I bought a pair of knit pants that are too big around the waist, how can I alter it to fit better?

Question

I don't know much about sewing or anything, but the pants are fabric lounge pants, like yoga pants, and are pretty big.

Answer 1

It depends on if they have a waist band made of material with perhaps some pellon in it, or if it is "sewn in" elastic.

the first one would involve taking off the waist band, taking in the waist, and refitting the waist band to it.

the second kind, if the pants are way too big, cut it off, and make a new waist band. Or, if you do not have extra material, just sew up the side seams, and it will make a lump, and you could never wear them with a tucked in top, but you could wear it.

Making a new waist band is simple, you just turn over the fabric emough to accomodate some elastic, and sew it up except for an inch to thread the elastic through and sew it up, then whipstitch the opening closed. You might have to turn a bit of fabric over and stay stitch it if is material that frays easily.

If you have no clue, take it to a seamstress, they will know what is right for that piece of clothes and material.

Answer 2

If they have elastic around the waist, you should be able to take in the elastic and make them smaller.  If the elastic in sewn-in at the waist, it would probably be to your advantage to find someone who does professional alterations and have them work on the pants.  It wouldn't be a real costly alteration and would look professional too.