Pants Pattern Adjustments : How To Lengthen or Shorten Pant Legs

Are you pant hemlines too long or too sort? The following outlines how to adjust the pant leg length on your sewing pattern. 

The placement of pant hems is ultimately determined by your individual leg length, the leg style of your pants & your shoes.

If your pant pattern lacks adjustment lines, simply add your own. Top adjustment line - halfway between the crotch & the knee and the crotch. Lower adjustment line - halfway between the knee & hem.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR ADDING LENGTH OR SHORTENING YOUR PANTS

• Paper or tissue the width of the pattern piece
• Tape
• Scissors
• Ruler or measuring tape

STEPS FOR HOW TO LENGTHEN PANTS / SHORTEN YOUR PANTS

1. Decide how much you want to lengthen or shorten them.
2. Locate the adjustment lines on the front and back (see image for reference)
3. To lengthen your pants, cut along the top adjustment line. Then open the pattern up, adding half the length needed at the top adjustment line. Ensure you add this evenly. 
4. Repeat on the lower adjustment line. 
5. Repeat on front & back, evenly.
6. To shorten your pants, fold along the adjustment lines. Fold out half the length needed at each adjustment line.

NOTE: Click here or on the picture below for a closer view.