Fitting oversized trousers with darts
Getting trousers that are too big smaller can be done with darts. These are triangular pleats that end in a point. You can add darts in different places. For example, you can place them next to both side seams, or in the back seam. Use ladder stitching.
Tools
- needle
- iron thread*
- scissors
- ruler
- pencil or erasable pen
Instructions
- Measure how much you want to taper the trousers and mark this distance with chalk or an erasable pen on the inside of the trousers where you want to place the figure seam.
- Draw a figure seam by drawing a triangle using the marks you made.
- Now sew the figure seam using ladder stitch. Following the drawn lines, start at the top at the widest point and work towards the tip, pull on and then stitch to the back and stitch off. Find out more about ladder stitch here.
- If you want to make the figure seam along the centre back seam or side seam, draw a half triangle (see photo).
Notes
*Because you have to tighten the thread, it is important to use a strong yarn, such as iron thread, so that your thread doesn't snap when you tighten it. Iron thread is often found wrapped on such a star and is extra strong.