How to make a pattern from a pair of pants

Creating your own clothing patterns can be an exciting and rewarding way to express your creativity and personal style. If you have a favorite pair of that fit you perfectly and you want to replicate them or create new designs based on their shape, making a pattern is a great place to start. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make a pattern from a pair of pants.

1. Gather your supplies: You will need a pair of pants that fit you well, a roll of pattern tracing paper or freezer paper, a pair of scissors, a ruler, and a pen or marker. It’s also helpful to have a dressmaker’s tape measure and pins.

2. Prepare your pants: Start by washing and ironing your pants to ensure they are clean and free from any wrinkles. This will allow for accurate measurements and tracing.

3. Identify key points: Lay out your pants on a flat surface, ensuring they are wrinkle-free. Identify key points, such as the waistband, side seams, inseam, and outer seams. Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the distance between these points and record the measurements.

4. Create the waistband pattern: Fold your pattern tracing paper or freezer paper in half, ensuring that it is large enough to accommodate the entire waistband. Place the fold along the top edge of the paper to create a half pattern. Align the top edge of the pants’ waistband with the fold of the paper and trace the shape of the waistband onto the paper, ensuring to include any darts or pleats. Add seam allowances to your pattern and then cut it out.

5. Trace the front and back pants patterns: Lay your pants flat, front side up, and match the top edges of the pants’ waistband with the newly created waistband pattern. Trace around the sides and bottom of the pants, maintaining their original shape. Repeat this process for the back of the pants. Ensure to mark any pocket placements or other details. Add seam allowances to your patterns and cut them out.

6. Create the leg patterns: For each leg, lay the pants flat and smooth out any wrinkles. Starting from the top edge of the pants, trace around the sides of the legs, following the outer seams. Repeat this process for the inseams. Add seam allowances to your leg patterns and cut them out.

7. Add marking and grainline: Transfer any important markings from your original pants onto your pattern pieces, such as notches, buttons, or pockets. Additionally, draw a straight grainline on each pattern piece, indicating how it should be aligned when cut from fabric.

8. Test your pattern: Before cutting into expensive or valuable fabric, test your pattern by sewing a sample garment from inexpensive fabric. Assess the fit and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a perfect fit. This step is crucial before cutting into your desired fabric.

By following these steps, you can successfully make a pattern from a pair of pants. Remember to take accurate measurements, add seam allowances, and test your pattern to achieve the desired fit. Now you can confidently recreate your favorite pants or even design new and unique variations based on your pattern. Enjoy your newfound pattern-making skills and let your creativity soar!