Crotch Extension Adjustments for Pants & Shorts

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If your pants or shorts are cupping too closely around the front or back crotch, or pulling in towards the inside legs, a crotch extension may be just what you need.

This adjustment adds a little more depth through the crotch and upper inseam. It can be done on the front, the back, or both, depending on where you need the extra room.

It can be particularly helpful when you need a little more room for a fuller booty, more prominent tummy or fuller inner thigh. And it’s amazing what such a small adjustment can achieve.

Start small. I recommend beginning with just 10mm (3/8”). You may be surprised at how much difference that tiny amount makes.

There are a few different ways to make a crotch extension. Below is my preferred method, but if you already have a method that works for you, feel free to use that instead.

HOW TO MAKE THE ADJUSTMENT

With this method, we cut and pivot the inside leg from the knee. Pivoting rather than simply drawing the crotch further out means we keep the original length and curve of the inside leg.

1. Print your pants or shorts pattern in your measured size.

2. Cut around the entire pattern piece, but keep the offcut from the inside leg between the crotch & knee. You’ll need this piece for the adjustment.

3. Place a piece of paper underneath the crotch area (A) and place a weight on the main pattern piece so it can’t move.

4. Align the offcut & pattern at the knee (B). Hold at (B) & pivot the offcut out at the crotch (C) by the desired amount. Remember: keep it small. Start with 10mm (3/8”).

5. Stick the pivoted section in place, then cut along the original printed inside-leg line to create your new crotch and inseam shape.