Fix Your Baggy Pants With This Crotch And Thigh Tailoring Tutorial! (Ep. 64)

[@suzannebeyer5369]

Nice work, it would have been helpful to see it on a body before and after

[@Freefolkcreate]

My observation also.

[@teresanoone2266]

My thoughts completely

[@sonshineandsong]

Exactly what I wanted to say!

[@morningcoffee1111]

Very much agree.

[@jaynewheatland8197]

Yes, a before and after was what I was hoping to see.

[@CrankyOtter]

I like how you actually modeled “going slowly” instead of rushing it because you’re practiced.

[@joantadisch9195]

I've watched many sewing videos over the years but this is the first time seeing this channel. In my 60 years of sewing, I did not learn this horizontal alteration method for this problem. No wonder my vertical alterations did not work. I am now a new subscriber to your channel and of course I gave this video a "like".

[@thomashubbell8612]

I worked for 6 months with a lady who had an alterations shop. She had worked for a high end fashion store that sold imported garments; she could alter and repair anything. As much as she taught me, I have learned so much from this video. Thank you!

[@StephanieLynneMI]

Thank you for this clear and concise tutorial. Previously, I struggled with assuming I always had to redo the flat-felled seam back to its original state. Thank you for the freedom to serge and top stitch instead. Brilliant work.

[@tonyaalligood9768]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you! My granny used to call the crotch "the straddle." 😊

[@pattyharp725]

That is a nice word to replace crotch.

[@catofthecastle1681]

My mom said the stride!

[@sharonkeder9019]

I have been doing this for years for are Air Force Members.Iam seamstress .It use to take so much time to do it the factory way..but now I found the way your doing it awhile back,I'm glad to to see you helping others,as long as the outside of the uniforms looks the sameThats what counts according to their Military instructions..We Seamstress haven't changed the uniform. also I do it for their Blue Service uniforms when needed,since we for awhile been short on Blues! Love your video too!God Bless and yours!

[@malvinahoullis5125]

thank you for your instructions, l am a seamstress also, l normally start a garment and complete, l hate alterations But now with your instructions l am more confident, thank you beautiful lady, God bless you 😊

[@carolynvines1044]

When cutting a pattern out, could you take a horizontal dart in the pattern? I have this problem from the beginning construction.

[@mzunnurain]

What is the factory way?

[@MrsMTMomma]

@@carolynvines1044 That alteration on the pattern is correct but not possible on a finished pant. For the pattern dart pinch up the excess fabric at the center back seam just above the curve of the seat while wearing the toile/muslin. If you try it by guess and using the paper pattern it’s a crap shoot. When you pinch up the fabric you will want to have more of the amount/most of it coming from the bottom. Then taper the dart ends out to nothing at the side seam. If you make a dart with the portions equal you’ll possibly make the back length too short and you’ll have to add it back at the waist seam. It’s difficult to explain this without pictures. Just remember the dart points have to end at the side seams or your pattern won’t lay flat.

[@22mondie]

YT thought I needed to watch this...this time, they were right! I have been doing my alterations for years and have passed up on so many nice pants because I could not fix the baggy seat. You're a great teacher!! The first time, seeing this as a horizontal problem. Your explanation was clearly explained in such a simple way. It will be easy to remember. Thank you so much. Can't wait to try it out. You have a new fan who is subscribed .

[@SusanSmith-hl3iv]

❤❤❤❤❤ I have only watched a few minutes of this, and I’m your newest fan. Genius method of making the chain stitch “run” when you are picking out stitches. I knew there was a way. I just never saw such an excellent demo.❤ Now I’m ready to attack my own baggy pants. You make it so simple. Thanks so much from your newest subscriber.😊😊

[@musikkfamilien]

I am also just seeing this chanel. I join you in being a newly fan!👏👏👏

[@janice2992]

Me too 👍 That's really good. Thank you💖

[@kristiswa]

I discovered the running while unstitching trick by accident. Wow, that made my day. And made my life easier for many future alterations. Quite an epiphany.

[@MightyMouse1222]

Not me over here digging out the old jeans and putting them in the alteration pile because this is magical....

[@therobin9901]

It took me YEARS to realize that my front rise was long and my back rise was short. I’ve been removing excess rise in the yoke of jeans, but now I can do it with all my pants. I’ll finally be able to wear those that looked so good in a single mirror but terrible when I got home to my double mirror. Thanks a million.

[@dianneunderwood8456]

Great video -- when you are doing this for yourself, you can measure your front and back rise areas to get an idea of how much to adjust out. if for example your Back rise is 14 "(as measured from your waist) and your pants are 16" , you may feel more confident knowing you can take out up to 2" (depending on how tight you want the fit) off the back side of the leg through crotch seam. I learned alot from your demonstration and thank you for making this so widely available..

[@cara75]

That's a great tip! I can't wait to go try to alter some of my saggy jeans!

[@Anjaela67]

I think you did an amazing job!! Excellent instructions and easy to follow. Your KZbin channel has been a game changer for me. You’ve made doing alterations easy with a well turned out look. THANK YOU!!!!

[@leonajahour8351]

I love how you took the viewer through each step, not assuming we know already. I knew most of this, but you had tips that I didn’t know. Thank you so (sew) much!

[@terriem3922]

Lots of details is a good thing

[@jerryrichards8172]

I collect and wear camouflage from all over the world and they mostly all fit like that. I very new to sewing as not a stich yet. But getting my tools I have a new like 1980s sewing machine gifted me with its own table instruction book and a handful of fittings. I spent the first half of my day trying to find a video on taking in camouflage pants. I gave up watching other content for hrs and ....BAM YOUR VIDEO ON TAKING IN CAMOUFLAGE PANTS COME S ON. THANK YOU SO MUCH❤. LOWER LEGS AND ARMS NEXT ?😊❤

[@smiles8719]

Thank you very much for this tutorial. You are an amazing teacher! You explain everything in a manner that it is easy for your viewers to understand. Very inspiring. I feel motivated to get back with my sewing again after almost a year of not touching my sewing machine. Thank you very much

[@lindaa.9741]

Finally someone explains the WHY! Thank you so very much!

[@joanjohnson9438]

Thank you for this very very helpful fix! I lost 70 lbs and was a clothes hoarder! Alway had this problem even after the loss due to life! Now 88 years young and alway made my clothes! Love your instructions.I will definitely book mark your very unique site! Happy sewing, Joanie J.

[@Bjm521]

Just found you and oh my goodness am I excited! You are an excellent teacher! Clear and concise! What a joy! 💕

[@NikkiKogan-g3s]

I’ve been using this same method that has proved a professional end result for clients. It’s nice to see confirmation that others are using this as well. Thank you for sharing your gifts with all of us!

[@dorcasperkins1647]

This is my most common issue when making pants. The baggy seat. Love this tutorial thanks!

[@wordsigns7841]

If you are making pants from scratch you are better off correcting the real issue which is a long back rise. Take your pattern and shorten that crotch length, from waist to middle of the crotch, you’ll get a better fit.

[@MrsMTMomma]

@@wordsigns7841 You are correct but, in alterations you don’r have that option. I was told by a fitting instructpr that the baggy seat problem couldn’t be fixed after the pants were cut and sewn. We always do a horizontal tuck in the muslin just below the the hipline.and tapering to noting at the side seam. I’m going to do this alteration on a pair of purchased jeans and see how it works for me. I’m pretty sure it will….seeing is believing… You’re videos are great, Shae

[@debdrezlyons8353]

I love that you show us all the little things without editing through them! Thanks for the giggles too!

[@maryewalls3001]

It is really nice to watch someone who know what they are doing. Keep up the good work.

[@janmc6219]

Wow! How nice to have someone explain exactly how to do this. Finally, I know how to do this alteration🎉🎉.

[@WandaHaddad]

I was very fascinated watching you do this procedure. I always wondered how you would alter an inseam that is already sewn.

[@paulettewilkes4741]

This was a great video. I was about to throw out a pair of pants that I made that has a baggy seat. And now I won’t. This video is truly a game changer. I can’t wait to see some of your other videos. You are one smart cookie.

[@anitacollingwood4224]

Glad I stumbled across this video. I have the same alteration to make on someone’s pants and wasn’t game on adjusting the crotch, but this is much simpler than I imagined so I will do it.

[@brendamathewshikes8381]

I love your videos and the fact that you explain why you are doing it the way you are.

[@judypowell5607]

Really excellent presentation. Your voice is clear, pacing is perfect and cheerful. I'd guess you've had some acting or professional sales experience because you know how to engage your audience. My favorite part is how you tell the viewer what you are going to do and why before you actually do it. Best video yet and I've been sewing for 50 years.

[@geraldineyoung3491]

Brilliant 😍 far easier than the system I’ve been using.

[@kookykreek]

As a newer sewing person, I learned a lot here. Thanks!

[@nancya8262]

You are a WONDERFUL teacher. I just found your channel today and wow is this a gift. I love to try to teach myself different things and I can see me going to look at all your old videos. Just great, and exactly the tutorial I was looking for. I just saved it so I can rewatch when I am ready to do the alteration.

[@maryhammond6959]

Thank you so much for another super informative tutorial! It would be brilliant if you could do a little add-on to your alteration videos to show how you pin for the alteration. For this one in particular, how do you pin the trousers on the person to work out how much to take the from the inside seam? Thank you!

[@sewshowwithshae]

Great suggestion! It’ll be at the top of the filming list! This is one of the very few alterations we do not pin on the customer due to the sensitive nature 😉 So we will definitely line up an add-on!

[@joantadisch9195]

Chain stitching only 'runs' in one direction so if you have trouble getting it to run, try starting from the opposite end and running in the other direction.

[@teresas.3979]

I needed this for hubby's jeans. Thank you.

[@pennyf9886]

I'm a beginner sewist and I had to do this to a pair of pants I just made. There was too much fabric horizontally. I took an inch off the back piece and an inch off the front; it turned out great. it's good to know I don't have to do it to both in the future. And after watching your video, I'm glad I did it correctly!

[@linc8633]

You've taught me a great way to alter pants. I've been doing it wrong for years. 😢 Thank you. I can't wait to alter my next pair. ❤

[@sharondailey6552]

Love this and sometimes you just need someone to tell you that it is ok to change the inside of the garment. It would be nice to see you demonstrate how to put the felt seam back in. You have a gift for explaining techniques like this. And congratulations on the new bundle of joy! Prayers for a smooth delivery, you are in for a HUGE adventure. Love every moment. 😁

[@sharonwilliams1319]

This is the first of your videos that I have watched. Mind blown! this has been an ongoing issue for me with no knowledge of how to alter. I'm sitting here doing a mental inventory of all of the pants in my wardrobe that will get much more wear with this alteration. I would have loved to see the fit before and after. You have a new subscriber in me looking forward to watching many more of your videos.

[@marymorrison2484]

Great job teaching. I think knowing about "too much horizontal fabric" is a game changer.

[@mixtecjaguar9824]

I'm so glad I found you. I have to stand in front of people and I'm aware of my soggy bottom ....pants!

[@lidabard2121]

Thank you! I'm happy to add this technique to my sewing toolbox! I've never tried it.

[@Kirindor]

Thanks for the technique. For those who draft patterns, this video is great to show what happens when you move lines on the pattern.

[@LizH-fs3ky]

This is amazing! I have always told my husband that I couldn’t take in his baggy suit pants because I knew taking in the waist and through the seat wouldn’t be enough to fix them. Now, when I have the time 🤣, I can fix them for him!! Thanks again for this video. I have never even heard of this alteration until now.

[@RobertHughes-r3w]

I found your video very helpful. I tried to do your seam and messed it up. So I folded it under and cut it off. I salvaged my jeans but no top stitch. Just a beginner but will keep practicing. I have lots of jeans that don't fit right.

[@wordsigns7841]

Yes but, this modification narrows your pant at the upper thigh and you end up with a tighter leg, and you may need that room on your upper thigh. Essentially the problem is the length of the rise at the back, is too long. What I have done b/c I don’t want to end up with a tighter leg is , undo the waist band and sew it back lower down. But if you have pockets you may run into them, at the end of the day, it’s a fix that will always have problems.

[@connie6690]

I was just wondering if I could do that instead.

[@connie6690]

In my case, I do have a pocket issue and I needed to open the back seam as well in order to take in the waist. So I'm using Shae's instructions which are very clear. Once I opened the seams, it didn't seem that difficult to make the alterations. I basted it and my husband thinks they fit well. So thank you Shae.

[@laurademarrais3248]

I was just wondering about this myself. I bought a thrift store pair that I wanted to do this to. Your idea makes more sense to me.

[@sewshowwithshae]

True! but the majority of people who needs this alteration, in my experience, also want a tighter thigh so it works to my advantage most of the time

[@des_des_00]

I think it's more about the balance of back vs front, i.e., does that pant inseam/rise midpoint hit on your body's midpoint. Because if you're just yanking the back up to remove wrinkles, which tightens the front crotch by removing crotch ease, that can't be the right solution at all for fixing excess fabric at back thigh. Starting with a properly fitting waistband is the first step since that determines how pants hang. If wrinkles are present after that, shortening the back rise through the alteration shown in the video makes perfect sense to me. 🙂

[@ChristineCooper-zm2wn]

Thanks for explaining why taking in the side seams doesn't get rid of a 'baggy straddle'. Excellent tutorial. Loved undoing the chain stitch. 😊

[@marcialeacock2624]

Boy am I so happy I found your channel. Im a nurse and I have about 10 pairs of pants that fit me really well in the knee and thigh except for the baggy crotch. I was contemplating what to do maybe getting rid of them and then I found your channel. Your instructions are so clear. I have just subscribed. I am going to be adjusting all those pants starting today. Thank you so much and I look forward to watching your other videos

[@marieeaton-smith5168]

This is the best tutorial I have seen on this topic. I wish you had used a pink, or dark blue chalk though!

[@nancyingram966]

Perfect!! Thank you so much!! I do wish I could have seen the crotch bagginess on a body....before and after. I'm sure it's great. I'm a visual learner and seeing the fits would help too. Btw, how would you alter a pant that has that extra "diamond" fabric in the middle of the 'crotch'? Love your teaching technique, Shae.

[@katieb1836]

Me too, I would love to have seen a before and after picture on the body as well. Very helpful tutorial! Thank you!

[@ikkoros]

This is great, tightening the thighs AND crotch/butt is exactly what I needed! Loved the level of depth and detail you went into, since I’m still a beginner and I learned a ton from this ❤

[@KarinaLoren]

Finally, a clear and practical guide to solve a real big issue. Your video finanlly motivated me to do it, as everything made perfect sense and fell back into place. Thanks a lot for this.

[@kathibecker5351]

My whole family has inherited a "no butt" bottom from my side and also hubby's side of the family. My poor kids didn't have a chance. This tutorial was so well explained I'm confident I can buy pants that fit everywhere, including my hind end. Thank you so much❤

[@aribella6913]

This was GOLD

[@KarenGoll]

So helpful, can’t wait to try this method!

[@joannurquizo7339]

Thank You ....I have been doing this wrong for years. Takes a little longer but results are awesome.........................

[@Chocodear07]

Been looking for this kind of tutorial for months! Thank you for a very nice and clear instructions. I would definitely try it on my baggy pants. I just hoped there is a before and after shot of it on a body to really visualize the changes.

[@NannyMooCreations]

This is exactly how I have made alterations of this type too...and its nice to know that as a 'non professionally taught' seamstress my self.....my intuition to do this adjustment in this way has been right all these years. Thank you for giving me the confidence in my ability, that others knew I had, but I had always doubted myself....❤

[@sewshowwithshae]

Isn’t that the craziest part? The imposter syndrome seems to follow us throughout life (I feel it to!) but I’m glad we can band together here!

[@BritInvLvr]

Very informative. You gave me food for thought in other situations for this solution. Thank you.

[@RichardRead]

Fantastic tutorial. I have this problem with most pants, and although I’ve developed a workaround, it’s not as straightforward as this. Thanks for sharing and for being so thorough!

[@raggedyann4372]

Very nice, I have those pants and I’m looking forward to them fitting better thank you❤️

[@karenwilson6034]

This has been a problem in all my pants. Now I know how to fix it, Thanks so much for posting this.

[@mymai5859]

Great vid. You are very skilled & great confidence when teaching. Much appreciated 💜

[@bevpotterton6885]

Thanks for a wonderful tutorial. Would another horizontal seam be the waist band and could the excess fabric be taken from there.

[@jackkelley890]

This is amazing 😮 dang near magic. I am dumbfounded by your knowledge in your field. I am just starting off, and it seems very overwhelming. Have a very blessed 2025 🎉

[@MarkHoch]

Thanks for this lesson! This wasn’t the usual video of: I’ll state the goal, then I’ll heavily edit the video and fast forward boring segments so I can show you a fast result (but unfortunately you’ll be none the wiser about how to get there). Your statement of the problem and the way to fix it [horizontal adjustment, not vertical) with advice about the details is so helpful. I’m slim built and this is going to make a lot of my baggy dress pants fit so much better!

[@alihillaby7721]

I’m serious-thank you! I’ve been needing a video like this. So clear and easy to follow! Thank you! Now to start going through your other videos! 😂❤🎉

[@gwendavis1623]

Thank you so much for this video. I always have that extra in the back of pants. Now I heading to my Bernina to start fixing the extra problem. Love your calm assuring voice.

[@janeahrens572]

I like your careful attention to detail! I’d never thought of that technique to remove the baggy seat in pants. ( that’s not usually my problem). One thing, I usually leave the pants inside out and go in through the waist opening as you did. It’s easier to keep the extra surrounding fabric out of the ways and out from underneath my needle. I also serge off the seam allowances and top stitch it. Easier and neater.

[@connieolsen6253]

Great teaching style! Very clear, fun to watch. And I learned how to fix a problem I’ve been pondering for a long time, but never had the courage to dive in. Now I do! Thank you.

[@queeneywarren9474]

That was a beautiful job and you explained it very well thank you

[@SewingSistahs]

I had to watch you because that’s what I do. Thanks for sharing. You inspire me.

[@Kahilonggangtisay]

I'm gonna learn this❤ thank you for sharing this video ma'am 💕

[@ttheaaliccat]

Brilliant! I have had trouble for years (decades really) visualizing the back crotch horizontal folds. Mystery solved, many Thanks.

[@Llamabits]

Absolutely brilliant thank you! Just started on my dressmaking journey and find your channel an invaluable resource already ❤

[@morganjenner8377]

I’m so glad I found this specific video I was looking for a way to fix my baggy navy working pants because we are having a uniform shortage. But I like my waist size so I didn’t want to size down, just fix the groin and leg areas a bit. So this example was LOADS helpful.

[@TWMAC2011]

Thank you! Recently lost a little weight, and some of the 'relaxed fit' pants are looking pretty sloppy. This will neaten them up.

[@baldwinleatherworks]

You are my Sewing Tutor Hero! Thank you for making. This is so much easier to understand. You are an awesome instructor. Thank you so much for this tutorial. Like Sue Smith said I’ve only watched a few minutes, but. I am also one of your newest and biggest fans.

[@Sewingshed]

THANK YOU for this. I do this technique often but have always avoided flat felled seams. This has given me me the confidence to do them too

[@sharongallagher3443]

Great video. Easy to understand.

[@julietierney2516]

This was an excellent video. This is something that I now "get". Thanks for such a clear explanation!

[@JocelyneRichard-h6z]

Good work !!! I love hand stitching. Thank you for the technique !!! ❤

[@joannfagen4457]

Your video is the best, thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@cassadysmith9697]

Just did this on some nice wool trousers I thrifted. They fit perfect now! Thank you so much!

[@deoara1]

This was so perfect! Shae, an excellent teacher.

[@maryellenoneill9061]

What a great timely video! My jeans always have a baggy seat and I was wondering how to correct the problem, now I have a solution.😊. I also agree, it would’ve been nice to see the after picture on a human. 😉. I also just found your channel and have subscribed. 👍.

[@taryncordell7719]

What if the front and back crotch are both too long? I enjoyed your teaching. I’ve altered my garments my entire 60 years on this earth. I’m excited to learn more from you! May God bless you and yours.

[@PCTLadyPuterTutor]

This was a great tutorial video! As I have gotten older, my body has reproportioned and my jeans have gotten saggy in the butt. I sew, but needed to know where to start. Thanks so much!

[@kerfuffle9312]

I hear you….I am attempting this now.

[@lizrobinson4202]

Thanks!

[@sarahturps1384]

Fantastic! I am SOOOO glad I found this channel. I've seen so many videos, this is by far, the absolute best. Your voice and personality, oh my gosh, you knock it out of the stratosphere. I was wondering why you didn't use a double needle. A new subscriber for sure!

[@camrynnford1907]

Hi, I'm not sure if that was a question about the double needle or if you were saying u were wondering and now you understand. So apologies if this is unnecessary. But on the chance you were still wondering- she could use a double needle and it wouldn't really affect the outcome on the outside. But a double needle is unnecessary for this because that seem doesn't need to stretch. Double needles are really useful for seems that need to be able to stretch, like the hem of a stretchy shirt, because the bottom thread zigzags back and forth between the two lines of thread providing it give to stretch to an extent. But this seem doesn't need to stretch. Also the original seem is two separate straight stitches so it makes it more cohesive in that sense as well. Plus getting a twin needle that is the correct width and weight for one particular pair of pants is just another step and cost- while an equally valid option- that is just unnecessary. I hope that helped :)

[@sarahturps1384]

Thanks for your reply. I would think that this seem needs to stretch more than any other area. But, I am a novice.

[@JennyDeSilva]

Thank you so much for this tutorial.. went through many before I found you.. you explained it so well..

[@myhouse108]

Thanks so much for sharing your methods with us! I really appreciate your enthusiasm and the lilt in your voice!!

[@janets2979]

cant wait to try this out i have always got a baggy seat on all my pants thank you so much for sharing this with us

[@susanrussell8195]

Since I have this problem with almost every pair of pants I own, this was extremely helpful. The most important information you shared is how to know if your problem needed to be solved with a horizontal seam or a vertical seam. I am going to see if I can have a pair of pants that don’t “look like you’ve moved out of the @$$ end” of them. Never forgot mother’s description even 40 years later.

[@srs9130]

Thank you, that was a really nice clear instruction which I would feel confident to try to follow.

[@vickyreynolds1109]

Amazing presentation! Thank you, very doable

[@ChE-l3r]

Thank you for the comments about the before and after not being shown on a person wearing the repaired pants. I just finished viewing another upload on the same problem. I'm going to stop here and keep looking, no need to waste my time on something that is of no use to me. 🙄😯🥺

[@musikkfamilien]

I just came across your profile and this video. I am already a huge fan!😊👏👏. You are explaining in an understandable and easy way. I will look over your other videos at once. Thank you! Greetings from Norway 🇳🇴

[@Dee-cg2fx]

Is this true with the front bagginess?? What I just do the same with the front?

[@Dee-cg2fx]

I had the same question. Did you try this on the front rise?

[@christelvanhouwelingen543]

Thank you so much! Have been looking for a way to modify my too baggy jeans but nothing seemed appropriate. Must try this for sure! Regards from the Netherlands, Christel