How To Cut A Trouser: Step By Step Guide

Centuries ago trousers were worn exclusively by men, but tables have turned and now ladies can enjoy having all kinds of trousers in their wardrobes. Trousers are very comfortable to wear and are suitable for all styles and occasions, which is why every woman will benefit from knowing how to cut and sew female trousers.

With out step by step guide on how to cut a trouser you will be able to create a pair of trousers that fits you perfectly. Get creative right now!


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What you’ll need

Before you learn how to cut pencil trousers, take a look at the list of tools and materials you’ll need for the job. The time-saving trick here is using your old but well-fitting pair of trousers as a base for the new pair instead of a complicated pant cutting formula. Here is the full list of materials:

  • Old pair of trousers
  • Sewing paper or a large piece of regular paper
  • A piece of chalk or thinly cut soap
  • A pencil
  • A pair of scissors
  • Fabric for your trousers (5 running meters should be enough)
  • An elastic string
  • A sewing machine

Step 1: cutting the trousers

The process of trouser cutting begins with taking your old pair of trousers, folding them in half along the crotch with the front of the trousers facing outside, and placing them on your sewing paper.

Outline the trousers with a pencil and add 2cm along the whole outline with 1 extra cm around the waist and the bottom of the trousers. Fold the trousers again, this time with the back facing outside, and repeat the whole step. Cut both of the outlined pieces out.

Take the fabric of your trousers and cut it into two equal pieces. Fold each piece and secure your paper cutouts on top of the fabric with pins. Cut out the pieces of fabric with sharp scissors. Use a piece of chalk or soap to mark the future seams: 3cm on the top and the bottom and 2cm on the sides.

Step 2: sewing the trousers

The second step in our guide on how to sew trousers is the sewing itself. Now that you have all the pieces ready, here is what you need to do next.

Take one back and one front piece of the future trousers and align them along the longer side. Run a seam along the long side and then along the short side up to the crotch area. Make sure not to sew the crotch! Repeat this step to the other pair of trouser pieces.

Take the two trouser legs, align them at the crotch, and sew the rise on both sides.

Step 3: finishing the trousers

The next step in our guide on how to cut and sew female trousers is finishing your creation. First you need to hem the trousers. Fold the 3cm in the waist and 2cm in the leg openings and sew the hemstitches. This is where you can adjust the length of the trousers if they turn out to be too short or long.

Leave approximately 3cm of the waist unhemmed. Take a previously measured piece of elastic string: it should be long enough for you to feel comfortable yet short enough to secure your trousers in place. Attach a safety pin to the end of the elastic string and run it through the waist hem all the way around. Sew the two ends of the string together and then close the waist hem.

Turn the trousers inside out. That’s it – your first pair of trousers is ready! Flaunt them, wear them with your other favourite pieces, and don’t be afraid to try new DIY sewing projects – as you’ve already experienced, sewing is not as intimidating as it seems!

Read also: How to cut off shoulder blouse


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My name is Inna. I am a content writer with an English and literature background. As a mother of a 4-year old son, I love learning about children’s health and development, as well as finding new interesting toys and activities for my little one. I am also in love with all things tech and always keep my finger on the pulse of new smartphone and gadget releases. Another big passion of mine is beauty and makeup – every day I read about new trends in skin care and makeup and always look forward to trying them. Plus, I love pop culture, travelling, crafts, and anything that can make our daily life more thrilling!