Today we’re going to talk about one of the most essential pieces of clothing in any wardrobe: pants. Whether you prefer jeans, slacks, or something in between, having a good fitting pair of pants can make or break any outfit. So, we’ve compiled some tips and tricks for you to follow when drafting your own basic pants pattern.
The Importance of a Good Pattern
Before we dive into the actual process of creating a basic pants pattern, it’s important to understand why having a good pattern is so crucial. A pattern serves as the foundation for any garment, and if the foundation is shaky or poorly constructed, the whole garment will suffer. With pants specifically, a poorly drafted pattern can result in an uncomfortable fit, unsightly creases, and even embarrassment in public due to a wardrobe malfunction.
So, in order to avoid all of these potential pitfalls, it’s important to start with a well-drafted pattern that takes into account your body’s specific measurements and proportions.
Measuring Yourself
The first step in creating a basic pants pattern is to take accurate measurements of yourself. You’ll need to measure your waist, hips, inseam, and rise in order to create a pattern that fits you properly. We recommend using a flexible measuring tape, like the ones used by tailors, and taking these measurements while wearing form-fitting clothing.
A word of caution here: try to be as precise as possible when taking your measurements. Even a small error in measurement can have a big impact on the final fit of your pants. And, if you’re not confident in your ability to take your own measurements, consider asking a friend or family member to help you out.
Drafting the Pattern
Once you have your body measurements, it’s time to start drafting your pattern. There are a few different methods for drafting pants patterns, but we’re going to focus on the most basic method. You’ll need a large piece of paper, a pencil, a ruler, and your measurements.
First, draw a straight line down the center of your paper, representing the center of your pants. Next, draw a horizontal line across the top of the paper, representing your waistline. Mark the center of this line, and draw a vertical line down from that center mark, representing the center front of your pants.
From here, you’ll need to start mapping out the rest of the pattern. Use your waist, hip, inseam, and rise measurements to determine the placement of various lines and curves on your pattern. We won’t go into too much detail here, as the specific measurements and curves will vary depending on your body shape and the style of pants you’re hoping to create.
However, it’s important to note that you should be paying close attention to the curves of your pattern, particularly around your hips and crotch. These areas are where a lot of fitting issues can occur, so take the time to measure and re-measure to ensure that your pattern is accurate.
Testing the Pattern
Once you’ve drafted your basic pants pattern, it’s time to test it out by creating a prototype. We recommend using a muslin fabric for this prototype, as it’s inexpensive and easy to work with. Cut out your pattern pieces from the muslin, sew the pants together, and then try them on.
When trying on your pants prototype, pay close attention to the fit. Take note of any areas that are too tight or too loose, and make adjustments as needed. This process may take a few iterations of testing and adjusting, but it’s well worth it to end up with a pair of pants that fit you perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Creating a basic pants pattern is a lot of work, but the end result is well worth it. Having pants that fit you properly can make a huge difference in how you feel and present yourself to the world. And, once you have your basic pattern, you can tweak it and customize it to your heart’s content, creating a wardrobe full of pants that fit and flatter your unique body shape.
Happy sewing!
