When I got pregnant this time around I looked online for a good tutorial on how to convert regular jeans into maternity jeans affordably and quickly! I didn't find much, so I decided to create my own tutorial here.
You can probably reattach the waistband at a later date, but my guess is it will affect the fit.
Let's begin!
Once you've done this once, it should only take about 20 minutes to alter
future pairs of jeans from scratch!
future pairs of jeans from scratch!
There are a couple options for making a waistband. I'll show you how to make one from scratch using a stretchy fabric like jersey or swimsuit material. Another option would be to cut the top portion from a pair of leggings or really thick tights that you find comfortable and attach using steps 11 - 14 below.
Step One: Find yourself some fabric with a nice stretch to it. I'm using left over jersey from an earlier project. I'd like to use the WRONG side of the fabric pictured below because it's much lighter and will allow me to wear light colored t-shirts without showing through too much.
Step Two: Find the grain and determine which direction the fabric stretches most. You'll want the fabric to stretch from side to side (not up and down) around the belly. Now double it over. You will probably want between 8-12 inches for depth depending on how high you want the band to cover your belly.
Step Three: Time to measure and mark! There are a couple ways to do this. If you already have a pair of maternity jeans that fit well, you can simply measure the existing waistband all the way around the top and use that measurement to mark the length of your fabric.
*NOTE: Keep in mind that if you are using a lightweight stretch fabric you'll probably need to make the band tighter than you think to keep the pants from sagging- but we can adjust this later.
*NOTE: Keep in mind that if you are using a lightweight stretch fabric you'll probably need to make the band tighter than you think to keep the pants from sagging- but we can adjust this later.
If you do NOT have an existing pair of maternity jeans, simply wrap the doubled fabric around your waist so it creates a nice, tight, but comfortable fit. You may pin it and mark it. Now cut the fabric (you should have something that resembles a rectangle: your waist measurement by 8-12 inches deep). The measurement doesn't have to be exact if you're using stretchy enough fabric.
Step Four: If I decide to fold the waistband down later in pregnancy I want to see a nice looking seam, not unfinished edges. To create this you'll need to unfold your cut piece of fabric and now fold it the other direction, right sides together (if the fold was on the horizontal line before, fold now on the vertical line). It probably won't match up perfectly, so if you have any uneven bits, you can trim them.
*TIP: I like to line fabric up on my wood floor and use a floor seam as my scissor guide.
Step Five: Sew along the open side.
Step Six: Once you are finished, flip the material right side out, and tuck half of it inside, so the raw edges are all together both on the inside and on the bottom end. You should have three nice looking sides.
Step Seven: Try it on! Pull it on and check the fit. Move around a little, wiggle, and make sure it's tight, but comfortable. In this example mine is too loose so I have to go back and take it in.
*To take it in, repeat steps five through seven sewing closer to the fold line little bits at a time. Trim extra.
Step Eight: With the waistband in place (check yourself in a mirror to make sure you like the way it fits in the front and the back) put on the jeans you'll use for this project. Situate the bottom of the band over the jeans. Using the existing waistband as a guide, carefully feel for the seam that connects it to the rest of the jeans. Once you find it, measure down between 1/4 - 1/2 inch and mark the front. Repeat for the sides and the back.
Step Nine: Remove band and fold in half so the folds are on the markings for the front and back. My markings say F for front and B for back. Draw a line connecting the front to the side, and side to the back. It might not be a straight line. Now cut!
Step Ten: Remove jeans (if you're still wearing them) and cut the waistband off just below the seam. I cut through the belt loops. You may wish to remove them entirely with a seam ripper.
Step Eleven: Flip the belly band inside out and place over the jeans so the front lines up with the zipper.
Step Twelve: Line up and pin the sides and back.
Step Thirteen: Carefully start sewing all the way around being cautious of metal pieces like studs and zippers while making sure you sew through BOTH layers of the band we just created. Pull the band as you go so it stretches evenly from point to point (front to side, side to back, etc.).
*To make this easier, use a sewing needle designed for jeans.
Step Fourteen: Trim threads and put them on! Tada!
I would wear them around for ten minutes or so to make sure the band is tight enough before finishing the raw edges with a zigzag stitch.
