I have been on the hunt for a Stacy and Clinton approved pair of jeans since forever. With my body shape and height (pear shaped and stumpy), the search for jeans has been difficult, to say the least.
My mission has been to find a pair of jeans that:
1) Are one color of denim, preferably a dark wash.
2) Create a sleek line from my hips all the way to my ankles
3) Fit my hips AND my waist
4) Are not too long
5) Do not have any ornamentation on the pockets or pockets with flaps.
Evil roadblocks I encounter over and over:
1) The jeans are a dark wash, except on the thighs. Thanks, but my thighs don’t need any extra attention drawn to them.
2) Most jeans are not wide enough all the way to my ankle, thus creating a “wow, she has really fat thighs” look. Flare jeans and/or skinny jeans = EVIL.
3) They fit over my hips but leave a giant gaping space at my waist.
4) MOST jeans are too long, even those that say “short” or those found in petites.
5) Rhinestones or buttons or silver designs adorn the pockets and scream “MY ASS IS TRYING TO LOOK LIKE A 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL!”
So imagine my dilemma when I walked into J. Crew the other day and found an almost perfect pair of jeans. They met 3 out of my 5 criteria, but unfortunately were too big in the waist and were too long. I could hear Stacy and Clinton whispering in my ear that I could always have the jeans altered to fit. Since the jeans were $98, I knew I couldn’t afford to have someone else alter them. In a move very unlike me, I decided to buy those $98 jeans and {gulp} attempt to alter them myself.
I’m not a professional seamstress by any stretch of the imagination. I figured hemming the jeans would be EASY, it would be the waist alteration that would be tricky. I googled and brainstormed and read sewing forums and came up with a plan to alter the waist. This is what I did…
Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Heavy thread. Regular thread won’t work because it’s not strong enough for denim. I chose blue thread to match the jeans, but I could have chosen a color to match the orange-ish stitching on the jeans.
2. Denim iron-on patches. Interfacing might have worked, but I wanted something little stronger.
3. Xanax. Did I mention the jeans cost my $98?
Before cutting on those $98 jeans, I practiced on an old pair of jeans that no longer fit. I’m glad I took the time to practice because I made a few mistakes.
1. The first “V” cut that I made was way too big, the “V” should have been much skinnier.
2. I didn’t properly attach each side of the “V” to the denim patch and it left a gap at the top.
After practicing, I got to work on the $98 J. Crew jeans. {Big deep breath}
First, I placed a pin at an angle alongside the two back, side belt loops. I measured to be sure they were both about the same distance from the belt loop.
Then I cut two skinny “V”’s into the waistband, along the angle of the pin. Carefully, I attached the denim patch to the inner side of the waistband, making sure that the sides of the “V”’s were lined up properly and touching along their edges. Next, I ironed the patch onto the jeans.
With my sewing machine on a zig-zag setting and the stitch length set to 1 mm, I sewed the two edges of the “V” together. I suppose this could have been hand stitched, but it would take a long time.
I tried the jeans on and realized that they still needed to be taken in a bit more.
I decided to remove the upper seam of the center, back belt loop and cut another skinny “V” into the waistband, following the same procedure as explained above. After sewing the “V” together, I then hand stitched the upper seam of the belt loop back to the waistband.
Originally I didn’t want to remove the belt loops because I was afraid they’d be difficult to reattach, but I wish I had done all three alterations under the belt loops so that the alteration wouldn’t be seen.
I’m really happy with the results, even though my handiwork wasn’t perfect! Since I NEVER tuck shirts into the waistband of my pants, nobody will ever see the alterations.
The Other Dawn
July 15, 2009 at 6:12 am
Also, you don’t need to pre-cut the “v” if you don’t want to give yourself a heart attack– you can just sew it first, even just baste it, and then cut the fabric when you’re sure that you have the angle/amount correct.
The Other Dawn´s last blog ..Blockage
Sarah @ Ordinary Days
July 15, 2009 at 7:04 am
Well, well, well! Look at you, Handy Sue!
Great job. I would never have the courage to do that.
Sarah @ Ordinary Days´s last blog ..I Caved
valerie
July 15, 2009 at 7:08 am
I have the same problem and I’m always afraid to buy something brand new and then immediately ruin it with my remedial sewing skills. You made it look so easy!
Are they the best jeans ever?
valerie´s last blog ..Who loves David Bowie?
Cathy
July 15, 2009 at 7:25 am
Wow.
I’m impressed.
Cathy´s last blog ..Weekly Winners – The leaping lizards! We went to see fireworks! Edition
LZ
July 15, 2009 at 7:32 am
This gives me hope…5′1 and not exactly skinny here…I love Gap long and lean jeans, they aren’t flared, but bootcut, and Ann Taylor Loft has a line of ‘curvy’ jeans that fit well and a big butt, short legged body like mine…
LZ´s last blog ..Weekends are just not the same…
Teri
July 15, 2009 at 8:10 am
I have the exact same waist issue…I can’t believe you did this so well….almost gives me hope that I too could do that.
Teri´s last blog ..Day of rest
Burgh Baby
July 15, 2009 at 8:20 am
I bow down to your superior domestic skills, oh wondrous one!
Burgh Baby´s last blog ..First Impressions
Michelle
July 15, 2009 at 8:21 am
Wow! Great job. One of my goals is to learn to sew. I have NO idea.
ragtopday
July 15, 2009 at 8:29 am
Wow! I’m super impressed! Bravery pays off in a big way – post a pic of you wearing your new jeans!
ragtopday´s last blog ..What My Kids are Learning from Michael Jackson
Shelly
July 15, 2009 at 8:30 am
If you wear them to BlogHer, I’m totally gonna pat your ass.
Shelly´s last blog ..20 Years
amy2boys
July 15, 2009 at 8:37 am
OMG I can’t believe you did it! I’m WAY impressed. The only thing I do is sew buttons back on and I avoid that if possible.
I have accepted that jeans need altering. My Earls are perfect in the waist so I get them hemmed for heels or flats, and the lady I use charges $20. So I buy the jeans on sale and take them straight to her for hemming.
It’s awesome that you can do this!
amy2boys´s last blog ..Comforter
Catherine @ Evolving Mommy
July 15, 2009 at 8:40 am
If you wear a belt no one will ever know your little secret. Way to take your denim issues into your own hands. I am impressed because sewing straight lines is not one of my specialties.
Jennifer
July 15, 2009 at 8:41 am
Valerie, They are indeed the best jeans ever!
Jennifer
July 15, 2009 at 8:42 am
Shelly, I’ll definitely be wearing them at BlogHer and I fully expect an ass pat from you.
OHmommy
July 15, 2009 at 8:42 am
Look at you craft one. Way to go!
FYI. Nordstroms annual sale starts this Friday the 17th and a $200 pair of Hudson jeans is on sale for $117. The flap back pockets actually make your butt appear much smaller. I own a couple pair of Hudsons and swear to Gawd my butt loves amazing in them
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OHmommy
July 15, 2009 at 8:43 am
Meant to say, Look at you crafty one”
Typing while eating breakfast. Grrr…
OHmommy´s last blog ..Facebook makes birthdays happy.
Jennifer
July 15, 2009 at 8:44 am
Amy, I looked into having some jeans altered at the waist by a pro, she was going to charge me about $50 PLUS the $20 to hem them. I could almost buy 2 pairs of jeans for that!
Jennifer
July 15, 2009 at 8:45 am
Pauline, We don’t have a Nordstroms here.
And every pair of butt pocketed jeans I try makes my ass grow a few sizes…methinks your rear is a wee bit smaller than mine!
Krystin
July 15, 2009 at 8:52 am
Didn’t anyone at JCrew tell you they do FREE alterations!?
Jennifer
July 15, 2009 at 8:55 am
Krystin, The sales girl and I had a lengthy discussion about the need to have the jeans altered. She never mentioned that they’d do it. Maybe my J. Crew doesn’t do that.
marty
July 15, 2009 at 9:15 am
I can’t unite because I am leggy and muffin topped, but I AM mightily impressed with your alterations skillz.
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lceel
July 15, 2009 at 9:22 am
I tried sewing once. hah! Next to the word ‘Fiasco’ in the dictionary is a picture of me with a sewing needle in my hand and stuck through one finger. Bleeding.
lceel´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Happy Birthday, Grannie
Crystal
July 15, 2009 at 9:37 am
I’ve cut those V’s on my jeans before, but it was sadly to open the waist wider as I have the opposite problem. After having kids, my stomach still looks as if I’m 5 months pregnant while the rest of me is relatively thin in comparison.
Crystal´s last blog ..Potty Time
Mrs Soup
July 15, 2009 at 10:19 am
Ahhh, the joys of big thighs. I’ve discovered that Express Eva jeans fit me perfectly. Lots of room for the thighs and fit my big hips and small waist perfectly. At only $50, much better than almost $100!
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Carrie
July 15, 2009 at 10:22 am
Very impressive!
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Amanda
July 15, 2009 at 10:38 am
Color me impressed! Seriously, IMPRESSED!
Amanda´s last blog ..I hated High School….
Kara
July 15, 2009 at 11:05 am
call me impressed.
Andi @udandi
July 15, 2009 at 11:17 am
fabulous! are you going to be wearing those at BlogHer ready to show off your backside to everyone?!
Andi @udandi´s last blog ..BlogHer Carpool – Cincinnati
Maureen at IslandRoar
July 15, 2009 at 11:26 am
Oh my God you are talented! The pictures alone intimidated the hell out of me! My problem is jeans that aren’t long enough, but I completely relate to spending the money and getting something that you lovea!
Maureen at IslandRoar´s last blog ..Island Magic
Suzy Voices
July 15, 2009 at 11:29 am
Wow! I’m amazed. Probably because I don’t even know the first thing about how to use a sewing machine! Great job!
Amanda
July 15, 2009 at 11:32 am
You. Are. Brilliant.
And hot
Amanda´s last blog ..Tides
Formerly Gracie
July 15, 2009 at 12:00 pm
I have NEVER owned a pair of jeans that I didn’t have to have altered, but I’ve never been brave enough to do it myself. Good for you!
… and yes, us short and peary should stick together.
Formerly Gracie´s last blog ..Because I da’Mommy and I Said So
HaB
July 15, 2009 at 12:03 pm
I.AM.IMPRESSED!!!
I always forget that I can have pants altered.
Perhaps it is time to join the ranks of women across the world whom wear really great jean as opposed to settling.
HaB´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Mayhem Meet Mayhem
kaitlynsage
July 15, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Holy oh my goodness. I woke up this morning thinking, gosh but I’d love to have ONE pair of jeans that actually fit me. I’m super impressed by your super sewing skills!
Kelly
July 15, 2009 at 12:20 pm
How awesome! I just found a decent pair of denim crop pants the other day. I was amazed that they actually looked halfway decent. All the others had the distressing on the things, and like you said – I really don’t need anymore attention drawn to my things. And those skinny jeans – make me want to cry.
Kelly´s last blog ..taking medicine shouldn’t be this traumatic
Lise
July 15, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Nice job. I wouldn’t have thought of taking in jeans like that. I make two darts in the back, one centered over each back pocket.
Amo
July 15, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Mine are never long enough and due to the fact that I lived FOR YEARS with highwaters, I am deathly afraid of anything that isn’t under my heel when barefooted!
Amo´s last blog ..He’s going to be the death of me.
Siobhan
July 15, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Great work. I never tuck either, it’s so 80’s, plus, who wants to put a big tape measure right around your waist right after you do that? Not me.
Incidentally, I just heard about a place online the other day called http://www.makeyourownjeans.com. They’re about $50 a pair I believe.
Sue @ My Party of 6
July 15, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Very impressive! There is a great article this month in Real Simple with some recommendations for “real” figures.
Sue @ My Party of 6´s last blog ..a series of unfortunate events
Kathy
July 15, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Wow! I am impressed. I have a pair that don’t quite fit right either but so close. Now maybe I’ll try it too.
Kathy´s last blog ..Some of the best of the rest of Disney
Mary @ Giving Up On Perfect
July 15, 2009 at 1:20 pm
WOW! I’m am so very impressed! I’m not a seamstress at ALL, so I can’t even imagine cutting on expensive jeans.
Although considering the size of my backside and the somewhat smaller size of my waist, this is certainly a skill that would come in handy – even on my $40 jeans!
Mary @ Giving Up On Perfect´s last blog ..Walk On By.
MommyNamedApril
July 15, 2009 at 1:23 pm
WOW!!!! Seriously impressed!!!
MommyNamedApril´s last blog ..My Sleeping Angel.
Domestic Extraordinaire
July 15, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Okay my question is can you “feel” the denim patch? This is the only reason why I have altered a bunch of jeans that fit me perfectly except gap at the waist. I know that I would be bothered if I felt the patch. Just curious
Domestic Extraordinaire´s last blog ..Tragedy instead of Vloggling
Jennifer
July 15, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Heather, I haven’t worn them for any length of time, but I didn’t notice the patch when I wore them around the house after altering them. It might become a problem with fraying edges after a few washes. I figured that since the waistband was already denim, it wouldn’t be noticeable.
Heather, Queen of Shake Shake
July 15, 2009 at 1:49 pm
I’m in awe of your sewing skills. I can barely thread a needle.
wright
July 15, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Looks good!
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rachel-asouthernfairytale
July 15, 2009 at 2:23 pm
I’m in awe.
Jennifer, you never cease to amaze me.
rachel-asouthernfairytale´s last blog ..Kid Friendly Summer Snacks
aadrw
July 15, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Great way to solve your problem!! Very creative (and brave! I would chicken out trying something like that with thick denim).
You might reconsider the jeans with the lighter stripes on the thighs. Depending on how light they are (the dramatically striped ones are just lame, as are jeans with “whiskers”), they can really make your thighs look slimmer because the highlighted part tricks your eye into thinking that’s all that’s there. I swear it’s true. Also, if you find a pair that fit you perfectly but are in a weird wash, you can always buy some RIT and make them over in the washing machine.
NGS
July 15, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Mad skillz!!! I’m super impressed with your handiwork.
I feel you on the whiskering on the thighs of jeans. Why do they do that? Stacey and Clinton tell me ONE color, not one color with random whiskers!!
NGS´s last blog ..In Which I Come Clean
the planet of janet
July 15, 2009 at 10:49 pm
well, now! are you the domesticated one!
i bow to your obviously greater skill. i would never ever attempt this. not even on $15 jeans!
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