Make the waist of jeans BIGGER!

[@andreagrimes9721]

I was inspired by you video to add extra inches to the waistband of a pair of pants.. I had a pair of paisley pants that were a little bit too snug in the waist. I needed to add a couple of inches to the waistband. I pondered as to what fabric to insert at the center back of the waistband. Then I realized that that little watch pocket in the pants that I never use could be carefully removed and fabric salvaged to make the waistband insert. After squaring up that piece of fabric into a clean square, I was left with a 3 inch square of fabric and set it into the pre-existing waistband to add an extra 2 inches after seamed. The pants had enough give that the new waistband fit in perfectly. Thanks so much for the inspiration and I hope this tip will come in handy for someone wanting to match the fabric which makes a barely noticeable alteration to the center back waistband.

[@CatherineSews]

Omg, that is such a great idea!! Brilliant!

[@michaelsnider2484]

If you are sewing seams or layers of jeans and it is just too thick for your machine, lay the thick area on a piece of scrap wood, place it on the floor, and pound the thick area of the fabricwith a hammer. This will spread the threads a bit, and will sew with your machine much easier. You will not see any difference in the fabric, and the scrap wood will protect your floor. Really works!!😊

[@Jennifer_Lewis_Beach_Living]

These are great tips that go beyond “adding a panel”. I really like adding the new waistband that has a little more stretch than the original waistband. I was today years old when I learned the trick about doubling the thread for a topstitch.

[@ambers_myth]

YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THAT i CAN THREAD TWO DIFFERENT THREADS THROUGH THE NEEDLE AT ONCE???!!?!?!? My mind is blown right now!!!! 🤯🤯

[@sandrarekker585]

two threads!? You're genius!! Really love the waistband replacement idea; works well.

[@julieratter4942]

Wow! That two threads trick is ingenious!

[@CHrisPetE056]

You are a sewing ninja warrior. That fix on the light denim pair was amazing. I have never and would never have thought of changing just the waistband. 😮I can’t wait to try it. I have several jeans that just need that little stretch. Thank you so. Sew! Much!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks you, Christine! "Sewing ninja," haha, I like that!🤣

[@cami175]

Genius! I just love all of your tips and tricks - especially how to make clothes BIGGER! Now that takes some out-of-the-box thinking! Thanks for these sewing videos - I love them 😊

[@CatherineSews]

Awww, thanks, Cami! Yes, I also seem to be more interested in enlarging clothes these days!

[@cami175]

@@CatherineSews Sadly I agree - another one of COVID’s unanticipated hazards 😜 But all that extra time to play with sewing skills! I’m so glad I found your videos - thank you for all your sewing tips!! I have become so motivated and inspired

[@marciacarbo9047]

What a great idea to switch the waistband!

[@carolynsorah2819]

I thought your video title sounded ridiculous...how many hours is this going to take, removing a waist band?? Wow I have much to learn! Love, love, love your videos!!

[@colleenaase7067]

You are a wealth of information! I love watching your techniques! ❤

[@cheryl5994]

I'M SEW GLAD THIS VIDEO FOUND IT'S WAY TO ME. I'LL NEVER WORRY ABOUT A PAIR OF JEANS GETTING A LITTLE TIGHT AS YRS HAVE, NOW I KNOW HOW EASY IT IS TO ALTER. THANK YOU SEW MUCH.

[@JRo605]

Just did this and have 2 pair of jeans that are more comfortable. I chose to remove the waistband just to within a few inches of the button hole and button I added a 3 inch piece of waistband on the center back from a pair of jeans I wasn't wearing-worked fantastic. Thank you so much.

[@StephyParry]

My mind is blown 😮 I’ve been sewing for 30yrs and never even considered this !!! amazing !!!!!!

[@amyberg1413]

I learn so much from you! I love to alter clothing but never thought of taking off the whole waistband! Doubling the thread with a topstich needle-brilliant!

[@CatherineSews]

Awesome to hear! Thanks, Amy!

[@cheryl5994]

ME NEITHER, I CAN'T WAIT TO TRY THIS OUT.

[@JulieMelberg]

I'm amazed you could change a waist band so easy! Great idea!!

[@danbev8542]

For my very old machine, I find switching to the size 14 needle for heavy jeans & layers essential. Two threads look like a great idea! Also, I believe yellow, thick denim thread can be found.

[@lucilledaub5991]

Nice work on your two waistbands for your jeans.

[@rosac8168]

What a great idea on the two threads in one needle and didn’t realize to use a top stitch needle I was using a regular Jean needle . Thanks for all the great tips 👍

[@melissad7855]

Genius! I never knew it was that easy.

[@bhallmark3390]

Thanks for leading us into the world of possibilities with this new video! Each one is always a treat…😄

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks! Always happy to see your comments ☺️

[@belieftransformation]

Wonderful alterations; thanks for sharing! I just snipped the waist band on some of my jeans & inserted a wide elastic to get more width & expansion for more comfort! Yours sure look more professional! My shirts cover my quick fixes so I won’t bother changing the elastic but will try this on nicer pants.

[@robinduggins2561]

Hmmm, lose weight or expand jeans? I only have 2 pair and I wear them both during the winter. Time to lay off the desserts or switch to sugar free. I love your tips and upcycles, they are so helpful.

[@TheMinot60]

The triangle UNDERNEATH the bigger waistband is indeed genius!!!

[@donnarichards6554]

Thanks so much. I was successful increasing the waistband of my favorite jeans several inches with just a scrap of denim in the center back. The built-in stretch at the hips gave me 2" and I released the flat-fell seam at center back and re-stitched for another half-inch. They are great with a long top now.

[@CatherineSews]

Well done! That sounds great!

[@Seejaysew]

Brilliant! Thanks for demystifying how to grow the waistband. This will be really helpful!

[@susanskidmore9516]

"Demystifying" is the"perfect description!

[@bobbybiscuits4758]

Catherine, You Jeanius!👌 I found your channel a few weeks ago and absolutely loving each and every tutorial ❤️ Thank you so much x

[@CatherineSews]

Great to hear, Bobby! So glad you found my channel!

[@caroleferguson7771]

I learn something every time I watch you. So glad I found you

[@CatherineSews]

I'm glad you found me too!

[@christinekreider6153]

I truly enjoy your channel and have gotten tons of ideas from you. I would like you to do a tutorial on how to make a pattern using a dress form. I've had a form forever but I don't know how to use it. Thank you so much for your great methods. SUPER

[@CatherineSews]

That's great, Christine! So nice to hear. This video might help you with using your dress form to make a pattern: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5DXcnich6mNgqs

[@queenofroses09]

I thought about asking you for a video on this yesterday, and here it is. You must have read my mind ☺️

[@linkay6]

I think both pairs turned out great! I really enjoyed watching your videos! Practical ideas I can utilize!

[@englishrivieravanessa]

Thanks Catherine - another great video with every single step shown and explained so clearly. I'm definitely going to be doing this on my jeans. I've used the double thread idea before & it's so satisfying! I also often use bobbins on top to use up the colour & free up spare bobbins. It's great to learn from each other in a worldwide sewing community - like one big family!

[@CancelJohnnyDepp]

-Come over an see Johnny Depp pursuing Amber Heard with a blade as she begs him to stop, the recording played at the trial, transcribed and loudened

[@georgiannajoseph6747]

These ideas are so inspirational and brilliant. You explain everything very well too! I am glad to find out details like jeans can stretch beneath the waistband. Great job!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much! There's always more to learn about sewing!

[@aminahawa7237]

Sooo inspirational. I absolutely love your tutorials. It's just brilliant and yet again you make it seem so easy xx

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much, Amina! Great to hear!

[@sarachanning5750]

I always have the issue of the waist being to small because I have no butt or hips so to get the pants to fit in those spots the tummy gets a bit snug so this is a great idea. I have to get a sewing machine. I’ve been telling myself to buy one for years and I just keep putting it off but this may be the video that gets me to go get one!

[@mariemartin2610]

Brilliant! Yet again! I’m also searching for a few more centimetres at the waist…thanks for helping me find them 😉

[@ChristineCooper-zm2wn]

I did a search and found just what I needed. Thankyou so so much. Christine

[@bof.930]

I can’t wait to try this. I’m so glad I saved all my waistbands over the years!

[@pedinurse1]

Just started watching your videos and they are fabulous

[@CatherineSews]

Oh, thanks so much, Emily! I'm so glad you found my channel!

[@christinehowell]

This is great. Thank you for showing us how to do this. I wish I could say that my waist band had shrunk, but it's clearly me that's expanded!!!

[@leeannqh]

Gutermann make a bronze colour in their topstitching thread that is the perfect colour and thickness. Great tutorial!

[@notpurrfect6397]

My jeans shrank too! I love your fix. I just cut off my waistband and finished them with bias seam binding. I'm short-waisted so it works. Your fix looks like nothing changed. Genius! Thank you.

[@debbiew.7630]

Wow what a great job you did. You are an excellent teacher. I always look forward to your videos. You’re my favorite. Thanks again for taking the time to record this. 😊

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks for such a sweet comment!

[@elaineshigemoto4373]

You are "sew" clever Catherine! Never would've thought to expand the black pants by hiding the seam under the belt loops!!! Do you prefer to alter thrifted clothes or sew new garments from scratch?? Love watching all your tips!

[@CatherineSews]

Good question! I love altering thrifted clothes. I try not to buy new if I can help it. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@judih.8754]

I love this idea. Thank you Catherine!

[@angiebabesdarboe3944]

They look amazing, I look forward to seeing your videos and it’s great that you explain everything and not just play music sending me to sleep or having to turn it off because it’s ear piercing high pitched and too painful to hear xx

[@karinnoack7186]

Hello Catherine, ich schaue deine Videos aus Deutschland und es fasziniert und inspiriert mich immer sehr, nach deinen Tutorials zu arbeiten. Ich habe eine Hose genauso erweitert, wie du hier die schwarze Hose geändert hast. Das war schon lange vor deinem Video und meine Hose war eine Biker-Lederhose....dickes Material und dann auch noch Lederdreiecke als Erweiterung eingenäht.😱🙈 War echt eine Herausforderung, aber ich hatte es geschafft und war doch ein bisschen stolz, dass dieses Werk auch meine gute Singer-Maschine, natürlich mit Ledernadel, geschafft hat. Vielen lieben Dank für's Zeigen. Ich schaue ALLE deine Videos und finde dich auch sehr nett und sympathisch .💜 Viele Grüße aus Brandenburg. 👋👋

[@TheJaniebabe]

nice tips Catherine, thanks

[@bigskyintx]

You are such as awesome teacher!

[@sarawelder1]

As always you are a genius!

[@ruthlanwarne8978]

I have exactly this problem with my jeans so I must try your alteration. 👏🏻

[@carinalarsen76]

Thank you! I have the same problem with my blue jeans. They fit well except for the non-forgiving waistband. I've been using the hairband trick every time I use them since they were new.

[@dianejohanson98]

Great ideas! I have some jeans that need this fix. They fit everywhere but the waistband. Thanks for addressing this issue!

[@CatherineSews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carolcarter865]

Thank you for this video. I will do this. ❤

[@ldelpiere]

Thank you solving the problems

[@1wolfpup]

Those look great. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@shannonrapati149]

Awesome can't wait to try out these alteration ideas. Thanks

[@sozofam2164]

Great video and beautiful job on the jeans!

[@margieevans5276]

Thanks

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much for the SuperThanks! That means a lot! 🥰🙏

[@teresaestevezalvarez664]

The tips are so clever.

[@jesshothersall]

That was so good, I would never have realised you could put a longer waistband on existing jeans without having to use the triangle! Awesome video! :). Any chance you could come up with a practical and normal looking way to make low rise jeans into normal ones? I cannot work out how to keep the top looking normal and not having to put another zip in, which would be just off the scale awkward...

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

I did this but they're very different looking. The waistband is a double layer of fabric. I unpacked it and spread it flat. Lined it with a different fabric so it would be double layered again. Then sewed it back onto the jeans. Then I added buttons to it - 2 was enough. So the jeans zip up a bit then button at the top.

[@lorioverman1668]

Great idea. Just love your sewing tutorials!!

[@tracybarnes6608]

Thankyou so much, I would have never thought to do this with jeans but you made it look so easy. I usually just donate them when they don’t fit.xx

[@olderandwiser22]

Great technique! Thank you.

[@carilynjurgeson6178]

I really like this channel. The topics hit exactly where my interest are, making items I already have useful or better. TFS

[@deebell1135]

Just stumbled onto this channel. Yay!

[@norakathleenbertoglio4414]

You are brilliant!

[@doudou53d44]

Great job and well explained !!!!

[@MurphysEveryWhim]

I just saw the two thread trick on Downtown Tailoring just a few days ago! Nice to see that reemphasized.

[@CatherineSews]

You did!? I love her, but I didn't see that one! Dang it!

[@debbieg4832]

This is great! will you do a video on just EXACTLY how to pull the chain stitch out like you do? it never works out that way for me. :)

[@kimijackson5200]

This is so helpful, Catherine! I've been learning to upcycle and your channel has taught me so much. I definitely have some jeans that will be getting a waist expansion! Thank you.

[@lisacausey4773]

Great video! Thanks!

[@cjane51]

This is the video I needed. Thanks again Catherine. You always have the best videos.

[@cathym1257]

Another very helpful video, Catherine! Brilliant! Thanks for sharing your sewing struggles, as well, and then how you resolve them! You're such an enjoyable teacher. Question: Did you add a little triangle on both sides of the black pants, or just one side? Many thanks for helping us improve our sewing skills!

[@cathym1257]

I see you answered my question already. Thanks Catherine

[@CatherineSews]

Yes, both sides. Thanks for the kind comment!

[@janetpaden8878]

Thank you sew much for this video! I can always find pants that fit in the rear but not the waist or fit in the waist but not the rear. You get the picture. This is really going to help me.

[@songbird3094]

Thank you so much for this. I'm always nervous about attempting any alterations. I'm not the most experienced, but I will try this. I'm an apple shape and need a bigger waist, but my legs are thin. It's difficult to get jeans that fit well. Would you be kind enough to do a video on making the legs of jeans narrower please?

[@CatherineSews]

I'm an apple too! It's often a tricky shape to style. I'll keep an eye out for pants that need to be tapered so I can show you.

[@songbird3094]

@@CatherineSews Thank you so much, I'd appreciate it.

[@katleigh4460]

I love how excited you get when something you were unsure about turns out well. I do the same thing. Glad to see I am not the only one. LoL And, I think the little triangle insert on the black jeans could TOTALLY be a design feature. Although, like you said, it is unlikely anyone will ever notice it. If someone ever gives you grief or calls you out on it. Just do what I do. Challenge them to do a better job. If they can, that's awesome. If they can't, then they shouldn't criticize. I just recently became a subscriber and really enjoy watching your videos. I have already upsized a couple of t-shirts. It is so nice to be able to wear them again. Now, I have a way of wearing a couple pairs of beloved jeans again. Thank you for that. :) BTW, I wanted to ask if that was an Arizona Coyote's T-shirt you were wearing in your "Chanel Inspired DIY Thrift Flip" video? I live in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area and just caught a glimpse of it and thought it was cool. Thanks for all the work you put into making really great content that is so useful. Have a blessed day.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks for the great comment, Kat, and yes, you're right! That was a Coyote tshirt! Can you believe I thrift it in Vancouver BC? Then I made the neckline smaller

[@katleigh4460]

@@CatherineSewsThat is so cool. I haven't watched that video yet. But it is on my watch list. I have been to Vancouver BC. Years ago when visiting a friend who lived in Kelowna, BC. It was so beautiful. I was shocked when there was snow still on the ground in May. Down here in May we rarely dip below 65* at night and usually around 100* during the day LoL Which is why I really like the videos I've seen where you make the necklines wider or v-neck etc. Those types of alterations are so helpful! Thanks again. Have a blessed day.

[@IMOO1896]

Doubling thread? Genius!

[@vivianhamilton616]

I really enjoyed watching you work your magic! I'm learning so much. and that little bit you added onto the black pair of jeans blended in well...such good work 😍

[@henriettelinkshanderin1449]

I have to try this. Love it! Thanks so much for sharing!!! ❤

[@CatherineSews]

Yes! My jeans are so comfy now! Thanks for watching.

[@henriettelinkshanderin1449]

​@@CatherineSews I've tried it and I love it! I have an additional hack: I ripped the inner leg seams of a pair of jeans that was a low cut. I inserted a long strip of denim from another pair of jeans in the same color. Now the pants sit on my waist and fit me much better because my waist is smaller than my hip. Plus there is a little more room for my thighs, too. It is so easy and I love my "new" jeans so much! Thanks for the inspiration! ❤

[@CatherineSews]

@@henriettelinkshanderin1449 Whaaattt!!???? That's amazing!! Such a great hack! Thanks so much for letting me know!

[@ArlenePMCM]

I love your videos, you make these alterations look so do-able. Mysteriously, all my waistbands have shrunk!! 🙂

[@snyyng]

I always learn something useful from you. Thanks!

[@janirabrannigan]

I needed this tutorial! THANK YOU. 🤩

[@CatherineSews]

Great! So glad it was helpful!

[@susanskidmore9516]

You are amazing, Catherine! I needed this one 😃. This jeans video with your step by step attention to detail will be very useful. I can't believe how much I learned. The black on black is a tough one for visual learners, but that said, this video is still amazing. Your time and effort is greatly appreciated.

[@susanbaker902]

Clever clever

[@alynneredmon9560]

Could you you explain the differences in scissors sizes, and benefits.As the years have gone by I am using smaller sizes in scissors , and even ones that have springs for easier use due to arthritis. Thank you for your wonderful videos I enjoy them all, I am 76 years of age and have sew n since my teens but lady I am learning so much from you. Thanks for sharing your talent!

[@stcyr46]

Love your videos! Looking for one on making pants smaller

[@RavenVargas27]

This is a great idea thick build people like me need these tricks thank you

[@AnneBeamish]

I love this idea. My favourite jeans (also Second Yoga) are too tight in the waist... now how to find others at a thrift store?

[@juliehaig1216]

This is so great catherine i just wish id seen this a couple of months ago before i sent my jeans off to the charity shop! Im going to try this next time though and if the waistband doesnt match colourwkse, ill just wear a belt😂

[@clothingalterations]

Great sewing tips

[@joannemcd1257]

LOVE this!

[@coradayag1956]

Hahaha, it's fun watching you 😊👍

[@Billybloop]

I'm short and apple shaped. I always cut fabric off the hem and add it to the waistband.

[@bigskyintx]

Thank you so much! That will be so helpful. I always have some muffin top!

[@CatherineSews]

Haha, me too! Glad this was helpful 😃

[@elke7836]

Whats bettet than new fancy cloth? Comfy fitting personalized cloth ❣❣❣❣🎉🎊🎊

[@rosac8168]

Nice work ! Catherine can you do a tutorial on the trending jean skirt out of jeans I’ve seen many but I like your detail to seams and stuff looking professional I started one but can’t seem to get it to look professional enough in the back! Please 🙏🏾 💕

[@CatherineSews]

Omg, I’m literally filming that RIGHT NOW!! And it’s going so well!! I’m super excited about this next video! It’ll take a while to edit, but hopefully I can post it by Friday. Stay tuned!!!

[@rosac8168]

@@CatherineSews OMG , I can’t wait- I’m so excited 😃

[@rosac8168]

@@CatherineSews I made the mistake of cutting it to knee length before I even noticed the long look was trending ! I hope I can salvage it won’t touch it until you post :)

[@gehanghobrial2449]

Thank you so much ♥️🙏 it is wonderful and helpful tutorial. You are brilliant ❤

[@fabricartUK]

Genius

[@rhonda478]

Awesome!