10 Pants Patterns For Your Handmade Wardrobe

Did you follow sewing bloggers during Me-Made-May? I was on Instagram last month, posting awkward selfies of myself wearing a handmade clothing item everyday. Just look for the hashtag #memademay on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook and you’ll see all the wonderful handmade outfits everyone wore during May.

I’d never taken part in Me-Made-May before, so it was the first time I had to do an audit of the handmade items in my closet. What I noticed then is that I have a surplus of dresses. I blame all the beautiful Japanese sewing patterns like Stylish Dress Book; I’d made many dresses but not much of anything else. Especially not pants and trousers.

To add to my handmade wardrobe dilemma, I’m still breastfeeding, which means all those dresses are not wearable right now. Especially my favourite smock dresses, like this navy ruffled one and this silk smock dress.

That’s when I got my Google on and searched for sewing patterns for pants. I figured I could continue to wear my nursing tank tops if I made some bottoms to go with them. On my wishlist was a versatile sewing pattern which could be dressed up or down depending on the type of fabric. Pockets were a must. Also, I don’t wear heels very often, so I wanted either a straight or tapered leg. I think wide leg pants and flares look best with heels or wedges to help elongate the legs.

So here are 10 sewing patterns for pants which fit my criteria:

1. Skinny Stretch Jeans with Ankle Zips by Kommatia on Etsy

   These super skinny jeans remind me of my favourite pair of Lee jeans. They cost me $150 but I wore them until they were as thin as pantyhose. I finally let them go after patching tears in the crotch, TWICE. If and when I can find the right stretchy black denim, I’d love to give this pattern a go.

2. Alexandria Peg Leg Trousers by Named Clothing

   Alexandria is more of a jogger pant than trousers, but if you pick the right fabric, I’m sure you’ll end up with a very chic pair of pants. I’m not a fan of the shorts version of this sewing pattern, but I think the front tucks of these jogger pants add a nice sophisticated touch to a very comfortable pair of joggers.

3. Guise Pants by Papercut Patterns

   Alas, it missed Me-Made-May, but I’m so excited to be sewing these pants right now! I fell in love with the tomboy look of Guise and can’t wait to wear them. I picked an olive green, mid-weight cotton sateen fabric , so I hope to wear these pants through Autumn and perhaps layered over tights into the winter.

4. Cigarette Pants by Burdastyle
   

   Now, Burda calls these pants “cigarette” pants, but they don’t look narrow enough to me, so I would describe these as slim-cut pants. They are a classic cut though, and I love how Burda’s website has styled it with a pair of minimalist slip-on sneakers. You could dress them up with heels or even leather brogues, making the perfect addition to your handmade wardrobe.

5. Ginger Skinny Jeans by Closet Case Files

   This sewing pattern seems to be quite popular amongst sewing bloggers. I’ve found several versions of these jeans, and the high waistline is surprisingly flattering on many body shapes. Of all the Ginger jeans out there, I especially like Lladybird’s version. Actually, I like pretty much all the stuff she makes!

6. Slim Pants with Knee Patches from a Japanese Sewing Book

   The name of the Japanese sewing pattern book these pants are from is Blouse, Skirt & Pants Style Book. There are 12 basic sewing patterns in this book and a variation of each style. For example, there’s a standard slim line pants pattern, followed by 3 variations. This version with the knee patches is one of the variations. I like the edgy, motor jeans look that’s achieved by the knee patches.

   

7. Crop Pants by M-Sewing (FREE!)

   I really love the structured look of these pants. Perhaps a thick, woven fabric like twill would be best? It’s a free pattern, so I hope one of you guys can try it and let us all know how it goes!

8. Talia Pants by StyleArc

   If your’e after a pair of minimalist pants with a relaxed silhouette, the Talia is for you. It has an elasticated back, so you don’t have to deal with buttons and zippers, hooray! I’d be careful about fabric choice though. If you choose something too casual, it’s going to look like track pants I’m afraid. To keep your Talia pants looking chic, I’d opt for suiting fabric in a neutral tone.

9. Tapered Trousers from a Japanese Sewing Book

   This vintage inspired tapered pants pattern is from She Wears the Pants. It’s now available in English it includes 20 sewing patterns which are inspired by tomboy style. The book suggests stretch corduroy fabric for this sewing pattern. The waist seems very high and may not be the most comfortable to wear, but I do love the Annie Hall vibe of this look.
   

10. Dolce Vita Pants by Hot Patterns

    The Dolce Vita pants have a very sophisticated look, thanks to the centre press and welt pockets. And the dropped waistline looks really comfortable to wear. I can imagine wearing these on a cruise or for lunch at a seaside restaurant – very classy indeed!

Do you have a favourite pants pattern you’d like to share with everyone?