Turn Pants into Bell Bottoms: Easy DIY Guide

Alright, fashionistas, get ready to unleash your inner designer! Have you ever looked at a pair of your old pants and thought, “These need some serious *flare*”? Well, grab your sewing machine—that trusty tool of creation—because we’re diving headfirst into a super fun DIY project! The 1970s—a decade synonymous with iconic bell bottoms—is calling! This guide shows you how to turn pants into bell bottoms. With just a few simple steps, inspired by innovative designers like *Nudie Cohn* and a trip to your local *fabric store*, you’ll learn exactly how to turn pants into bell bottoms and create a totally groovy look that’s all your own!

Get Groovy: The Ultimate Guide to Bell-Bottoming Your Pants!

Okay, so you’re staring at a pair of pants, thinking, "These could be SO much cooler." You’re right! Bell bottoms are back, baby! And the best part? You can totally make them yourself! This guide is all about showing you exactly how to turn pants into bell bottoms. Let’s dive in!

First things first: planning is key. You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint, right? (Well, maybe you would, but I wouldn’t recommend it!). Same goes for your pants. Let’s figure out what we’re working with.

1. Assessing Your Pants – The Pre-Bell Check!

Before you even think about picking up scissors, let’s size up the situation.

• Fabric: What kind of material are you working with? Denim, corduroy, even stretchy leggings can be bell-bottomed, but the technique might vary slightly.
• Fit: How do the pants fit before the bell? Snug through the thighs? Straight leg? This will impact how much fabric you need to add to achieve the desired flare. Think about the overall silhouette you want.
• Length: Are the pants already the perfect length, or will you need to hem them after adding the bell? Account for any heel height you’ll be wearing with them.

2. Gathering Your Supplies – The Bell-Bottom Arsenal!

Time to raid your craft stash (or make a quick trip to the store!). Here’s what you’ll need to turn your pants into bell bottoms:

• Pants (duh!): The pants you want to transform.
• Fabric for the Bell: Ideally, something that matches or complements the original pants. You can get creative here!
• Scissors: Sharp ones! Fabric scissors are best, but regular scissors will work in a pinch.
• Seam Ripper: This little tool is your best friend for carefully taking apart seams.
• Pins: Lots and lots of pins! These will hold everything in place while you sew.
• Sewing Machine: If you have one, great! If not, you can hand-sew, but it will take longer.
• Thread: Matching thread, of course.
• Measuring Tape or Ruler: For accurate measurements.
• Chalk or Fabric Marker: For marking your cutting lines.
• Iron and Ironing Board: Pressing is crucial for a professional finish.

3. Deconstructing the Pants – The Strategic Snip!

Now, this is where it gets real. We need to open up the existing seams to create space for the bell.

1. Identify the Inseam: This is the seam that runs along the inside of your leg.
2. Decide How High to Cut: How far up your leg do you want the bell to start? Usually, somewhere around the knee is a good starting point. Mark this spot on both legs.
3. Unpick the Seam: Using your seam ripper, carefully unpick the inseam from the hem up to your marked point. Be gentle! You don’t want to rip the fabric. Repeat on both legs.

4. Cutting the Bell – The Flare Affair!

Here’s where we shape the fabric that will become the bell bottoms!

• Choose Your Bell Style: Are you going for a subtle flare or a dramatic, wide-leg look? This will determine the shape of your bell pieces. You can achieve both of these styles using the method discussed below.
• Cut Your Fabric: If you are going for a smaller style, you can trace out the shape using a stencil. For a wider style, you can cut out the shape free hand.
• Pin the Fabric to the Pants: Pin the fabric to the pants, making sure the right sides of the fabric are facing each other.

5. Sewing the Bell – The Stitch in Time!

Time to get sewing! This is the part where your vision starts to become a reality.

Here’s a basic sewing order:

Step	Description
1	Pin the Bell Fabric: Carefully pin the fabric pieces you cut to the opened inseams of the pants. Make sure the right sides of the fabric are facing each other. Distribute the fabric evenly.
2	Sew the Seam: Sew along the pinned seam, connecting the bell fabric to the pants. Use a straight stitch and a seam allowance of about 1/2 inch.
3	Press the Seam: Press the seam allowance open with your iron. This will create a flatter, more professional finish.
4	Topstitch (Optional): For extra durability and a decorative touch, you can topstitch along the seam on the right side of the pants. This will also help to keep the seam allowance flat.

6. Hemming and Finishing – The Final Flourish!

Almost there! Now we just need to tidy things up and add those finishing touches.

• Hem the Bell Bottoms: If the bell fabric is too long, hem it to the desired length. A simple folded hem is usually sufficient.
• Clean Up Any Loose Threads: Snip away any stray threads for a clean look.
• Give it a Final Press: One last press to ensure everything is crisp and polished.

So, there you have it! Turning pants into bell bottoms is totally doable with a little patience and some basic sewing skills. Now go rock those new bell bottoms and show off your awesome DIY skills!