoring.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Of course! I’m sorry that happened, we always try to provide high quality repairs :)

[@Major_of_Glenavon]

This looks great. Just what I'm looking for. Just bought so. E good quality shorts in sale for £1 instead of £12 but slightly big. Don't want to just do on sides or put elastic in. As the shorts are really smart... I used to do training for computers. You area natural. And obviously very clever.. Can't wait to get started... I'll let you know..... Watch this space.... Thank you

[@DowntownTailoring]

@@Major_of_Glenavon Oh yes! Please let me know I'd love to hear how it turns out. Good luck!

[@ritawodyka5257]

What I can say?... WOW ! Master class

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much! 🥰🥰🥰

[@marypacer3084]

This is a great video on how to do this. I will be attempting this soon. Thank you very much.

[@luisacerrada941]

This video is very helpful ! Thank you 🙏 every step is well explained, for beginners this is great ! I can transform my pants and what a pleasure to wear them 💕✨

[@dh6653]

Love ur tutorials. Could you show how to expand a waist band? Would really like to see how this is done correctly.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much! That's a fantastic idea and we will put it on our list :)

[@nancylong8865]

Really great video. Clear and concise.

[@kaycevictoria9947]

Original hem next please!!! Beautiful work

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you Kayce. Also, that’s a great idea!

[@annroche3762]

This is the best video I have seen thank you for sharing

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wow! Thank you so much for the dazzling words!

[@marionlacey1074]

Thank you so very much for this wonderful teaching video. I am about to use your technique for myself, although thankfully I do not have any belt loops to remove and re-attach!. Have subscribed to your channel. Warm wishes from South Australia. 🐾🥰

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks! Hello 🇨🇦

[@beverlycrane4502]

Wow! You are a great teacher...so easy to follow your instructions! Thank you!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you so much Beverly!!