Have a pair of cargo or denim pants just sitting in your closet? Don’t toss them—transform them into a trendy, wearable skirt! This DIY project is perfect for beginners and only requires a few basic tools. In this guide, we’ll walk through every step to turn those pants into stylish new women’s dresses for your wardrobe. Grab your scissors—let’s get started!
What You’ll Need Before You Begin
You don’t need a fancy setup. Just a few basics will do:
- A pair of old pants that still fit at the waist
- Fabric scissors (or sharp household scissors)
- Seam ripper (a must-have!)
- Matching thread
- Pins
- Optional: Fabric chalk or crayon
- Optional but helpful: Iron or steamer
- Sewing machine
Tip: Don’t have a seam ripper? You can find one for under $5 online or at your local fabric store.
Break It Down: Deconstructing the Pants
Start by turning your pants inside out. Locate the inseam—that’s the inner seam running from the crotch to the ankle.
Now, get comfy. Rip out that entire inseam using your seam ripper. You can even do this step while watching your favorite show. When you’re done, the pants should lay open like a skirt.
FAQ: Do I need to rip the outer seams too?
- Nope! Only the inseam.
Pro Tip: Be careful not to tear the fabric when ripping seams. Go slow!
Not feeling the skirt vibe and prefer something shorter? Check out how to make pants into shorts for an alternative idea!
Mark and Cut Your Desired Length
This is where you choose your skirt style—mini, midi, or maxi.
- Try on the pants and mark where you want the skirt to end.
- Use measuring tape, chalk, or even a piece of string to mark a straight cutting line.
- Cut across both legs at your marked spot.
Tip: Most people opt for midi skirts when using cargo pants—they balance style and comfort!
Flatten the Crotch Area & Sew It Down
Here’s where the magic happens. That awkward crotch bump? We’re fixing it.
- Lay the fabric flat.
- Steam or iron the crotch area to smooth it out.
- Pin the area so the fabric lays flat.
- Sew along the edges, mimicking the original stitching style.
Do the same for the back. It’s almost identical—just flip it and repeat.
Tip: Want more space to walk? Leave the back split open. This adds comfort and flair!
Final Touches: Clean Edges, Seal Splits, and Make It Yours
You’re almost there! Time to clean it all up:
- Use the leftover fabric you cut earlier to close the front split.
- Trace and cut a triangle to fit the opening.
- Pin it in place and sew both sides of the split.
- Clean up any raw edges with a zigzag stitch (optional but helpful!).
Now, hem the bottom by folding it up about 1–2 cm, steaming, then stitching a straight line all around.
FAQs:
- What if I want a wider back split? Easy! Rip the seam a little more and sew down both edges to keep it neat.
- Can I add more style? Yes! Add drawstrings, pockets, or even patches. Go wild with it!
If you’ve ever had a pair of pants with a missing or broken drawstring, no worries! You can easily fix that with how to put a drawstring back in pants.
And just like that, your old pants are now a brand-new skirt. Cool, right? You’ve saved money, recycled clothing, and made something unique—what a win! Plus, no weird crotch bumps or stiff fits. It’s comfy, cute, and all you. Wear it with confidence or customize more pieces to match.
Pro move: Add a drawstring at the bottom for a cinched cargo look. Total streetwear vibes.
Until next time, happy sewing and keep creating!