New Look 6544 trousers in Organic Cotton with Lycra

If there is one garment worthwhile sewing it is trousers. If like me you struggle to purchase the perfect fit in ready to wear then this post is for you. I started sewing my own pants years ago and quite honestly will never buy them again.

My Handmade Jeans in particular are the most perfect fit and I love them. The fabrics I use are high quality like the fabric in this post, but because they fit so well and they wash well the cost per wear is minimal 

The fabric is Organic Cotton with lycra

For my other pair I used a lighter colour- the denim fabric is available in other colours , but almost any of these fabrics can be used depending on your taste so do take a look at this link. Organic Cotton Fabrics

 

The pattern is New Look 6544 this pattern also includes a skirt.  I chose this pattern because it is easy to fit, it has a high waist and it is easy to make different variations from 


I do love  making jeans, but I realise that the very thought is enough to put people off for life, but don't worry, there are lots of alternatives,  like this one. I used a simple trouser pattern and made it in this gorgeous  denim fabric  It is not at all necessary  to use a specific pattern for jeans if you don't want to work on all the  necessary details such as fly fronts etc. Think about  what style you like when choosing a pattern and you won't be far wrong. 

On my last post I made a dress with an exposed zipper front. There was plenty of fabric, so I managed to cut out these pants too. I made another pair in a similar cream fabric as the details show up better on photographs

It really is vital that you make a toile first , the pants need to fit you correctly, and by that I mean they need to fit your own requirements  and your own lifestyle. I live in lightweight pants and a nice Blouse all summer.
A tip -  when you are cutting out ,make the side seams much wider to allow for alterations when fitting. Mens trousers always have extra wide seams at the back,  have you noticed? So useful for adjusting the fit at a later date !


Once you have a pattern which fits you perfectly iron it onto interfacing and from this you will be able to alter the style as much as you want. With these two pairs of pants I made the Denim pair a little bit slimmer and the Beige pair I made the leg straighter and the overall fit a bit more casual. Using this pattern  I could make capri pants , I could make wide leg pants and more. 

This pattern suggests a back zip but I prefer a lapped zip at the side of the garment. I think that it looks neat and is practical.  Wheelchair users will appreciate  not having an uncomfortable  zip digging into their back.The inside is finished beautifully,  this is something I am really fussy about, it makes any garment feel special and I always take the trouble to make the inside beautiful,  just for me.



The facings need interfacing with a heavy weight iron on interfacing.  There is lots of choice on the Web site : Intertfacings
I find that I use a wide range from lightweight to heavyweight,  stretch to woven depending on what I am making.

I machined in the ditch along the side, front and back seams to secure the facing and to keep it in place during wear. I do not like top stitching unless it is a design feature so I prefer this method of keeping the facings in check.

Shown worn seated

Definitely have a side zipper for  comfort and ensure that there is plenty of room from waist to hip and use a fabric with some stretch as this one 

 

Alternative shirt patterns

The shirt I am  wearing is made from chambray,  but I am afraid that there is no pattern as I drafted my own . However there are lots of shirt patterns and this one is similar  but without all the buttons   These two patterns stand out to me.

Firstly a Shirt top - this is a Pullover style. I like this pattern myself and it's going on my 'to make' list

And a Shirt a more traditional  style with button front 

Sewing gauge

This Sewing Gauge is one of my favourite  gadgets,  it measures the placement of buttons, pleats etc and makes easy work of equal spacing 
::sewing gauge::
I used lots of little mother of pearl buttons to fasten the blouse but there is such a lot of choice > Buttons
your only problem will be deciding which ones you like best.

Buttons

What is the thing you love most in your sewing supplies? I confess that I am fascinated by  buttons and I love spending hours looking for the perfect set ,(but there is always one short don't you find)
I particularly  love old buttons, and I dream of finding some couture buttons. I just love buttons of any description and I am forever begging friends for their unwanted ones.
I once sorted them out, bagging them in matching sets. BIG mistake! It took all the fun away so I tipped them all together again.
Happiness is often something  so simple as holding the perfect button in my hand, and the occasional find of an old tin and wondering what is inside is just thrilling.
Perhaps I should get out more........

Happy sewing 
Angela 

> Sewangelicthreads