Adjustable Waist for Elastic Waist Items

I am considering making an adjustable waistband for both my son and my daughter in several patterns I have.  I think that putting a buttonhole on each side of the back of the waistband where the casing for the elastic resides in the pants is the best way to go about it.  I have examined my son's adjustable waist pants and it seems that this is what has been done.  It appears that the button is only sewn on the inside of the waistband right on the other side of the waistband casing.  The elastic used commercially has button holes all the way across it, but I imagine just a few button holes on each side of the elastic as it comes out of the casing should do it.  Any thought or ideas?  If it works for the children I may also try it for my husband and me.

Sounds just right to me. And that buttonhole elastic that is in those pants you can usually get it at the fabric store. I've bought it before. that would be the easiest.

I think you have it right.  And I would suggest tacking the elastic down in the center of the casing after you have it threaded in evenly.  My daughter has pulled her elastic out a couple of times trying to adjust it herself.  (One of these days I'll write to Old Navy and suggest the same thing!)

I've never thought about trying to make one myself, but that is a great idea.  It sounds like you are on the right track. 

I received a tip about the store/internet bought buttonhole elastic. Cut a small piece with a couple holes, and stitch it to regular elastic the same size. Then you will have more for later.

That sounds like it would work out right ^-^ I've been trying to figure out how to do that myself as I wanted to make some pants for my youngest who's always losing his britches.

And adding a length of it to regular elastic makes sense as well.

I love adjustable waist pants for my kids, since they're both little skinny minnies.  But I've never thought to do it on the pants I've made for them, because I make them to fit...  does it make sense to have adjustable waists for pants you've made specifically for your kid?  Or perhaps more than one child will end up wearing them, maybe one slim and one stout? 

I think having adjustable waists in kids clothes that you make is good. Between January and the end of the school year my daughter had a nice growth spurt. Since she wears only dresses or skirts if it is something I made I can easily make it longer with more ruffles, another tier, etc. But - since the buttonhole elastic is there she can wear it longer too. Especially if it is her favorite of the moment. I literally have to go into her room at night and take out clothes that don't fit her any longer because she cannot bear to part with them.

I made some for a friend's kid last fall.  There is a tutorial on my blog...
http://deannasstuff.blogspot.com/2007/11/diy-adjustable-waist.html

Hope this helps! 

You know, my kids both wear pants like that which I love because they last so much longer but I never thought to try making them.  If you are successful, please post a tutorial!

I don't know why it's taken me so long, but I've only just discovered the buttonhole elastic in my son's pants, and I have to say, it's a great idea!!  I'll definitely have to pick some up, and the tip about sewing the ends to regular elastic is fantastic!!