Tuesday Tutorial - Shortening Jeans to Make Capri Length Pants

I've had this pair of jeans in my closet for about 2 years now. They fit, but I don't like the way the legs are cut. They're not tapered or flared they are just straight leg jeans, but the legs are wide.

Today, while rummaging through the closet, I decided I needed a new pair of denim capris. My other two pairs are looking worn. Then I ran across my wide legged jeans and the light bulb came on... LET'S TURN THESE INTO CAPRIS!

This is how I did it...

Step 1.
Comparing the new pants with an older pair I had, I decided I wanted a 3 inch cuff. The cuff will be doubled, so I made a mark on the new pants little over 6 inches below where I wanted the actual length to be.

Step 2.
Carefully cut off the extra amount of pant leg from the new pants - just one leg for now. Take the bottom  part of the you cut off and lay it on top of the other leg matching the seams and hem and use as a cutting guide for the second leg. Carefully cut. Both legs should now be cut off and be the same length.

Step 3.
With your sewing machine do a zig-zag stitch as close to the edge that you trimmed off as possible. My jeans have a little stretch to them, so I used the stretch stitch setting on my sewing machine. Don't worry if it's a little uneven... no one will see.

Step 4.

Fold the bottom edge of the pants up 3 inches and press. Make a nice crisp edge by pressing firmly with a hot iron, being careful not to scorch.

Step 5:

Fold up another 3 inches and press again making a nice crisp crease.

Step 6:

Carefully bar tack the top of the cuff at the side seams on each side of the leg. I used a zig-zag stitch.

That's it... all done. One less pair of jeans laying in the closet... one NEW pair of capris to wear this summer!

Thanks for joining us today!

Deena Davis

www.byyourhands.blogspot.com