Downsizing Jeans

Last week the weather warmed up so much it had me searching my dresser for some shorts or capris. Then I realized I started Weight Watchers in June and reached my goal weight in October, so naturally I wouldn't have anything that would fit. Time to dig through the garage sale bag again and find something to alter. I found 2 pair of jeans that were identical and 4 sizes too big. They were a little short as jeans (unless I wear them with flip-flops), so I usually wore them as capris. Perfect to experiment with!

 Before shots

 First I turned the jeans inside out. The only thing I wanted to alter was the size on the upper half. I decided to taper it because I liked the fit from just above the knee to the hem.

 I also measured what I wanted to take out of the waistband.

 My pants usually gap around the waist, so I took out a section a little wider than I had measure for my hips.

 I cut out the section.

 After I cut, I noticed this belt loop would be in the way when I started sewing. Instead of cutting it off, I used my seam ripper (my most trusted & used tool) and saved it. I thought I might reattach it.

 I pinned up the side.

 I used the piece I had cut out as the pattern for measuring and cutting the other side. It worked out perfectly.

I sewed up the sides using a jean needle and heavy duty thread.

 Final results: a new pair of flip-flop weather jeans that I can roll up and make into capri pants!