How To Take in Jeans at the Waist | Simple and Quick Hack

take in jeans at the waist

Jeans that don’t fit are so annoying! In this tutorial, I am going to show you how to take in a pair of jeans at the waist for a perfect and adjustable fit. This is something you can do even if you don’t know how to sew. This doesn’t apply to just a pair of jeans, you can do this with any pair of pants.

What I love about this method is that you can adjust it on those days when you might be a little bloated and need that extra room. This is a quick and simple hack that I hope you find helpful. It really is a quick project. I filmed the whole process and you can watch the video below.

This method involves applying elastic inside the existing waistband to cinch up the waistband without adding a lot of bulk.

Materials & Items Needed

  • Scissors
  • Measuring tape
  • Safety pins (2)
  • Needle and thread
  • Elastic (3/4 inch/2cm – 1 inch/2.5 cm)
  • Sewing machine optional
  • Small button
  • Seam ripper (optional)

Instructions

Measuring Waistband

Take the elastic and wrap it around your waist where the waistband of the pants is. Mark the point where it fits snug. Now subtract about 4 inches and cut the elastic. You may need to cut off more a little later.

Removing Labels

If your jeans have a label that is sewn along the waistband, like this Levis label, you will need to unpick a portion of the label so the elastic can slide through. Simply take a seam ripper and unpick just the sides of the label where it’s blocking the waistband. (You’ll sew it back up later).

Cutting Elastic Slits in Jeans

To make the slits in the waistband where the elastic will be applied, take your seam ripper, and just outside the existing button, make a little slit. DO NOT CUT THROUGH BOTH LAYERS OF FABRIC, JUST THE INSIDE LAYER! Once you have started a little slit, take a pair of scissors and continue clipping very carefully until you have a slit that the elastic will fit through. Do the same thing on the buttonhole side of the pants.

Inserting Elastic

Take a safety pin and apply it to one end. Thread it through one of the slits and continue to feed the elastic through the casing until you reach the other slit.

take in jeans at the waist hem elasticSecuring Elastic End In Place

Fold the end of the elastic under ¼ inch and sew to the waistband using a sewing machine or needle and thread. (Sew through all layers using a straight stitch).

NO-SEW METHOD

If you don’t have access to a sewing machine or a needle and thread, you can just apply two safety pins at the ends of the elastic on the inside of the waistband.

Would you like some great tips on how to sew simple stitches using a needle and thread? Check out this post?

 

take in jeans at the waist Finishing Elastic

Pull the elastic out the other end so there are about 8 inches of elastic exposed. Try on the pants and pull the elastic taut but not stretched. Mark this point with a pin to indicate the place where the pants are not cinched at all. Cut the elastic at this point.

take in jeans at waist hemming elasticFold the elastic end under ¼ inch and hem using the sewing machine or needle and thread.

take in jeans at waist buttonSewing On the Button

Apply a small button just outside the existing button on your pants. Double thread a needle and knot the end and then sew on the button.

take in jeans at the waist buttonholes Cutting Button Holes

Measure 2 inches from the end of elastic and mark with a pin. Mark two more places, each 2 inches apart.

Fold elastic in half lengthwise and make a little clip on the fold of elastic. Open the elastic and finish cutting a slit that will fit your button through.

take in jeans at waist buttonholesDo this for each mark until you have 3 button holes. (Be sure not to cut too close to the elastic edge or it may fray through).

Sewing Label Back On

If you unpicked a label from the waistband, re-sew the label. Using a corresponding color of thread, double thread a needle and sew the label back in place. I prefer to use a needle and thread. It’s quick and easy to do.

Take in Jeans at the Waist to Fit

Now you can adjust the waist to fit your current waist measurement. You know, there are days when you are a little bigger in the middle than others. Having this option to take in jeans at the waist and adjust the waistband in and out is a game-changer.

I hope you found this helpful!

 

If you have jeans that no longer fit, don’t throw them out just yet! Check out this post where you can get a few FUN ideas of what to do with UPCYCLED JEANS

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Sewing Corners and Curves | Serger Tips and Tricks

sewing corners and curves

Serging around corners and curves can be a little tricky, but when you know these handy tips and tricks, it’s no problem at all.

In this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to easily sew around square outer and inner corners and how to sew curves without any puckering.

For those of you who are visual learners, you can watch the video tutorial at the end of the post. I give several other serger tips that you won’t want to miss!

Typical Corners and Curves Sewing Projects

Of course, sewing around corners and curves is not a big issue with a regular sewing machine, but when you are using a serger (3 or 4 thread) it is different. For one thing, the serger leaves a chain of stitching that can get quite messy and add bulk to your project if you leave them too long when turning. No more of that!

Before I learned these tips and tricks, I had stitching tails all over the place, which doesn’t look really clean and finished.

Before trying any of these tips, I recommend getting some scrap pieces of fabric and just practice. It takes a little practice and every fabric is different.

Tips for Sewing OUTER CURVES

Start with lining up the fabric edge you are sewing with the side of your serger plate (the side with the blade). This is where you want to keep your focus point. As you slowly sew, you’ll be gently rotating the fabric to the right, keeping the edge of the fabric aligned with the edge of the cutting plate.

Be careful not to twist too much or you’ll get puckers. Just let the machine feed the fabric and you turn the fabric. You’ll get the hang of it real fast.

Tips for sewing  INNER CURVES

The same thing as with outer curves, except instead of rotating fabric to the right, you’ll rotate to the left. Inner curves are a tad trickier because it is a smaller radius. Just go slow. Any slight puckering that occurs can be pressed out.

Most likely, you’ll be sewing a lot more outer corners than inner corners, but knowing how to sew an inner corner using this method is a GAME CHANGER!

Sewing Corners and Curves outer corners

Outer Corners

To sew an outer corner, sew up to the edge of fabric and then take two more stitches by TURNING THE HANDWHEEL TOWARDS YOU.

Lift up the presser foot, gently pull the fabric back a bit to disengage the threads from the looper hooks. This will enable you to PIVET THE FABRIC around. Align the fabric edge with the knife plate edge and the top of the fabric in align so that when the needles come down it will be at just inside the edge of the fabric.

Continue to sew. It’s pretty simple. Do some practicing on scrap fabric. It’s actually quite fun, and notice what clean corners you have all finished nicely!

Sewing inner curves

Inner Corners

Begin sewing and when you get close to the corner, flip the bottom of the fabric edge to line up with the knife edge of your serger. THIS WILL MAKE A NATURAL PLEAT! Flatten the pleat (it will look like a little ice cream cone).

Continue to sew straight, keeping the fabric along the edge until you have completed the corner.

Open up the fabric and BAM, there you have it!

If there is just slight puckering, this can be pressed out.

sewing corners and curves clip cornerNOTE:  if the fabric is thicker, you may need to clip the corner just slightly 1/16 of an inch before sewing. You shouldn’t have a problem with lighter weight fabrics.

Once again, practice and test out the fabric you’re using on your project to see whether you need to clip the corner or not.

I hope that was helpful. Please leave a comment if you have any questions.

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Super Simple Instant Pot Yogurt | 3 Ingredients

Instant Pot Yogurt youmakeitsimple.com

Making Instant Pot yogurt is SUPER SIMPLE. It may seem intimidating and time-consuming, but it is seriously very easy to make, and the only thing that takes time is incubating (which is just waiting).

This yummy and delicious recipe has only three ingredients, and once you taste this yogurt, you’ll never want to buy store-bought yogurt again.

I previously posted about Instant Pot yogurt, but since then, I have learned some new tips and tricks that I wanted to update you on, and I filmed a video. If you’re like me, a visual tutorial is always helpful.

This recipe does not have any sweeteners added.

You can add a sweetener after processing if you prefer a sweeter yogurt.

The benefit of not adding sweetener is that you can use the yogurt as a sour cream substitute; some just prefer a less sweet taste (like me).

 

How to Eat Instant Pot Yogurt

  • Sour cream substitute
  • Breakfast parfait (add some granola, nuts & fruit, flax seeds, maple syrup or honey)
  • Healthy snack
  • Dips & salad dressing recipes

What Kind of Milk is Best to Use?

Let’s chat real quickly about all the “milk” options. I like to use organic milk and, when possible, grass-fed.

But this is not necessary, just what you prefer. Sometimes, I use whole milk; other times, just 2% or even 1 % milk can be used, and all turn out creamy.

I also hear goat milk works great, too.

There are a lot of folks who like to use “Fairlife” milk because not only is it ultra-pasteurized, but it is also ultra-filtered, which creates a product with a little more protein.

Right now, I prefer to use organic when I can.

Whatever milk you choose to use, make sure it is ULTRA-PASTEURIZED.

You can make yogurt from coconut and nut milk, but this recipe is for cow’s milk

instant pot yogurt ingredients

Instant Pot Yogurt Ingredients:

  • 1/2 gallon of milk 
  • 2 Tablespoons starter yogurt (The “starter yogurt” is simply already made PLAIN Greek yogurt. The yogurt that you use for the starter is very important.  The first time making yogurt, purchase a high-quality container of yogurt containing milk and live active cultures; nothing more. I like the FAGE brand Greek yogurt.
  • 1-2 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract (optional)

This Instant Pot Yogurt makes approximately 5-6 cups of yogurt.

RECIPE CAN BE DOUBLED WITH GOOD RESULTS!

instant pot yogurt strainingTo Strain or Not to Strain Instant Pot Yogurt

If you like a thicker consistency (GREEK YOGURT), you’ll want to strain the yogurt. Unstrained yogurt will be runnier. It just depends on the texture you want. The longer you strain the thicker it gets.

In the video tutorial, the batch I made up I strained a long time and came it came out with a texture and taste of ricotta cheese. It was delicious and I kept the video, because I wanted you to be able to see the different textures that are possible.

The nut bag method is what I instructed previously, but it can be very messy and almost requires someone else to assist in pouring the yogurt into the bag.

instant pot yogurt mesh strainerI found this mesh yogurt strainer and I’m in love. It is so much easier and less messy! So if you can invest in one of these, it is well worth it.

instant pot yogurt coffee filter strainingIf using coffee filters to strain the yogurt, you can find a video tutorial here, and a blog post about it here.

NOTE: If you are processing a full gallon of milk, you will have to strain it in two batches, unless you have a big strainer.

 

instant pot ice yogurt cube traysI use this handy BIG ice cube form. It is the perfect size for 2 tablespoons servings of yogurt. After they are frozen, I pop them out and put them in a zip bag in the freezer.

instant pot yogurt timer

Processing (Incubating) Instant Pot Yogurt

For the yogurt to ferment, you need to incubate it. You do this by keeping it warm for 8 to 24 hours undisturbed.

The beauty of using the Instant Pot is that there is a pre-set timer just for making yogurt that allows the milk to maintain a constant temperature to allow the yogurt to ferment.

The time can vary depending on the size of the inoculation culture, temperature, lactose content of the milk, and the freshness (vitality) of the yogurt starter used.

****For those of you who have digestive issues, a few of my readers have left feedback regarding how long processing helps digest lactose.

Just an FYI for anyone, like myself, who has to deal with chronic digestive issues: Long fermented yogurt is particularly helpful. I cook mine for a full 24 hours. I was amused when I got my Instant Pot to find out that 24 hours is one of the default yogurt settings. When we got our two cats, the little girl kitten begged for yogurt so pitifully that I did some research. Cows milk isn’t good for kitties but guess what. Home made, long fermented yogurt is. Score!!!! She gets her tablespoon every morning without fail.

You might not need the Lactaid milk–the bacteria in yogurt digest the lactose and homemade yogurt that has been fermented for hours (the longer the better for lactose issues) has little lactose left. You might need to experiment to see how long you need to ferment it for your body to tolerate it. Good luck from another lactose-intolerant person.

Instant Pot Yogurt Items and Materials Needed:

Once you start making your own yogurt, you can save at least 2 tablespoons of your last batch to add to the new one as your “starter”. 

I like to freeze some yogurt then I never have to worry about saving some. It goes fast in my house.

Instant Pot Yogurt

Instant Pot Yogurt Instructions

1-Pour the cold milk into a COLD Instant Pot pan

Instant Pot Yogurt platePlace the lid on the pot. YOU CAN USE THE INSTANT POT LID, A GLASS INSTANT POT LID, OR JUST A PLATE.

*****You want to make sure if you do use the Instant Pot lid, that it doesn’t have an aroma. You don’t want a yogurt that tastes like roasted chicken or curry!!!!!! If it does smell, use a plate.

I like this glass lid that you can get for the Instant Pot. It’s nice to help keep dishes warm when serving.

Instant Pot Yogurt

2-Press the Yogurt button on the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker and then click the “Adjust” button until the display says “boil”

A beep will sound when the boiling cycle is done, and the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker display screen will say “Yogt.”

*You can remove the lid immediately. There is no need to wait for pressure to come down. The yogurt making process does not require the machine to come up to pressure.

3- Stir the milk and using a digital thermometer, check the temperature of the milk.

You are trying to get the temperature of the milk up to at least 180 F°. I like to get it up to 181-185 F°. (The first time I made it, it didn’t set up really well and I am sure it was because I wasn’t patient enough to wait for it to get up to temperature).

If it is not 180 degrees, you will need to do another boil. It may take a few boil sessions to get it up to temperature.

(There will be hot spots, so stirring before taking the temperature, will give a more accurate reading).

*If you can’t reach 180 F degrees after two cycles, hit Sauté and then adjust to low and whisk continuously (scraping the bottom, too), until you get to 180 degrees.  (I like to get to 181-185 F°).

It helps to give your milk a whisk halfway into the boil cycle (and again later if you remember).

Instant Pot Yogurt temperature

4-Remove the cooking pot from the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker and allow the milk to cool down to 110 F°

Set the pot on a cooling rack where air can circulate around it.

instant pot yogurt sinkIf I am in a hurry, I like to fill the sink with cold water and place the pot in the sink. (Be careful not to get any water in it).

Remember to always stir the milk prior to taking the temperature.

When the temperature reaches 110 degrees or less you are ready to add your yogurt starter.

instant pot yogurt mixing bowl

5-Get a little bowl and take about a cup of the milk from Instant Pot and whisk in the starter, mixing well.

instant pot yogurt mixing bowlPour this mixture back into the pot. If you want to add sugar (which I never do) and/or vanilla, now is the time to do so. Stir well.

6-Place the pot back into the Instant Pot.

Make sure you dry off the pot before placing it back in the Instant Pot, if you had it in the sink with water.

instant pot yogurt timer

7- Push the Yogurt Button; the display will default to 8:00 or 24:00 hours. Click the “adjust” button to increase or decrease time if you prefer.

If you like a tarter yogurt, adjust the time anywhere from 10:00 – 24 hours. I usually set mine at 10 hours.

A few things to note:

  • Be mindful if you press the adjust button twice, the Instant Pot will adjust to 24:00 hours. (Perhaps that is the setting many of us should be using). Make sure you get it to the right time setting for your needs.
  • The Instant Pot may reset from the “Normal” function to the “Less” function! You don’t want to incubate on the “Less” option. Make sure it is on “Normal”.
  • After you set your time, the Instant Pot will start to count up. I like to have the incubation period happen while I sleep. So if I go to bed at 10:00, I will start my yogurt-making around 8:00. That gives me time for heating and cooling. It works out wonderful.
instant pot yogurt straining

8- Straining the Yogurt

When the yogurt has finished processing, and you want a thicker consistency, it’s time to strain in. There are several different methods that I show below.

Nut Bag Instructions

This is the nut milk bag. Place a big bowl underneath the strainer or bag to catch the whey that will drip out.

The other method of straining using a bowl strainer and coffee filters can be found here.

instant pot yogurt mesh strainerMesh Strainer Instructions

Simply pour the yogurt into the strainer bowl. Let strain to your liking of thickness and texture. (Anywhere from 1-4 hours).

instant pot yogurt whey

9- What do you do with the yellow liquid (whey)?

You can save the whey and use it in smoothies, salad dressings, etc for added probiotic nutrition.

instant pot yogurt whey Make sure you label the jar you put it in. You don’t want someone thinking this is lemonade or some other beverage. There will usually be a few quarts of whey leftover.

jars

10-Storing Instant Pot Yogurt

Place the yogurt into single one-cup jars, or other glass containers

I like using these 2 cup glass jars with plastic lids.

These jars are great to store just about anything in (dried herbs, nuts, bulk seeds, etc.)

instant pot yogurt ouiYou can also recycle these Oui yogurt glass jars. You can order little lids to fit these jars. LOVE THEM!

Or for a little better deal, you can order some jars and the lids for about the same price.

OR YOU CAN JUST STORE YOUR INSTANT POT YOGURT IN PINT-SIZE MASON JARS.

instant pot ice yogurt cube traysOnce you start making your own yogurt, you can save at least 2 tablespoons of your last batch to add to the new one as your “starter”.  I like to freeze some yogurt then I never have to worry about saving some. It goes fast in my house.

I use this handy BIG ice cube form. It is the perfect size for 2 tablespoons servings of yogurt. After they are frozen, I pop them out and put them in a zip bag in the freezer.

instant pot yogurt frozen

How long does this yogurt stay good?

Your homemade yogurt is generally good for eating for up to 2 weeks when stored in the refrigerator.

instant pot yogurt breakfast

If you ever want a little sweetness, you can add a smidgen of, honey or maple syrup.

For a nutritional breakfast or snack add:

  • Frozen berries
  • Nuts
  • Flaked coconut
  • Flax seeds
  • Bananas
  • Fruit preserves 

Super Simple Instant Pot Yogurt | 3 Ingredients

Making Instant Pot yogurt is SUPER SIMPLE. This yummy and delicious recipe has only 3 ingredients and once you taste this yogurt, you’ll never want to buy store-bought yogurt again.

  • Prep Time10 min
  • Cook Time8 min
  • Total Time18 min
  • Ready in8-24 hours
  • Yield6 Servings
  • Serving Size1 cup

Ingredients

  • 1/2 gallon of milk 
  • 2 Tablespoons starter yogurt (The “starter yogurt” is simply already made PLAIN Greek yogurt. The yogurt that you use for the starter is very important.  The first time making yogurt, purchase a high quality container of yogurt containing milk and live active cultures; nothing more. I like the FAGE brand Greek yogurt.
  • 1-2 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract (optional)

INSTUCTIONS

1

Pour the cold milk into a COLD Instant Pot pan

Place the lid on the pot. YOU CAN USE THE INSTANT POT LID, A GLASS INSTANT POT LID, OR JUST A PLATE.

*****You want to make sure if you do use the Instant Pot lid, that it doesn’t have an aroma. You don’t want a yogurt that tastes like roasted chicken or curry!!!!!! If it does smell, just use a plate. I like this glass lid that you can get for the Instant pot. It’s nice to help keep dishes warm when serving.

2

Press the Yogurt button on the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker and then click the “Adjust” button until the display says “boil”

When the boiling cycle is done, a beep will sound and the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker display screen will say “Yogt.”

*You can remove the lid immediately. There is no need to wait for pressure to come down. The yogurt making process does not require the machine to come up to pressure.

3

Stir the milk and using a digital thermometer, check the temperature of the milk.

You are trying to get the milks temperature up to at least 180 F°. I like to get it up to 181-185 F°. (The first time I made it, it didn’t set up real well and I am sure it was because I wasn’t patient enough to wait for it to get up to temperature). If is not 180 degrees, you will need to do another boil. It may take a few boil sessions to get it up to temperature.

(There will be hot spots so stirring prior to taking the temperature, will give a more accurate reading).

*If you can’t reach 180 F degrees after two cycles, hit Sauté and then adjust to low and whisk continuously (scraping the bottom too), until you get to 180 degrees.  (I like to get to 181-185 F°).

It helps to give your milk a whisk halfway into the boil cycle (and again later on, if you remember).

4

Remove the cooking pot from the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker and allow the milk to cool down to 110 F°

Sit the pot on a cooling rack where air can circulate around it. If I am in a hurry, I like to fill the sink with cold water and place the pot in the sink. (Be careful not to get any water in it). Remember to always stir the milk prior to taking the temperature.

When the temperature reaches 110 degrees, you are ready to add your yogurt starter.

5

Get a little bowl and take about a cup of the milk from Instant Pot and whisk in the starter, mixing well. Pour this mixture back into the pot

If you want to add a sugar (which I never do) and/or vanilla, now is the time to do so. Stir well.

6

Place the pot back into the Instant Pot.

Make sure you dry off the pot before placing it back in the Instant Pot, if you had it in the sink with water.

7

Push the Yogurt Button; the display will default to 8:00 or 24:00 hours. Click the “adjust” button to increase or decrease time if you prefer.

If you like a tarter yogurt, adjust the time anywhere from 10:00 – 24 hours. I usually set mine at 10 hours.

 

A few things to note:

Be mindful if you press the adjust button twice, the Instant Pot will adjust to 24:00 hours. (Perhaps that is the setting many of us should be using). Make sure you get it to the right time setting for your needs.

The Instant Pot may reset from the “Normal” function to the “Less” function! You don’t want to incubate on the “Less” option. Make sure it is on “Normal”.

After you set your time, the Instant Pot will start to count up. I like to have the incubation period happen while I sleep. So if I go to bed at 10:00, I will start my yogurt making around 8:00 p.m. That gives me time for heating and cooling. It works out wonderful.

When I wake up it is ready to strain. If you like a thinner consistency, you won’t need to strain it.

8

Pour the yogurt into a strainer or Nut Bag

Nut Bag Instructions

This is the nut milk bag. Place a big bowl underneath the strainer or bag to catch the whey that will drip out.

The other method of straining using a bowl strainer and coffee filters can be found here.

Mesh Strainer Instructions

Simply pour the yogurt into the strainer bowl. Let strain to your liking of thickness and texture. (Anywhere from 1-4 hours).

9

Place the yogurt into single one cup jars, or other glass containers

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Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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