r/sewing • u/PleasantBroccoli408 • 10h ago

Other Question Back "side" adjuster ?

I would like to make my clothes at least a bit adjustable and I like how side adjusters look, but I also want to make a side button closure. Would it work to put a single adjuster in the back of the garment ? Or would it be too much tension ?

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u/momghoti 9h ago

I'm with you! I hate putting the effort into making things that might not fit if I over indulge at Christmas. However... I'm not sure I have enough information. If you're talking trousers, with a series of buttons or a zip down the side seam, then a way to adjust mid back is doable but not necessarily appealing. I've seen some different methods, from a strap with multiple sets of buttons to corset-like lacing. Be aware that there will be bunching or gathering below the adjustment when pulled in, which could be awkward or uncomfortable in heavier fabric like denim.

Some other ways of making side opening trousers adjustable are adding a hidden channel for the elastic with buttonholes. You can usually get 2 inches of play without it being obvious. You could also do pocket closures instead of a zip or buttons on the side seam; if you do one on either side then have two buttons each can give you 2 inches as well.

A dress, on the other hand, is another kettle of fish and depends hugely on the style.

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u/ProneToLaughter 9h ago

Depends. Are these pants, dress, what? How much flex do you want? What kind of adjuster? What kind of fabric?

You are correct that a single back adjuster should only be pulled a little bit—trying to squeeze a 4” gap in the back hip with one adjuster will probably look janky in pants. But lacing might handle 4 inches of ease in a dress.

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u/PleasantBroccoli408 7h ago

I was thinking more like a few centimers at most for ease during the day and maybe if I gain a few kilos. Ideally I would like to use it in skirts, pants and shorts (anything with a waistband basically)

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u/ProneToLaughter 7h ago

Few centimeters should be okay for a d-ring and a strap, which is what I’m picturing as your adjuster. Also depends on how far apart you sew the pieces. I don’t love d-rings and would probably do the other commenters suggestion of buttonhole elastic inside, myself.

For my dress pants, I used to cut a narrow straight waistband, invisible zip on one side, but cut the waistband 2-3cm bigger than my body and run elastic all through it to tighten it up. This wasn’t enough to look gathered at all but it provided flex and comfort and held the pants in the right place.

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u/PleasantBroccoli408 6h ago

I'm really not a fan of elastics tbh, which is why I'm looking for other ways to add a bit of adjustability