How to Cut Trousers in Nigeria

If you want to save money on tailoring expenses, learning how to cut your own trousers can be an excellent skill to have. With a few tools and basic knowledge of measurements, you can create perfectly fitting trousers that are tailored to your personal style. In this guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of cutting trousers in Nigeria.

Materials Needed

Before you begin the cutting process, ensure you have the following materials:

A measuring tape
A pencil
A regular paper
Scissors
A patterned paper
A straight edge ruler
Fabric chalk
Fabric of your choice
A sewing machine or a needle and thread

How to Take Measurements for Trousers

The first step in cutting trousers is to take accurate measurements. Here's how to do it:

Start by measuring your waist at the point where you want the waistband to sit. Ensure the tape measure is snug around your waist without being too tight.
Next, measure your hips at the widest point of your buttocks.
Measure the length from your waist to where you want the trousers to end.
Finally, measure the inseam, which is the distance from your crotch to where you want the trousers to end.

Be sure to write down all the measurements you have taken accurately as they will be important in the cutting and sewing process.

Creating the Trousers Pattern

With your measurements in hand, the next step is to create the pattern for your trousers. Follow the steps below:

Begin by drawing a straight line on your patterned paper using the ruler. This line should be the length of the trousers you want plus one inch for the hem.
Measure and mark the waistline and hip line on the straight line you drew. The waistline should be marked at the top and the hip line should be marked where the widest part of your hips is.
Using the measurements you have taken, draw a parallelogram between the waistline and the hip line.
Draw another line from the hip line to the hemline, which should be perpendicular to the straight line.
To create a comfortable fit and movement, add an inch to each side of the parallelogram at the hip line.

Cutting the Trousers

Now that you have created your pattern, it's time to cut out the trousers:

Place the pattern on top of the fabric and use fabric chalk to trace the pattern onto the fabric.
Using scissors, cut out the fabric along the traced lines.
Cut two pieces of fabric for the trousers, front, and back.
Cut a piece of fabric for the waistband. It should be the length of your waistline plus two inches and the width should be five inches.

Sewing the Trousers

With all the materials cut out, the next step is to sew the trousers:

Sew the front and back pieces of the trousers together at the sides.
Sew the crotch seam together, ensuring the right sides of the fabric are facing each other.
Hem the bottom of each leg, folding the fabric under twice before sewing.
Sew the waistband together at the sides, ensuring the right sides of the fabric are facing each other.
Attach the waistband to the trousers, ensuring it is centered and evenly distributed around the waist of the trousers.
Add a zipper or button at the front of the trousers, depending on the design you want.

Conclusion

Cutting your trousers in Nigeria can be an exciting and cost-effective way to get a perfect fit for your unique body shape. It's a process that requires patience, attention to detail, and a little bit of creativity. With the right measurements, tools, and materials, you can create stylish trousers that are tailored to your preference.

FAQs

Do I need a sewing machine to cut trousers?
No. You can sew the trousers by hand using a needle and thread.
How do I choose the right fabric for my trousers?
Consider the occasion and climate, and choose a fabric that is comfortable and durable.
What if my measurements change after I've cut the fabric?
It's important to take accurate measurements before cutting the fabric. However, if your measurements change, you may need to adjust the pattern before cutting the fabric.
Can I make adjustments to the pattern to suit my style preference?
Yes. You can adjust the length and width of the pattern to suit your style preference.
How do I maintain the trousers after cutting them?
Follow the care instructions on the fabric label when washing and ironing the trousers.