How to Make Pants

Pants come in all sorts of styles, from drawstring pajama pants and sweats, to casual pull-on pants, capris and jeans, to slacks and evening wear, and even loose fitting pants perfect for hot climates. How the pants look will depend not only on the style, but on the fabric you choose. Pajama pants can be made from cotton or flannel, while pull-on pants can be made from sweatshirt fleece, cotton, poly-cotton or even lightweight denim. Jeans, of course, have to made from denim, while slacks can be made from polyester or poly blends or wool. No matter what kind of pants you want to make, first you’ll need to find a pattern.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soft measuring tape
• Pants pattern
• Fabric
• Matching thread
• Zipper or elastic
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Sewing machine

1. Measure the fullest part of your hips and waist (or the area where the waist of the pants will be, for low rise pants). You’ll need these measurements when you pick a pattern because sewing patterns often use different size charts than clothes from the store.

2. Choose a pattern for the style of pants you want and the size you need. Some pants patterns come with several length options, as well as optional pockets, belt loops or cuffs. Keep in mind that some patterns are easier to sew than others. Pull-on pants, such as overalls or those with an elastic waistband, are easier to sew than zippered pants.

3. Pick out fabric that matches the type of pants you’re making, using the guidelines on the pattern envelope to figure out how much fabric you need. Make sure to note whether the fabric you want comes in a 44 or 60 inch width, and whether it has a nap, or print that needs to be cut in a certain direction for each piece.

4. Buy any notions you need, such as matching thread, interfacing, a zipper, elastic, buttons, over overall clasps. You can also pick out any extra decorations you want to add, such as patches or appliqués.

5. Cut out the pattern pieces for the pants, using the cutting line for the size you need. If the pattern has several different style options, only cut out the pieces you need.

6. Adjust the patterns along the lengthening and shortening lines if you need to make the legs taller or shorter. You can also adjust the width of the leg openings, and adjust how wide the waistband pattern is to make the pants sit higher or lower on the waist.

7. Follow the cutting guide in the pattern directions to pin the patterns to the fabric and cut out the pieces. Make sure to place any patterns on the fold that need to be.

8. Sew the pants pieces together, following the pattern directions. Be sure to try on the pants before hemming them, so you can adjust the length again if needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Pant pattern pieces can look surprisingly strange, since the pieces have to wrap around the outside and inside of the leg. You may feel like you’re not making them right, but as long as you’re following the pattern directions, keep persevering. You may be surprised when they turn out looking like pants at last.
• Use caution when working with scissors, pins, irons and sewing machines.