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Altering Pant Legs - press side seams forward or backward?

14 years ago

I want to convert boot-flared pants to straight leg (not skinny leg). The original side seams are lock stitched together not pressed open. I would rather not rip open all the side seams, I just want deepen the seams from the knee to the hem. When I sew the hem back up should I press the side seams to the front or back? Some of my pants have the outside side seam pressed to the front and the inside seam pressed to the back and on others it is reversed. Is there a standard method for this? Or should they both be pressed in the same direction? The hem is the critical spot.

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

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Comments (3)

pris
14 years ago
The reason for the seam being pressed open is to reduce the bulk in the seam. Especially at the hem. What you do depends a lot on the weight of the fabric you're working with. If you're ok with the bulk issue, then it doesn't really matter which way you press the seam. You might want to follow the seam up to the crotch area and see if the seam is still open. If it goes one way or the other, then do the same thing.
subrosa
Original Author
14 years ago
That makes sense, thanks. The fabric is fairly light weight so the bulk isn't really an issue.
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onefineseamstres
14 years ago
if you are Making pants,,, you can press heavy seams open or lighter to the back.

IF altering... PRESS THEM THE SAME AS BEFORE. IF THEY ARE PRESSED TO THE BACK AT THE TOP... CONTINUE THE SAME WAY.

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