The (Almost) Perfect Pair

Pattern: Burda Style 7447 Misses Pants
Fabric: Organic Cotton Twill in Cool River
Cost: $25


To say I've been trying to make suitable work pants for a while would be an understatement. My first attempt was almost four years ago, when I undertook Vogue 1051. It would have been my first welt pocket, my first fly front, and my first pair of pants. Needless to say, it did not work out. 

Fast forward a few years, and I was still desperately in need of a good trouser pant. I had read Sunni's account of making Burda Style 7447, I had seen the pattern reviews, and I had bought both the pattern and the fabric. I was also eager to make a pattern other than the Colette Clover, just to see if it would solve some of my fit issues and give me a fresh perspective. It was time to give this a go.


Taking what I knew from my previous pairs and the reviews I read online, I cut one size down but ended up sewing with 3/8" seam allowances through the legs after basting them together to try on (I think the fit would be perfect in a fabric with a little bit of stretch). I also took almost two inches out of the center back waistband and seat - clearly I am quite pear-shaped. In the end the fit was pretty spot on with just those little changes. Quite amazing!

By this point, I really feel like I'm nailing down all my details for pants construction to create 'my formula.' I took lots of pictures of the in-progress work, so hopefully I can share that with you in one form or another at some point. Below are some of the details.




I think I've really got the zipper thing down, but my first attempt at welt pockets on pants was just so-so. Practice practice practice! Here are some shots of the back. Can't tell if the back is supposed to be this wrinkly to allow movement, or if it needs some more help here...



I'm quite happy with this first pair, and already have fabric for a second. Yay for making my pants dreams finally come true!

19 comments:

  1. This looks fantastic! I am definitely going to give this a try when my new Janome Coverpro 1000 cpx gets here. I think what you girls are doing is so (sew) fun keep challenging each other.
    Thanks,
    Nancy

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  2. Nice pants! I'm doing the same thing right now (trying to make a pair of work pants that fit). I really like how yours turned out. How do you find the fabric? Is it too light or too heavy? I always have trouble finding pants fabric that I like.

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    1. Thanks Tiffany! Yes, I still feel like I'm wrapping my head around fabric selection. I think this fabric is great for traditional work pants, though I find that I like mine to fit a bit closer and therefore they need to have a bit of stretch. For my slightly stretchy Colette Clovers I loved using Fabric.com's stretch brushed cotton sateen (in fact, I'm wearing those pants now!). Sunni uses wool for her pants, which I might try at some point - maybe a suiting? This pattern envelope recommends gabardine, wool and linen blends. Good luck, and I can't wait to see what you make!

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    2. The pants looks great and the your topstitching is so even!
      I've been thinking about trying pants but I've been having the same problem...how do I find pants fabric that I like?! And what is the right weight? I don't need very formal pants for work but I really prefer pants with very little stretch (I hate when they stretch out!) and most cotton twill's I see (online) seem to have quite a bit of lycra (3-4%). I ordered a few from Mood online to try out...I guess I have to start somewhere :)

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    3. Good luck Carrie! This cotton twill doesn't have any stretch (and appears to be on sale right now!), so that's another option if Mood doesn't work out :)

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  3. Impressive stitching! And I love the flowered pocket linings!

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  4. These pants look great! I love the contrast pocket lining!

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  5. Your waistband looks so good — and waistbands are hard so give yourself some serious credit!

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  6. Meg - these pants look great on you. Burda is often the magic answer for many body shapes, and it looks like this pattern is very good for you. One thing about the wrinkles on the back leg - don't take a pix with your hands in your pockets! ;-) Stand straight with arms down, take a pix, and see how it looks. Also - depending on how snug - you do need some "sit room" - which translates to wrinkles in a fitted leg style. GREAT JOB on those pants!!

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    Replies
    1. Yes, the hands in the pocket was a major "d'oh!" moment when I saw the pictures. We'll re-evaluate with the next pair!

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  7. These are awesome! So professional *stars in her eyes*.
    Ahh, wrinkles. It's so hard to know if the wrinkles can be gotten rid of, or if they're there so you can actually move. I think these ones are necessary, and they'll be exaggerated in the picture because you've got your hands in your pockets!

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  8. Your pants look terrific. I think I might give this pattern a go. Pants fitting is my biggest problem.

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  9. These look amazing! One of my goals this year is to do a fly zipper, any good tutorial recommendations?

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    1. Thanks! For tutorials, I'm working on my own, but not sure when that will be ready. Maybe try the colette blog?

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  10. Great pants! Looks like you've got the fit spot on. Very impressive...pants can be tricky!

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  11. Wow! I am really impressed - I think the fit looks great!

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  12. Nice Blog to See the new trends in Pants liked it so much
    Wanna have them for myself and my brother

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    ReplyDelete

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