How to Lengthen Pants That Are Too Short
If you have a pair of pants that are too short especially when it comes to kids, you can have them lengthened to the perfect length with an extension piece to make them longer. Learn how to Lengthen Pants with a cuff right here.
Equipment
- Sewing Machine
- scissors
- Ruler
- Pins
Ingredients
- Pants
- A cute fabric of your choice
- Matching thread
- Fabric marker/pencil
Instructions
Step 1: Measure How Much Length You Need
- Put the pants on and measure how much extra length is needed at the bottom of the pant leg.
- To calculate the fabric height for the cuff:
- Take the extra length needed
- Add 1 inch for seam allowance
- Double that measurement (the cuff is folded)
- Example:
- If you need 1½ inches of extra length:
- 1½ + 1 = 2½ inches
- 2½ × 2 = 5 inches total fabric height
- Measure the width of the pant leg at the hem, double it, and add ½ inch seam allowance on each side.
Step 2: Prepare the Fabric Cuffs
- Cut two fabric rectangles using the measurements from Step 1.
- With wrong sides together, fold each cuff piece lengthwise and press. Open it back up.
- Turn the long edges under ½ inch on both sides and press again.
- Fold each cuff piece in half lengthwise with right sides together, aligning the short edges.
- Sew the short edges using a 1 cm (½ inch) seam allowance to form two fabric tubes. Press seams open.
- Fold the wrong sides together, aligning the hems.
Step 3: Attach the Cuffs to the Pants
- Find the inner leg seam of the pants and match it with the seam of the fabric cuff.
- Insert the pant hem between the two layers of the cuff so the original hem is sandwiched inside. Pin all around.
- Turn the pants to the wrong side and fold the cuff upward along the pressed fold. The folded edge of the cuff should extend about ¼ inch (0.5 cm) past the seam joining the cuff to the pants. Press and pin.
- From the right side of the pants, stitch in the ditch along the seam where the cuff meets the pants, making sure to catch the inner edge of the cuff underneath.
- Fold the extension down to hide the seam and press.
Optional Step: Add a Matching Pocket
- If the pants don’t have any back pockets, this could be a cute way to add a cohesive detail to the overall look.
- Cut a fabric rectangle sized to fit the back of the pants. Leave about ½ inch seam allowance on each side.
- Fold ½ inch to the wrong side and press, then fold again another ½ inch to enclose the raw edge. Stitch the top edge to form the pocket opening.
- Pin the pocket in place and sew around the sides and bottom.
- That’s it — a pair of pants with added length and a finished look. This method helps extend the life of pants that still fit well, whether they’re for kids or adults.