How to Taper Trouser Legs

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Put the pants on "inside out".

    A friend can do this for you more easily than you can do it yourself. Just pinch the seam of the trouser leg down to the size you want and then pin it in place.
   
   Be aware that any narrowing of the trouser leg is easiest accomplished at the side seams.
   
   Narrowing somewhere besides a seam causes some difficulties, and it's best to stick with the seams if at all possible. , If your trouser leg opening is too small to pull your foot through, you may need to add a slit with a zipper or button closure to the bottom of the leg.
   
   Alternatively, you can allow a bit more leg room. Just move the pins out a way and test again. ,, Use starch if necessary to help straighten out a "laundered in" cuff. , Make sure you open the seam an inch (2.5cm) extra beyond the needed taper. ,, Sew a basting seam (longer stitches than usual) along the proposed seam line.  Re-test your fit and your ability to put on and take off the trousers. If the fit is good, then go ahead and re-stitch the line with a shorter stitch. , Use fray-chek or a similar product to prevent fraying if you're sewing material that frays easily. Another method of preventing fraying is to "zig zag" stitch the raw fabric edges, or cover them in bias tape. , Take care to prevent fraying in the hem seams as well.,
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   Step 2: Using pins or tailors chalk

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   Step 3: mark the line you would like for your trousers to have.

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   Step 4: Test to see if you can take the trouser off once the leg has been tapered.

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   Step 5: Take the pants off and

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   Step 6: using a seam ripper

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   Step 7: undo the stitching in any bottom cuff or hem.

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   Step 8: Iron the trouser leg smooth

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   Step 9: removing any pleats or creases.

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    Step 10: Using a seam ripper

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    Step 11: undo the side seams of the trousers up to the top of your taper area.

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    Step 12: Check to be certain that the opened seam lengths match on all seams and on both legs of the trousers.

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    Step 13: Re-pin the trouser legs along the desired seam line.

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    Step 14: Cut off the excess material around half an inch from the seams.

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    Step 15: Re-hem the trousers

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    Step 16: taking care to keep the length even in both legs.

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    Step 17: Congratulate yourself and wear your new tapered trousers with pride!

Detailed Guide

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