By Cher
An Easy Way to Lengthen a Pants Pattern
I have a secret… I am a tall girl. Since I am tall, I have a hard time finding pants that are long enough for me. I love to sew and have the same problem with patterns. Any pants pattern that I buy is not long enough for me without a bit of alteration so I’m going to share how to lengthen a pants pattern that is quick and easy!
Supplies:
- Pants pattern
- Tissue paper
- Tape
- Straight edge ruler (<– affiliate link!)
- Pencil
On all commercial patterns, there is a double line that says “lengthen or shorten here”, sometimes with a 2″ ruler on each side of the pattern piece. These areas are normally located in the leg area and hip area of a pants pattern. (They are located in the waist area of a blouse or dress, and in the hip area of a skirt.) These lines are important especially if the design of the garment will be affected by adding to the hem, know what I mean? Lengthening or shortening at the areas indicated on the pattern maintain the integrity of the style.
A cut is to be made between the lines then the pieces adjusted according to the measurement the garment will need to be lengthened. For pants, I like to add 2″ to the length. To make it easier (and so that I don’t lose part of the pattern), I join the pieces with a piece of tissue paper.
First, I cut a piece of tissue paper slightly wider than the pattern piece. I draw a line with a pencil on the tissue paper, then draw another line 2″ below.
I tape the lower piece of the pattern at the lower line.
Then tape the upper piece of the pattern at the upper line above.
Sometimes the side seam lines need to be re-drawn. I use the straight edge to draw the lines and then the pattern is ready to use!
Hopefully, this tutorial on how to lengthen a pants pattern is easy to understand… If you need help, leave a comment below!
Originally posted 2015-05-27 08:00:56.