Tues Tutorial ~ Pants/Skirt Expander

 

       Here's a quick and temporary way to add more room to those pants or skirt that don't fit well around the middle right now IF you wear a long top. These were made for someone that had just begun waiting for a little one to arrive in about 6 months.  Some of you might want to have these ready to use after those wonderful holiday meals?

       You just need scrap fabric, 1/2 inch non-roll elastic and a button to fit the button hole.

 

******************

Tuesday Tutorial

******************

You'll need 4 pieces of fabric about 2 x 2¼ inches or 2 x height of waist band.

The opening is slightly over 1/2 inch to allow for the 1/2 inch elastic.

Stitch and trim as shown above.

Turn inside out.

 

Insert 1/2 inch non-roll elastic and cross stitch as shown above.

I find this cross effect the  strongest.

Then top stitch all around as shown to add sturdiness.

 

Find a button that fits the size of the pants or skirt's button hole.

Stitch the button on one end.

Or use a button with a post and pin on the button to add more adjustability.

You can use different lengths of elastic.

Here is one that folds under the elastic and holds with a safety pin

so it can be adjusted more.

 

As you see,

on the other end, stitch a button hole to match the button of the pants/skirt.

 

Here is how the "expander" is used.

Of course if the pants/skirts had a hook and loop opening,

you would use a hook and a loop instead of a button and button hole.

 

Now go find a long top to wear with expanded pants or skirts,

and no one will no the secret.