What Would Robin Wear

Before I can show how to alter clothing, you have to know how to use the sewing machine. There is a great series on the internet;

http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_5328_use-sewing-machine.html

Once you learn the basics, how to sew a straight line, how to thread your machine and bobbin (the single most important aspect of sewing is threading the machine, once you have this mastered you can thread any sewing machine) and which needle to use with which fabric you can move on to more complex alterations. There are thousands of videos on the internet that can show you how to thread a sewing machine and how it works.

Tip: I usually never buy a new sewing machine. I have in the past for hundreds and hundreds of dollars and been very disappointed in my purchase. I pick up most of the ones I have at local flea markets or yard sales. Most people do not know how to thread a machine and assume it is broken. Once you master threading the machine and learning about the tension knobs, you will know if the second hand machine is actually broken or not. You can buy a very nice used machine for around $20-$100 and up.

The most I have ever paid for a used sewing machine was right around 60 dollars, and it was never used and came with the carrying case. A nice new sewing machine usually cost’s around $300-$1000 and up depending on the brand and what you are using it for. If you are not a second hand shopper, a nice Singer Machine from a local Department Store is usually around $300-$350.

How to alter a simple pair of elastic waist pants.

1) I always try on my pants and look at them in a full length mirror. I turn them inside out, then measure with my hands how much fabric I want to take in to make the pants fit so they don’t slide around when I walk in them. You know where the crack of your pants is going diagnolly because they are trying to twist around your body. Eeek!



2) I measure the fabric is on both sides with the measuring tape. Before I take the pants off, I pin the waist and below the waist a few. Once you get used to sewing you probably won’t need to measure with the measuring tape, you will just know visually how much to take in on each side. Try not to stick yourself with the pins, it hurts like the Dickens.





3) Lay pants flat on the table or floor, inside out. Measure the amount (mine are usually between two inches on each side to go down one size, two inches on each size to go down two sizes, this varies per person) of material to be sew and removed. Use pins and a yard stick, or a measuring tape, to help make your lines straight. Also make sure that the waist is even from the front to the back, otherwise you hem will be uneven when you sew it. Keep your fingers away from the needle, ever sewn your finger on a sewing machine...I have and it hurts for weeks.









4) I always begin at the top at the waist band and sew through the elastic waist band (don't pull or stretch it) down in a straight line towards the hem of your pants. If you cannot sew a straight line make sure you use pins or white chalk to guide you. As you sew remove the pins until you get to the hem. Make sure to go very slow so you do not break your needle.











5) Repeat on the opposite side.



6) I always try my pants on again just to make sure I have taken enough in on both side and I do not have any puckering of the seams. Ok so this terrible picture, and I would not typically wear this shirt with these pants, but I wanted to show the actual seams so that you could see them. And how much actual fabric I am removing.



7) Cut away the excess material making sure to leave a little extra so that you can zig zag stitch the ends of the seams closed. (also known as the selvage) Zig zagging will prevent the edges from unraveling and ruining your garment. If you have a serger, this whole process is done quickly and easily, if you don't try this method.








8) Try pants on again to make sure all seams are closed and the stitching is complete.



This is a quick and easy way to make your pants fit as you go through your weight loss stages. It takes me about 10 minutes to do. It will take you much longer if you are a new sewer. Take your time sew very slow at the beginning. Sometimes my new sewers use the foot pedal like a gas pedal, slow down. If you mess up you can remove the seam and start over. You have nothing to lose since the pants didn't fit when you started.