How to Sew a Pair of Pull on Pants
Sewing pull-on pants is one of the easiest ways to learn to sew. With two pattern pieces, make a comfortable pair of pants for lounging, exercising or sleeping. This project is ideal for beginners, and even children will be able to make pull-on pants with some help in cutting the fabric. Sew warm fleece pants for winter, or sew pants from sheeting cotton for cool, comfortable summer wear.
Things You'll Need
- Fabric
- 3/8-inch elastic
- Pull-on pants pattern
- Scissors or rotary cutter and mat
- Sewing machine
- Thread
Instructions
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1
Fold the fabric in half lengthwise.
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2
Pin the pattern front and back leg pieces to the fabric.
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3
Cut out two of each piece, extending the top by 2 inches.
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4
Remove the pattern pieces.
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5
Place the two front pieces with right sides together. Sew the crotch seam.
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6
Place the two back pieces with right sides together. Sew the crotch seam.
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7
Open out both pieces and place them right sides together.
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8
Sew the straight seam on each outside leg.
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9
Press the crotch seams open.
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10
Sew the inside seam, starting at the bottom of one leg, continuing around the crotch area and ending at the bottom of the opposite leg.
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11
Press under 1/2 inch on the top edge of the pants.
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12
Measure down 2 inches from the inside top edge of the pants, and mark a line around the pants, using a quilter's pencil.
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13
Pin the pressed-under edge of the pants to the inside along the line you marked.
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14
Sew along the pressed-under edge, using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, leaving a 1-inch opening above the back seam.
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15
Cut a piece of elastic, and attach a small safety pin to it.
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16
Push the safety pin through the opening you left, holding the free end of the elastic to keep it from entering the opening. Work the elastic through the casing.
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17
Remove the safety pin, holding both ends of the elastic. Tack through the elastic several times to secure it.
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18
Sew the opening closed.
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19
Hem the pants legs, or use a fusible iron-on product in place of sewing the hem.
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1
Tips & Warnings
For beginners, use a basic pattern with a fold-over top. More experienced sewers might want to use a pattern with a separate casing piece that is sewn on.
Fleece pants won't need to be hemmed, since fleece fabric doesn't ravel. But if you prefer a more finished look, use a narrow rolled hem on the pants legs.
