Date: 11/16/09 8:16 PM

I have an alteration request to expand a man's pant waistline from a 36 inch waist up to a 44 inch . I altered some of my son's once by 2 to 3inches but doubt if I can find enough fabric to increase by 8 inches. I can use the cuff fabric to add to the waistband and eliminate the front tucks but that may only increase the waist by 3 or 4 inches. I gave no promises but said I would try. Anyone have anymore suggestions. These are quality Italian made trouser pants.

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It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. ~ Franklin D Roosevelt 1843
Janome 19606 ,Janome My Excel 4023, Brother 1034D, White 1750C, Kenmore 158.1803, White 764, Brother 780D.

Reply to ukdame
Date: 11/16/09 10:08 PM

What about elastic in the waist? You could also try making elastic gussets at the waistline. A gusset is a wedge shaped piece, and you cut a slash at the waistline, insert the gusset and there you are.

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"Having to squeeze the last drop of utility out of the land has the same desperate finality as having to chop up the furniture to keep warm" -- Aldo Leopold
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"Don't cry; don't be sad; make happy"--Peggy Jones. Rest your weary body, dear friend.

Reply to ukdame
Date: 11/17/09 0:30 AM

Well, I see some problems other than how to add 8 inches to the waistline. DH Keith, several years ago, got serious about losing weight and went from 44 waist to 36 waist pants. Once it was clear that he was going to stay at 36 waist, I took some of his nicer 44 waist pants down to the sewing room to use the wool for other projects.

Sorry, here's my point: size 44 pants are *much* bigger everywhere than size 36 pants - not just in the waistband. The butt is wider, the thighs are broader, the torso from waist to crotch is longer, and the crotch curve is deeper. So, once you figure out how to expand these pants to a 44 waist, how is the larger man going to get the rest of his lower body into the slimmer/shorter silhouette of the 36 pants?

Personally, I feel you should re-think this project, and probably, reject it. How will the man feel if you "ruin" the original expensive 36 waist pants by enlarging only the isolated waist area? Unless the man can convince you that he has a size 36 lower body with only an enlarged 44 waist (and how exactly would you have that very touchy, sensitive conversation), I'd leave this one alone. It's fraught with disaster. --Lily

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Lily

Reply to ukdame
Date: 11/19/09 9:07 PM

By using the fabric from the pant cuffs I was able to fashion an expanded waitline which I actually got up to a size 46 inch. The well tailored men's pants had a good three inches of extra fabric sewn into the rear seam which helped a lot. It was tricky removing the waistband d/t the pocket placements and a small ( key? ) pocket. Now onto the second pair..another day's work.

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It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. ~ Franklin D Roosevelt 1843
Janome 19606 ,Janome My Excel 4023, Brother 1034D, White 1750C, Kenmore 158.1803, White 764, Brother 780D.