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1. 

   

   I needed to shorten these jeans only from the back leg, because the front was perfect. Also these pants had a beautiful worn detail in the heel, so normal cutting did not seem like a good idea. I decided to shorten these with DARTS.

2. 

   

   I measured that 1 1/2 inches (8cm) had to be lost. I decided that I would take 1/2 inch (3cm) from the heel and 1 inch (5cm) from the knee.



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3. 

   

   This is the back leg, knee hight. First I drew a "folding line" and then two more lines 1/2 inches on both sides. I use a ballpoint pen to do my markings, because it stas on well and comes off in wash.

4. 

   

   Now fold the leg and pin together.



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5. 

   

   I find it easier to start sewing from the middle towards the sideseams. Sew twice with regular sewing thread to make the seam last better.

6. 

   

   You must curve the seam when closing the sideseams.

7. 

   

   Fold the sideseam allowances out of your way when you sew so you are able to stitch all the way to the sideseam.

8. 

   

   When the darts are done, try the jeans on to see if the length is correct. If they are, fold the dart allowances upwards and stitch fro top to make the seam fit better. DO NOT CUT ANY ALOWANCES AWAY.

9. 

   

   Your knee-dart should look like this. I usually sew twotop-stitches to make the allowances stay in place better.

10. 

    

    Now repeat the same with the heel-darts.

11. 

    

    For the heel-dart only one top-stitching is needed because the allowances are not wide. Always fold the allowances upwards.
    
    I sewed the heel darts about 2 inches from the hem, because I did not want to mess up the heel abrasions.

12. 

    

    Finished! The leg will curve to the back but it will look surprisingly straight when the jeans are worn. Isn´t it amazing where 1 1/2 inches (8cm) on extra-length just disappheared! And no cutting needed. So... If I ever wanted to open the darts up again to add length, it is possible!
    
    I use only one dart (sewn to hem) if I need to shorten the denim 1/2 inches (3cm) from the back, but leave the front un-touched.

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