How to taper jeans
Tapering jeans is a popular alteration that can completely transform the look and fit of your favorite denim. Whether you want to update your oversized jeans or give an old pair a trendy, slim fit, tapering is a great way to customize your denim to your personal style.
What is tapering?
Tapering a pair of jeans involves taking in the width of the leg from the knee down to the ankle, creating a slimmer silhouette. This alteration is commonly done by tailors, but with a little patience and some basic sewing skills, you can easily taper your own jeans at home.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps to taper your jeans and give them a modern, tailored fit. So grab your sewing supplies and get ready to transform your denim!
How to Taper Jeans
Tapering jeans is a great way to update the style and fit of your denim. Whether you want to transform a pair of baggy jeans into a slim-fit style or tailor your jeans to fit your unique body shape, tapering can help you achieve the desired look.
Here are some steps to taper jeans:
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Remember to try on the jeans after tapering to ensure the fit is how you want it. Make any necessary adjustments before finishing the alterations.
Tapering jeans can be a challenging task, especially if you’re not experienced with sewing. If you’re not confident in doing it yourself, consider taking your jeans to a professional tailor for the best results.
With some patience and practice, you can successfully taper your jeans and enjoy a custom fit and modern style.
What is Tapering
Tapering is a tailoring technique used to narrow the leg opening of jeans. It involves taking in the excess fabric from the thighs down to the ankles, creating a more streamlined and fitted look. This alteration is commonly done to achieve a more modern and trendy style.
Tapering can be done by a professional tailor or at home using a sewing machine. It is important to note that tapering alters the original fit of the jeans, so it is recommended to try on the jeans during the process to ensure a desired fit.
Why Taper Jeans
Tapering jeans can be beneficial for multiple reasons. Firstly, it can provide a slimmer and more flattering silhouette, especially for individuals with wider hips or thighs. Secondly, tapering can update the look of old or outdated jeans, giving them a fresh and modern appearance. Lastly, tapering can also give a more streamlined look to bulky or loose-fitting jeans, making them appear more tailored and polished.
Tools and Materials Needed
In order to properly taper your jeans, you will need the following tools and materials:
| Scissors |
| Pins |
| Tailor’s chalk or fabric marker |
| Sewing machine or needle and thread |
| Measuring tape |
| Safety pins |
| Iron |
| Seam ripper |
| Small brush or lint roller |
These tools and materials will help ensure that you are able to accurately measure and taper your jeans, as well as provide the necessary equipment for properly sewing the altered seams. Make sure you have all these items on hand before you begin the tapering process.
Step-by-Step Tapering Process
Step 1: Prepare your jeans by washing and drying them as usual. This will ensure that the denim fabric is not going to shrink any further.
Step 2: Put the jeans on and mark the desired length on both legs using a fabric marker or tailor’s chalk. Make sure to measure from the inseam and check that the marks are symmetrical.
Step 3: Take off the jeans and turn them inside out.
Step 4: Use a measuring tape or ruler to measure the distance between the edge of the leg and the marks you made in step 2 along the inseam. This measurement will be the tapering margin.
Step 5: Starting from the bottom edge, mark the tapering margin at regular intervals along the inseam, connecting the dots to create a smooth line. Repeat this step on both legs.
Step 6: Use a pair of sharp fabric scissors to cut along the marked lines, removing the excess fabric.
Step 7: Try on the jeans to check the fit. If you are satisfied with the tapering, move on to the next step. If not, make any necessary adjustments by trimming the excess fabric carefully.
Step 8: Once you are satisfied with the fit, fold the cut edge of the fabric, about 1/4 inch (6 mm), to the inside. Use an iron to press the fold firmly in place.
Step 9: Thread a sewing machine with a thread that matches the color of your jeans. Stitch along the folded edge using a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch to secure the folded fabric.
Step 10: Repeat steps 6 to 9 for the second leg of the jeans.
Step 11: Turn the jeans right side out and give them a final ironing to smooth out any creases.
Step 12: Your tapering process is complete! Enjoy your newly altered jeans with a more modern and fitted look.
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