Sewing Pants Part 2
Mitchell Trousers
Welcome back to my pants making journey friends!
If you haven’t read my last post I suggest you get caught up there first. If you have, then I am so glad you’re joining me for my step on this journey to learn how to sew my own pants.
My last pair turned out okay and helped me face my baser pants-making fears, but they weren’t quite what I was looking for in my dream pants. I am not one to be easily discouraged once I’ve decided to accomplish something though, so within days of my first pair I was trying to tackle my second.
This time I chose a pattern that looked really interesting and had a little less volume through the hips, which is something that I didn’t like about the last pair.
Image courtesy of Closet Core Patterns
The Mitchell Trouser pattern from Clost Core Patterns, was also designed with both slim-leg and wide leg options, and adjustable straps on the waist, which makes the pattern really versatile.
I picked up some cheap poly-blend fabric from my local fabric store for this one, since I had no idea how I was going to turn out and didn’t want to spend too much on fabric trying it out. The fabric was on sale and cost less than $20!
I decided to make the slim leg version of the pattern and crop the leg length. After cutting the pattern to with these alterations it came together so easily. To do the zip fly I used the instructions from the Billy Trousers that I made last time, because they really were the best I’ve seen.
The style of the darts on this pattern are so unique, and this pattern ended up fitting really well with very few alterations needed. I did take in the back center seam about 1.5cm at the waist, but that was a quick and easy fix, and one that is very common for me in order to accommodate my waist-to-hip measurement ratio.
Once the pants were mostly together I decided to make one additional alteration to the original pattern, and line the waist with a wide elastic band to get a really snug but comfortable fit on the waist. I’m so happy I made this change because this style of waist make these so comfy!
I like high-waisted pant and skirt styles but I sit for a living as an office worker, and sometimes they can become really uncomfortable or stretch out of shape by the end of the work day.
Overall, I’m really happy with how these turned out, and will definitely be making these again in higher quality fabrics that will last, as well as wear and wash well (this poly blend is already pilling!).
I can honestly say that I am happier with the fit and style of these pants then I am with most ready-made pairs that I have bought in the past few years, which feels like a success!
Next on my pants-making journey I have a pair of linen, wide-leg trousers to share with you (spoiler alert, they are my favorite pair I have made so far!). I also recently tested a new pattern for SisterMag Patterns’ new Hamptons inspired summer pattern collection and loved the wide leg Palazzo Pants pattern I tried out! They felt very vintage 1920’s and fit really well. You can see my final tester results for the pants here, and a pair of shorts I made with the same pattern here.
As always thank you so much for reading and supporting my projects, it truly means that world to me! Until next time,
Amanda