Back Crotch Scoop - Low Butt Adjustment

One of the most common adjustments we see on pants & shorts is a back crotch scoop.

Our bodies change as we age, and our butts can become a little lower & flatter. When this happens, you may notice the back crotch seam pulling quite firmly against the body, with fabric sagging vertically down either side of the butt.

That combination is a good indication that the shape of the back crotch curve isn’t quite matching your body.

So, if the rest of your pants or shorts are fitting nicely but you’re seeing those tell-tale signs, a back crotch scoop may help.

FIRST, CHECK YOUR SIZE

Before you start scooping anything, have a look at the overall fit.

Is there simply too much ease through the pants or shorts? Or does the overall fit feel right, but you still have that vertical sagging either side of your butt with the back crotch seam pulling firmly against your body?

If the overall fit feels right, a back crotch scoop may be just what you need.

WHY DOES SCOOPING THE CROTCH WORK?

Scooping the lower back crotch into more of an L-shape gives your butt somewhere to sit within the crotch curve. It allows the back crotch seam to sit closer to the shape of your body, rather than the fabric hanging down either side.

You’re not making the pants smaller all over. You’re simply changing the shape of the crotch curve so it better matches the shape and position of your butt.

HOW TO MAKE THE ADJUSTMENT

The easiest way to work out how much you need is on the garment itself.

At the back crotch, scoop the lower part of the curve a little deeper and pin.

Scoop, pin & try on.

Still not sitting quite right? Re-pin, scooping a little more, and try them on again.

Happy with the fit? Baste the new crotch curve first, then try them on one more time. If everything is sitting nicely, sew your new back crotch seam permanently.

Start small. A surprisingly small change to the crotch curve can make quite a difference.

Once you’re happy with the fit, remember to transfer your new crotch curve back to your pattern piece so the adjustment is already there next time.

CROTCH SCOOP OR CROTCH EXTENSION?

These two adjustments solve different fit issues.

A back crotch scoop can help when the back crotch seam is pulling firmly against your body while the fabric sags vertically down either side of your butt. This is particularly common with a lower, flatter butt and changes the shape of the lower back crotch curve to better match your body.

A crotch extension adds extra room through the crotch & upper inseam and can help when your pants or shorts are cupping or pulling into the front or back crotch, or towards the inside legs.