How Do You Resize Scrub Pants?

Resizing scrub pants generally involves hemming or adjusting the waistband. Here's a breakdown of the process:

Hemming Scrub Pants (Shortening the Length)

This is the most common type of resizing. Here’s how to hem scrub pants:

Determine the Desired Length: Put on the scrub pants with the shoes you typically wear. Have someone mark the desired hem length with pins. It's best to have a helper for this step to ensure accuracy.
Add Seam Allowance: Remove the pants and lay them flat. Measure from the pinned mark down, adding the seam allowance (usually 1-2 inches, depending on how you plan to finish the hem). Mark this new length with chalk or a fabric marker.
Cut the Excess Fabric: Cut along the marked line, removing the excess fabric.
Prepare the Hem: Fold the raw edge up to the initial pinned line, creating a clean hemline. Pin this fold in place. If you are using a double-fold hem, fold again to conceal the raw edge.
Sew the Hem: You can either hand-sew the hem using a blind stitch or use a sewing machine.
- Machine Hemming: A blind stitch setting on your sewing machine is ideal for a nearly invisible hem. Turn the pants inside out. Position the folded hem under the needle, fold side up. Sew around the pant leg, keeping your stitch straight and removing pins as you go.
- Hand Hemming: Use a needle and thread (matching the fabric color) to create a blind stitch. This involves picking up a few threads from the pant leg and then a few from the folded hem, creating small, nearly invisible stitches.
Press the Hem: Iron the newly sewn hem to create a crisp, professional finish.

Adjusting the waistband is more complicated and may require more advanced sewing skills.

Determine How Much to Reduce: Try on the pants and determine how much smaller the waistband needs to be. Pin the excess fabric on either side seam (or at the back seam). Ensure the reduction is even on both sides for a balanced fit.
Remove the Waistband (If Necessary): If the waistband is elastic or has a drawstring, you may need to remove it partially or fully to make adjustments.
Sew New Seams: Turn the pants inside out. Sew new seams along the pinned lines, tapering down to the original seam line below the waistband.
Trim and Finish Seams: Trim the excess fabric from the new seams and finish the edges to prevent fraying (using a serger, zig-zag stitch, or bias tape).
Reattach or Adjust Waistband: Reattach or adjust the elastic or drawstring waistband to fit the new size. You may need to cut and overlap the elastic, securing it with stitching.

Fabric Type: The fabric of your scrub pants will influence the best method for hemming and seam finishing.
Skill Level: If you are not comfortable sewing, consider taking your scrub pants to a tailor for professional resizing.
Seam Ripper: A seam ripper is essential for removing existing hems or seams carefully.
Matching Thread: Always use thread that closely matches the color of your scrub pants.