Have you ever found yourself with sweatpants that are too long, possibly because you got the wrong size online and weren’t sure of how to measure your inseam accurately? You might consider returning them, but is it really worth the trouble and the time it would take?
Before you jump into any decisions, let me share some easy ways of how to make sweatpants shorter. We’ve got a bag of tricks, like hemming your sweatpants or cuffing your pants with a hair tie that only requires a hair tie – seriously, that’s it.
To know the step-by-step process, read the whole article. We promise that you’ll find the perfect solution to get those sweatpants looking just right!
4 Easy Methods to Make Sweatpants Shorter
Here I am going to share four methods for making your sweatpants shorter step by step. Let’s see the methods below.
Method 1: Hemming Your Sweatpants
The easiest method for shortening sweatpants is hemming. For this, all you will need is a basic understanding of sewing. Let’s see what you’ll need for the process.
- Your Sweatpants
- Seam Ripper
- Pins
- Fabric Scissors
- Elastic Band
- Needle and Thread or Sewing Machine
- Measuring Tape or Ruler
Before we start, keep in mind that this method cannot be reversed. So you need to ensure that the measurements are accurate.
Step 1: Removing Existing Seams
employ a seam ripper to carefully undo the stitches along the existing hem at the bottom of the sweatpants. Now gently remove the elastic from the sweatpants, and keep it aside for for later use.
Step 2: Marking Desired Length
Pin the fabric at the point where you want the pants to conclude.
Step 3: Measuring the Cuff Length
Now measure the cuff’s length. Mark the desired cutting location with your washable marker, keeping in mind to leave a small amount of fabric below the pins for the new cuff. Now carefully cut the marked line. Make sure the cants are clean and straight.
Step 4: Creating the Fold
Fold the newly cut end of the pants outward. Extend it to at least double the length of the elastic band.
Step 5: Attaching the Elastic Band
Place the elastic band on top of the folded section, and align it to the top of the elastic with the pinned line. Use a needle and thread, to sew both ends of the elastic band to the vertical seam on the pant leg.
Step 6: Securing the Fold
Re-fold the upper part of the folded fabric, using the pins as a guideline. Pin the bottom of the new fold to secure the fabric in place.
Step 7: Sewing the Final Hem
Sew a new hem through the line where you placed the pins. You can go for hand-sewing or using a sewing machine, whatever you have. Make sure to sew only along the new pin line you added in the previous step and avoid stitching over the original row of pins.
After completing the sewing, remove all the pins and unfold the first fold. It should fit well now.
If you’re curious to see how it’s done, here’s a video for you t check out!
Method 2: Cut and Cuff Method
This method offers a straightforward way to shorten your sweatpants. Here’s what you need to start the project:
- Your sweatpant
- Washable Marker or Pins
- Fabric Scissors
Step 1: Mark and cut
Start by making a mark on the sweatpants at the desired length. Use a washable marker or pins to make the mark. Then gently cut the marked line with fabric scissors.
Step 2: Cuffing time!
After making the cut, you will have the option to roll or cuff the cut end of the sweatpants to the desired length. This creates a neat and adjustable cuff. Now, You can adjust the cuff width the way you like.
The cut-and-cuff method is quick and easy, it requires minimal sewing. But it may not provide the same polished look as other techniques like hemming. it’s more suitable for casual sweatpants, so it’s better not to try in a formal or tailored appearance.
Method 3: Using Fabric Tape or Glue
This method offers temporary and no-sew options to shorten your sweatpants. Here’s how to do it:
Materials
- Sweatpants
- Fabric Tape or Fabric Glue
- Washable Marker or pins
Step 1: Fold and secure
Straightly Fold up the excess fabric on the inside of the sweatpants to the desired length. Use pins to temporarily secure the fold in place.
Step 2: Apply fabric tape or glue
Next, carefully apply fabric tape or fabric glue through the folded edge of the sweatpants. During the process follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific product you are using. Some fabric tapes require you to peel off a protective backing, while fabric glue may need to be applied evenly across the fold.
Step 3: Pressing to Hold the Fold
If you are done with applying the tape or glue, gently press down the fold to secure the place.
Take into account that this method offers temporary and no-sew options. If you need a fast alteration and don’t want to wait for sewing or drying time, fabric tape or glue can be a great solution. However, this method is not as durable as sewing and may not hold up to frequent wash.
Method 4: Using a hair tie (It’s a TikTok method!)
Yes, this TikTok method went viral, and it works like a charm. All you need is
- Hair tie
- your sweatpants
To make a cuff, Take the bottom edge of your sweatpants and fold it up. The width of this cuff should be approximately 2 to 3 inches, depending on your preference and the desired length adjustment.
Now, wrap the hair tie around the folded cuff of your sweatpants. Be sure that it’s wrapped snugly but not too tight, as you want to maintain comfort while wearing them.
Secure the hair tie in place by tying it in a knot. This knot holds the cuff in position. This should effectively shorten the length of your sweatpants.
This method offers a quick and trendy way to customize the length of your sweatpants. It’s a temporary solution and the fun thing, it allows you to easily revert to the original length whenever you like.
People Also Asked For
Can I Make My Joggers Shorter?
Yes, you can and the most effective method to shorten your joggers is to hem the bottom.
Should My Sweatpants Need to be Oversized?
It’s a good idea to choose fitted sweatpants. They will still give you a casual, relaxed look, but they should fit more like trousers rather than oversized sweats. Generally, large, baggy, or oversized sweatpants may not be the most flattering choice.
Which One is Thicker? Sweatpants or Jeans?
Sweatpants are typically thicker than jeans. Additionally, the fabric used for sweatpants, often cotton, provides warmth and comfort to your skin, unlike jeans. However, there might be situations where jeans are a better choice for warmth, particularly in extremely cold conditions when the windchill drops below 0°C (32°F).
Conclusion
Congratulations, now you know the methods of how to make sweatpants shorter. Among all the methods we have discussed here, the “Hemming Your Sweatpants method” is considered one of the most effective and widely used methods. On the other hand, other methods like the “Cut and Cuff” and “Using a Hair Tie (TikTok Method)” are also effective for a more casual and trendy look.
Now choose one, that goes on your personal style, sewing skills, and whether you prefer a permanent or temporary solution.
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