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No Pattern Sewing

Pants Sewing Tips

Hi,

I would like to know how to sew a pair of pants. I have the 4 pieces cut out and don't know how to assemble.

Thanks.

Myra

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You’re a crafter after my own heart! You just dove right in and figured you’d figure it out; and I know you will.

I often sew without patterns, or actually make my own patterns.

It usually happens when I see something I like, be it a nicely-shaped dress or a fabric bread basket.

1. I examine the item, trying to figure out how it was put together and how I can make it even better.

2. Then I either trace each piece of the item onto thin paper, adding seam allowances, to create a pattern; or I do a pattern freehand.

You seem to have skipped Step 1 and gone right to Step 2!

I’m surprised you only have 4 pieces. No waistband or facing for the waist?

Well, we’ll deal with that later. How about the closure? Let’s assume a zipper sewn in the back.

Here’s what you do:

• 1. Take the left leg front and back pieces. With the right sides facing, pin along the outer seam line and sew. Trim seam to ¼” and press open. Repeat with the right leg pieces.
• 2. Pin the inner seam line of each leg and sew. Trim seams and press open.
• 3. Turn the two legs right side out. Matching inner seam to inner seam, put the two legs together and pin. Notice that, once again, you have right sides of the fabric facing. Sew the two legs together, from the front waistband, through the crotch to the rear, stopping where your zipper will be inset. For example, if you are using an 8” zipper, leave a bit more than 8” open at the back. Trim seam and press open. If the seam bunches at all around the crotch, cut some notches so it will lay flat.
• 4. Try the pants on to determine whether you need to put darts in at the waistband. Usually there are two in front and two in back. Pin and sew your darts. Iron them down.
• 5. Cut three 2 ½” wide strips of fabric to form the waistband facing. The length is determined by the waist circumference of your pants from the top to 2 ½” down toward the hips (following the angle of your hips). One strip will be the length of the pants’ front from side seam to side seam plus ¾” for seaming. The other two will be the length from the side seam to the back center plus 3/8” for the side seam. Pin and sew the side seams following the angle from your waist to your hips. Trim seams and press open.
• 6. Sew a ¼” hem on the bottom edge of the facing.
• 7. Right sides together, pin the facing to the waistband and sew. Trim seam and press facing down into the pants.
• 8. Follow the package instructions to set and sew in your zipper.
• 9. Tack the waistband facing down.
• 10. Measure and hem the legs.

You’re done.

Congratulations!

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Hi,

Thank you so much for responding. I usually see something I like and try my best to figure it out.

I have a pattern for this but got so confused as to the pattern instructions. The pants have a elastic waist band in the back 1/2 only, no zipper.

It doesn't help that I've never sewn with a pattern in my life before.

Thank you once again.

Myra

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Recommended Reading

These books are excellent resources for sewers of all skill levels.

Sew to Success: How to Make Money in a Home-Based Sewing Business
By: Kathleen Spike

Simplicity's Simply the Best Sewing Book
By: Anne Marie Soto

Sewing for Dummies
By: Janice Saunders Maresh

The Complete Book of Sewing: A Practical Step-By-Step Guide to Every Technique
By: Chris Jefferys

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