How to: Make cute Knickerbockers

Extend the life of your kid's pants by turning them into cute Knickerbockers. You only need a few minutes, some knitted rib fabric and this step by step tutorial.

Now that Emma is (sort of) toilet trained and not wearing nappies through the day, lots of her old pants fit her around the waist perfectly, but look ridiculously short!
These old flared cords were a hand me downs, not my favorite, but great for knocking about at creche. Because I can't get rid of anything till it's fully worn out, shortening, not lengthening, was the obvious solution.


You will need:
Too short pants
Ribbed knit fabric (slightly elastic)
Scissors
Overlocker (serger) is ideal, but a normal sewing machine is ok too.

Here's how I did it:

1. Here are the too short pants, make sure you are happy with the fit around the waist and rise or you are wasting your time. Try them on your child and mark length just under the knee.
2. Cut at desired length remember to leave a small seam allowance.
3. Measure around child's calf just below the knee, this should be approximate length to cut your ribbing. Decide on your width and double as the ribbing is folded in half.  I cut mine 3" x  8"
4. Fold each piece of ribbing in half lengthways and sew a seam to make a cuff.

5. Fold cuff in half with seam on the inside.
6. Place cuff around bottom of pants leg, position the seam to correspond with the inseam of pants. You may want to pin but careful with the cutting blade if you are using an overlocker (serger).
7. Sew the ribbing cuff onto the pants, you will need to stretch the ribbing gently whilst doing this and maybe even gather the pants fabric slightly. If you are using a normal sewing machine, use a straight stitch then zig zag the exposes edges.
8. All done, repeat on other leg.

This is the technique I use to add cuffs to sleeves when sewing sweatshirts.

Knickerbockers are a great option for spring or autumn, add some tights or stripey socks to complete the look.

Looking for another way to get more life out of those worn out jeans?  See the add Knee Patches to Jeans tutorial