Sewing experts - taking in jeans (stomach area)

[RockingMyFiftiesNot]

Hi, would like to give this a go myself rather than pay someone to do it but need some guidance please.

I really struggle to find trousers that fit. Even when changing rooms were open it wasn't unusual to spend an hour in M&S trying on every style of black trousers and then not always finding a pair that fit!

Ive just bought some jeans online in a sale. They fit perfectly and in most ways and are very flattering. Except there is too much material over the stomach. I really don't want to remove the waistband. Was wondering about a dart from waistband down on each side of the zip? Or would you recommend a different way?

I'd really like to crack alterations like this as it might solve my buying problems. If you are aware of a good website offering alteration advice suitable for novices that would be great. (I have a sewing machine)

There's quite a few 'altering jeans' videos on YouTube - just type in 'altering jeans' and quite a few come up. Also try doing the same in Pinterest.

Second the YouTube recommendation. Partly it depends on where the 'too much' is. There are a few different fit issues that will lead to excess material in the front or at the waist. If you want a neat finish you may not be able to avoid removing the waistband, but you won't necessarily have to do the whole thing - you could just take the front off from your adjustment to the side seam, take it in at the side and then reattach. All depends on how 'professional' a finish you want.

Thank you both. I tend to wear long tops so not too worried about the finish, just need rid of the bulk. I wasn't sure whether to do it from the front or the side and whether it was a non-starter without removing the waistband, hence asking on here where you can ask questions!
Will look at YouTube / Pinterest thank you

I'd put darts in them- this is what I did to trousers post partum.

Are you a confident sewer? If not this sound like something that would be very cheap to have done at e.g. an alteration service at a dry cleaner. I had a pair of trousers taken up for £10 for example.

@Cheesypea yes think that's what I'll do, just wasn't sure whether to take in at front or sides.

@StrawberryPi I'm confident enough to put a couple of darts in, but not expert enough to decide how best to do it! I think if they were expensive trousers where I'd want the front of the trousers to be seen, I would pay but not worth it for jeans that'll be hidden under a top.