Hello my darlings and welcome to this tutorial on, you guessed it, making your own patchwork pants. It’s a great way to use up those scraps of fabric that are just so pretty and just too small to use on their own. Have fun matching your colours and patterns!!!
You will need:
- lots of paper to create the pattern
- a loose pair of shorts/pants with an elastic waistband
- a pencil
- a marker
- a grading ruler
- paper scissors
- fabric scissors
- fabric/scraps of fabric (approximately 2m/2.2 yards in total)
- thread that matches your chosen fabrics
- 2.5 cm (1 inch) wide elastic for the waistband
- 2 safety pins
- sewing machine
Instructions
Making the pattern for the patchwork pants
Step 1
Turn the pair of shorts/trousers inside out and fold in half and trace around, leaving 1cm (0.4 inch) seam allowance. Additionally, if you are using shorts, extend the length as much as you want, making sure to leave a bit extra for the hem (you can always cut it shorter if you want to later). If your shorts/trousers are low rise and you want the patchwork pants to be higher rise then you can extend the rise above the original waistband, just make sure that the side seams match each other in length.
Step 2
Draw in the different shapes you would like to have on your patchwork pants, just keep in mind that straight lines will be easier to sew. I used a marker to outline the outside the outer edges of the front and back of the pants to help me put the pieces together again once I cut out all the paper pattern pieces. (Taking a picture before you cut the pattern is also helpful!)
Step 3
Once all the pattern pieces have been cut out you can now cut out your fabric. Remember to leave a 1cm (0.4 inch) seam allowance around each of the pattern pieces and to cut out two of each piece for the front and back.
Step 4
Cut out 4 pocket pieces, by drawing this kidney-like shape as shown below. Make sure that it can fit your phone and your hand!
How to sew the patchwork pants
Step 1
Sew the pieces RS together with 1 cm (0.4 inch) seam allowance. As seen in the video below, it’s best to sew row by row. However, if you don’t have an overlocker, like me, sadly, you can use a zig zag stitch on the edges of the seam to finish it off. Press (AKA iron) each section after sewing for additional neatness.
Step 2
When all of the 4 pant legs are finished (2 for the front and 2 for the back), you can sew the front and back inner leg seams right sides together with 1 cm (0.4 inch) seam allowance. Then repeat for the other pant leg. Once again, overlock or use a zig zag stitch on the raw edges.
Step 3
Sew the crotch seam right sides together with 1 cm (0.4 inch) seam allowance. Try your level best to align the patchwork seams on the front and back. Once again, overlock or use a zig zag stitch.
Step 4
Now measure down from the waistline about 10 cm (3.9 inches) or so (whatever your preference is really, in the picture I put my pockets too far from the waist), and sew the pockets to the front of the pants right sides together with 1 cm (0.4 inch) seam allowance. You can overlock or use a zig zag stitch along the short seam of the pocket opening. Repeat at the back of the pants to attach the other 2 pockets. Press the pockets away from the pant legs.
Step 5
Join the sides of the pants RS together with 1 cm (0,4 inch) seam allowance. Additionally overlock or use a zig zag stitch along the side and pocket seams.Â
Sewing the elasticated waistband
Step 1
For the waistband you must take the width of your elastic into account. The waistband should be the width of the waist plus 2cm (0.8 inch) seam allowance. I make the width of the waistband double the width of the elastic I am using plus 2.5 cm (1 inch) for seam and hem allowance. Therefore 2,5 multiplied by 2 is 5 plus 2 is 7cm in total (or 2,8 inches). I actually forgot to iron fusible interfacing onto the wrong side of my waistband so don’t forget to do that!
Step 2
Fold over about 1cm (0.4 inch) of the end of the waistband and pin right sides together, aligning it with the back crotch seam, as shown in the image below.
Step 3
Now sew the waistband to the pants RS together with 1 cm (0,4 inch) seam allowance. When you get to the place you started trim off the excess waistband and overlap the end of the waistband with the folded over edge of the waistband from the beginning. Then sew the ends of the waistband together to secure them, as shown in the 2nd image.
Step 4
Fold and press the waistband in half, making sure there is enough space for the elastic to be inserted. The outer edge (hem) of the waistband should be folded and pressed down about 0.5cm (0.2 inch) and pinned just below the waistband seam as shown below.
Step 5
Sink stitch the waistband closed, making sure to sew in the waistband seam, just leave about 10cm (4 inches) unfinished so you can insert the elastic.
Step 6
Now measure the elastic around your waist, or wherever you want the pants to sit, making sure that the fit is snug but that the elastic can still stretch over your hips.
Step 7
Using a safety pin, insert the elastic into the waistband and pull it around until you reach the other side. Make sure the elastic has not rotated and is laying flat around the waistband before sewing it in this criss cross square to properly secure it.
Step 8
Lastly, seal the waistband shut using the same sink stitch as in Step 5.
Finishing off the patchwork pants
Now try on the pants and make sure the hem is as you desire, just remember the hemming process will make it about 3cm (1,2 in.) shorter.
Therefore fold and press the hem 1cm (0,4 in.) and sew close to, but not on, the edge as shown below. Finally fold over about 1,5cm (0,6 inch) and press again and then sew the hem for the last time as shown in the last picture. And then your patchwork pants are complete!!!
More Free Fairycore Sewing Tutorials
If you are looking for another pants project with fairycore vibes here are the summery trousers with ribbon side ties or the simple shorts, which both feature an elastic waistband and pockets!
I also have two skirt tutorials for you: a tiered maxi skirt, or a simple half circle midi skirt, that is perfect for beginners. Another sewing tutorial that could be suitable for beginners is the simple mini slip dress. For those who are more experienced, or just up for a challenge, here is yet another free pattern: a maxi dress with French seams, pockets, as well as elasticated straps and a waistband. And for anyone looking for an easy formal dress tutorial there is the red satin slip dress with organza ruffles.
A sewing project that’s quick and easy but also fits the whimsical fairycore vibe is scrunchies. And I have tutorials for 2 variations: a simple scrunchie and a ruffle scrunchie.
DIY not AI
If you are sick and tired of being bamboozled by those too perfect AI images and want some inspiration from actual human beings, my Pinterest board, DIY NOT AI, awaits. This is the link, AKA magical portal, that will take you there. DIY NOT AI is also a group board that is OPEN TO CONTRIBUTORS!!! Whether you’re a crocheter, seamstress, knitter, or any other kind of DIY/handicraft creator this is The Place for you to promote your work to people who appreciate REAL quality over quantity. So what are you waiting for? Shoot me a dm on Pinterest to be added!
Lastly, if you have any questions you can use the comment section below and I, or possibly a kind internet stranger, will be there to assist you.
Lots of love, my darlings!!!
