Three ways to take in trousers that are too wide, including one fashion hack where no needle or thread is involved. Ideal for those perfect second-hand trousers that are a size too big, those jeans you accidentally bought a bit too big or a solution for when you have lost weight. Our do-it-yourself expert Melanie shows it to you!
Minor clothing repairs
Repairing your own clothes is not only better for the planet, it also makes you a richer person yourself. You save a beloved item of clothing - because why did it break? It must have come óbecause you loved wearing it so much and you literally save yourself money, because that trip to the shop or tailor is no longer necessary. You fix it yourself for another round of wearing pleasure. So put on a nice podcast or playlist (tips for this we also have) and get to work on small repair jobs. This time, we'll get to work on how to tuck in trousers that are too wide. We will show you three ways, one of which you can even do without a needle or thread. Anyone can do it!
Sin! Far too many broken clothes in the wardrobe
A survey by UK textile organisation WRAP has found that 30% of people have garments hanging in their wardrobes that they no longer wear, simply because they need repair. Bummer! In France, the government is going to help people. Here, you get (up to) 25 euros discount on repairs (and pay an extra tax for a fast fashion purchase) in the hope that it will encourage people to repair clothes more often. In the Netherlands, we have to make do with initiatives such as United Repair Center, mended.eu (send in your repairs and get it returned fixed) or the local tailor - which we absolutely welcome, but more is always better.
Source: wrap.org.uk & change.inc & volkskrant.nl
Three ways to take in trousers that are too wide: 1. with figure seams, 2. by sewing on an extra button, 3. with a lace.
1. Fitting trousers that are too wide with darts
Getting trousers that are too big smaller can be done with darts. These are triangular pleats ending in a point. You can place darts in several places, for example next to both side seams or in the back seam. To do this, use ladder stitching. This article tells you how to tackle that repair job.
2. Sew on extra button
At the fly, sew on an extra button next to the existing one. Do you know how to sew on a button neatly? The best way to sew on a button is to use iron thread. This yarn is often wound on such a star and is extra strong. This prevents the knot from coming undone inside no-time lies off again, or that the wire snaps when you pull it hard. Watch the whole tutorial here.
3. Fitting trousers that are too wide without a sewing machine or needle and thread
You can very easily make trousers that are too big smaller without the intervention of a sewing machine. You don't even need a needle and thread! All you need is a lace. How to do that, see and read here!
Get started with a no buy clothing style
Looking for even more original fashion hacks, upcycle Ideas and tips for sharing and swapping clothes? We'll get you started with the No Buy Fashion Guide. Over a hundred pages of cool ideas on how to look nice without even buying anything. Nothing. Nope. Nada. Not even second-hand! For 9.50 euros you will have it delivered straight to your inbox and thus on your tablet or mobile phone!
Will you also join this fun community? Read this guide too and discover lots of original ideas. Because so many cool clothes are already out there! Order the No Buy Fashion Guide from our webshop!
More sustainable fashion hacks from thegreenlist.nl
- Are your trousers too long? Then check out our DIY trouser shortening here.
- We also know how to deal with trousers or skirts that are too tight. Take a quick look at our DIY.
- Difficult spot? This is how to get all stains out of (second-hand) clothes.
Photo credits: lace-up jeans: thegreenlist.nl, other photos: Melanie de Oliveira.
