Hi Everyone,

I am back today sharing my second make using a pattern from Peppermint Magazine. You can see my first make using one of their patterns here (the ruffle sleeve top). Like the first, this pattern is also a completely FREE pattern to download, and comes in a decent size range (24 – 45.5″ waist and 33 – 54.5″ hips). Again, this pattern is beautifully drafted by In the Folds.

The shape of these pants is very on trend, with their high waist and wide leg. I did not think I would like them as much as I do, but they have already been worn several times to work. Couple of things I would say:

1. You need a fairly heavy, non-stretch, bottom weight fabric for these to work. Mine are made in a heavy brushed cotton twill. A heavy linen, denim or corduroy would also be good.
2. In terms of styling, you need to wear something fitted or tucked in on top IMO. I have worn them here with a RTW merino wool polo neck but I have also worn them with a button down shirt and a V-necked blouse, tucked in.

Unbelievably I actually made a muslin for these pants! I had to do minimal adjustments. Check out my full review below.

Pattern Review 

Pattern Description:

The Wide Leg Pant is a high waisted pant with fly front and button closure, shaped waistband, back darts and curved pocket. The pants are drafted to be fitted around the waist and hips, before dropping into a wide legged, slightly cropped pant.

Pattern Sizing:

24 – 45.5″ waist and 33 – 54.5″ hips

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes and no. There is an error in the instructions for the fly construction. Basically, one of the pattern pieces (in the text) has been labelled with an incorrect number. However, I ignored all the numbers and just followed the text and the diagrams and thought the instructions were good. Unlike the Closet Case Ginger Jeans (for example), the fly for these pants is not a cut on fly; it is a separate, sewn-on fly, so expect to tackle the fly a different way if this is your first time sewing this kind of fly.

I will be honest and say that I ignored all the other instructions. The first seam you are instructed to sew up are the side seams. I prefer to sew those up last to give some fit opportunities. So I just went my own way.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I am surprised at how much I like wearing these. They are warm and comfortable and very on trend. I thought the fit was very good from the outset. I also love the fact that a curved waistband was included. Nothing to dislike.

Fabric Used:

Heavy weight brushed cotton twill.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

• I graded from a G at the waist to an I at the hips.
• I shortened the length of these pants by 5 inches in total (they are drafted for someone of 5’7″; FYI I am 5’3″) and took a 1.5 inch hem.
• I did a 0.25 inch sway back adjustment to the waistband, so I added a centre back seam to the waistband, and added the removed length back to the top of the waistband.
• I did a 0.5 inch full tummy adjustment (including to the pockets and pocket facings).
• I removed about 3 inches (?) from the depth of the pockets and modified them so they did not extend into the front fly. Personal preference. Be warned that these pockets are absolutely huge!
• I added 0.5″ to the length of the front crotch.
• I used lining fabric for the pocket facings.
• I ended up slimming the leg openings down by a total of 2 inches, which I removed from the outer seam but have modified the pattern for next time so that that comes off both inner and outer seams.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I might sew again. A coloured heavy weight linen for summer might be good. Yes, I recommend.

Conclusion:

This is so good for a free pattern. So much thought and attention has been spent on making it; some other pattern makers should take note, lol. Don’t be frightened to try out a different style once in a while: you might just surprise yourself!

See you soon!