How to Sew Drawstring Pants

Drawstring pants are comfortable, fashionable and easy to make. Whether you want something loose to hang around the house in, wear on a quick trip to the grocery store or just to be able to say you have the ultimate casual wardrobe, drawstring pants are it.
With a little time, effort and some basic sewing skills, you can make drawstring pants for your friends, your family and any occasion.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Measuring tape
• Sewing machine
• Needle
• Thread
• Pins
• Drawstring
• Iron
• Ironing board

Instructions

1. Measure the fabric. Measure yourself from the waist to the floor. Depending on your waist size, you will need that measurement twice plus 3 to 7 inches for the hem, crotch and drawstring sleeve.

2. Select your fabric. Think soft flannel for a pair of winter pants and a loose cotton or gauze for summer wear. Choose material that sports your favorite team's logo or funky faux tie-dye. It's up to you.

3. Cut out the pants. If you want, you can pick up a pajama pattern at the fabric store and follow the instructions.
   If not, cut your fabric according to the below guidelines:
   Determine how full you want your drawstring pants to be. Add 10 or more inches to your waist measurement (the more you go beyond 10 inches above your waist measurement, the fuller your pants will be) and divide by 4. Cut four rectangular pieces of fabric measuring your-waist-to-the-floor-plus-3-inches measurement by 1/4 your-waist-measurement-plus-the-extra-inches.

4. Sew the pants. Take two of your long pieces, place them right side together, pin and stitch the long seam. Repeat with the other two pieces. You have just sewn the side seams of your pants.
   Hold the sewn pieces up to you, the top 2 inches above your waist, and determine, or have a friend determine, how far you need to sew from the top to cover your front to halfway through your crotch. Pin right sides of the two front pieces together and sew that much down from the top. Repeat with the back.
   Sew the remaining "V" inseam, right sides together. Press all seams open.
   Fold over 1/4 inch from the waist opening and press. Fold over again 1 1/2 inches and press. Stitch as close to the pressed edge as possible, leaving 2 inches unstitched at the front. Hand-stitch the folded, pressed seam to itself.

5. Add the finishing touches. Thread the drawstring through the sleeve you just made. Hem the bottom of the drawstring pants as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to wash, dry, and iron your fabric before you begin to sew.