In the Oct. '02 Sew News we presented a way to shorten the crotch in slacks. Norma D. from Johnson City, TN, who's been doing professional alterations for 30 years, took the time to write and share another method that doesn't require removing the waistband. Thanks, Norma!
This method takes the extra crotch length out at the inseams; this effectively raises the crotch level without shortening the leg length. Note: If your pants are snug around the legs, this method won't work for you.
Pin out 1/2" on both inseams just below the crotch and taper to the knee. Try on the pants to test-fit this adjustment amount. Take out more or less as desired and make note of the amount.
Remove the pants and open up the inseams almost to the knee. Also open the crotch seam for about 2" on either side of the inseam.
If only the back crotch is too low (resulting in a baggy behind), take up the extra only from the back inseam, sewing it to the original front inseam.
If the crotch hangs too low in both front and back, take equal amounts from the front and back inseam.
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