bdixon1989's Journal, 03 May 21

Regarding your post about old pants being too big, I have been dealing with that for years, with my yo-yo dieting. I simply run up the sides of them on the sewing machine. Sometimes I also take them in on the inner leg, from the crotch down, and ease the "tuck" to nothing around the knees. I have lots of 12's that I have continually taken to a 10, then an 8, then a 6. At some point, I have to also take in the thick waist, and often times cut it first so the lump on the side of my waist isn't so big. Many times I have regretted cutting off the excess fabric when I later gain back weight. If you do cut off excess fabric you need to zig-zag the raw edge or it will travel terribly in the wash. Some fabrics show where it was taken in, and then let out worse than others. Blue jeans are the worse. Other fabrics depend on how many times you wash them before you take a seam out. Remember, this is almost a straight seam to sew if you are intimidated to sew. Personally, my waist is big because I am old, and I like the thighs tighter because I am bigger there. You can always buy a used sewing machine if you don't have one. It's almost a hobby to me sewing in pants, skirts, and tops, and letting them out.  

That's a great tip! I do love sewing and we actually collect vintage sewing machines. Unfortunately some of mine are bad enough I'd just be making new pants from old pants material. Ive let in a few of my favorite levis but my shorts are usually cheaper brands and I wasn't in love with the old ones to begin with. I posted a pic a while ago of when I darted the waist of my leggings but those are too far gone for letting in now too.