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I absolutely love a comfortable pair of capri pants.
They need to fit nicely around the waist and, of course, make my hiney look good, but what I am most picky about is the length. I like capris to go just a touch past the knee. I don't like them to be mid-calf or longer because then I just feel like I am wearing short pants and I don't feel as comfortable in them. But that is just me.
My very favorite pair of capris I have had for several summers now and they are beyond broken in and getting closer and closer to being worn out. I have been concerned about finding another pair that are that perfect length.
Earlier this week I went through my clothes to get rid of some. I found a couple pairs of jeans that fit me good but I never seemed to wear them. That is when my stroke of genius hit! These will be my new favorite capris!
I used a pair of my favorite capris as the template to turn the long pants into capris. It really is pretty simple, I promise.
Supplies Used to Cut Pants into Capris
Items linked below may go to similar items when exact items couldn't be found online. Links are affiliate so when you purchase, I will get a small kickback to help fund the next tutorial!
- Sewing Machine (I have the Singer Fashion Mate, and I love it!)
- Matching thread to the jeans you are converting
- Scissors
How to Cut Pants into Capris
Fold both pairs in half. Lay the capris on top of the pants. Don't line up with the waist but rather the crotch of the two pairs. That way the length will be the same.
With a sharp pair of scissors cut the legs of the pants a little bit longer than the capris. You will need room to hem.
I used a serger along the raw edges of the legs, but this step is completely optional. I just don't like dealing with stringy edges.
Turn the bottom ½ inch of leg under and sew.
I had originally planned to leave them like that but after trying them on they felt just a touch too long still so I gave the ends 1 more roll under and sewed again.
You can see two sew lines on the inside because I rolled it again, but only the one sew line shows on the outside. So I guess I really didn't need to serge the ends. Oh well.
I tried them on again and they were perfect!
I am so excited to have another pair of Capris that I know I am going to feel great in!
What type of clothing are you picky with? Share and leave a comment below!
Sewing Essentials
- The Sewing Machine we use is a Singer Fashion Mate and has been a great machine.
- The Cricut 18" x 24" Self Healing Cutting Mat is my favorite. It has a beautiful pattern on one side and measurements on the other.
- This Rotary Cutter cuts easily and is very comfortable to hold.
- And one can never have enough Measuring Tapes! I'm always misplacing mine.
Jillian @ Hi! It's Jilly
I have a couple pairs of jeans that are just barely too short. Looks like they're becoming capris! 🙂
Bethany
Great job! I love upcycling, instead of tossing!
Zoe
I feel you on the length of shorts, if any pants are mid calf to me they just feel like extremely short ankle breezers! I am quite picky with jackets and jumpers, I always think they make me look too bulky.
Susan Dikeman
love this! Pinned!!
thanks for sharing at the Sudnay Funday Linky Party!
*Susan
Justin Henneberg
I have done this with many pants but I like to keep the original bottom seam. To do this just put your jeans on and fold them up to the desired length leaving a little extra just in case. Then take them off and sew around the original seam, I usually sew at the top and bottom of seam. Then you cut off the legs. This will give you the worn fringes after washing a few times but I like the worn look. I have also added a simple lace before and liked that look. Most of my clothes and daughters are personalized by lace or patches whatever I can come up with.
Tina
Great tutorial... I love that you are very clear with pictures and steps.
Thank you
Katie
Thank you so much, Tina! I try very hard to make sure that my tutorials can be followed. Thanks for stopping by!