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Making pant pattern from existing pair

17 years ago

Hi, I have a pair of pants that I would like to use to make a pattern. This is my first time sewing clothes. I will buy some inexpensive fabric to use for a pattern. I found a site(http://sewing.about.com/library/sewnews/library/aatipspants.htm) that gives directions on how to draft a pattern without dismantling the pants in the process. How easy will it be? Does anyone have a good method for making a pattern. These pants are no longer repectable for wearing to work, so they can be taken apart if need be.

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Comments (3)

cmc_97
17 years ago
I looked at your link. This is not what I consider a beginner project. The instructions are pretty good, however, and certainly it's a very doable project.

A method that I think is easier and less complicated: Threads magazine (#120, September, 2005) had an excellent article about how to use masking tape to copy any garment without taking the garment apart. You can buy that issue, if you want, or you may be able to find the issue at a library. See the link below for a sort of preview of how this works.

If you can take the pants apart, that would be even better. Use a seam ripper to disassemble them gently (preserving the seam allowances) and use the pieces as the pattern or to make a pattern. Take note of how these have been sewn together as you take them apart. If these existing pants fit you well, you can also use the pieces as a guide to alter a purchased pants pattern. Adjusting the crotch seam always trips me up, but using a pattern you *know* fits correctly (your existing pants) as a guide would make that easier.

A book about constructing pants would probably be helpful, just to give you an idea of the order of construction. I assume that you have sewn before, just not sewn clothing? I don't know that I would choose pants as my first garment project, but that's just me! Depends on how detailed these pants are - darts? waistband? belt loops? pockets? pleats? Every detail increases the complexity just a bit.

CMC

Here is a link that might be useful: Copy garment without disassemling it.
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
17 years ago
1 thing I think is important to keep in mind about using a garment for a pattern is to copy only the garment - not the seam allowances - then add your own seam allowances - for a more accurate fit.

just my 2 cents.....
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This is the method I have used many times to copy a garment I did not wish to take apart to copy. PANT FRONT AND BACK: Do your best to determine the lengthwise and crosswise grain of the fabric and mark those lines with pins,chalk, or tape. You need a definite line to measure from. On the paper you are using for a pattern draw those same lines, making sure you have sufficient room on each side to allow for the pants width. Mark the grain lines in inches (this is where tape would come in handy) and mark the lines on the paper to correspond with those markings. Now begin measuring. I measure on each side of my marked line and transfer the measurements to the paper. Depending on the shape of the garment you are copying you can space measurements every few inches except where there are more curve. To check my measurements I do measurements of the garment as to front waist, front hip (at 3", 7", and 9"), crotch line, knee, bottom. I do the same set of measurements on the back garment. Also, do a front and back crotch length. Connect the dots on your paper pattern, add seam allowances, hems, any other details from the garment. If there are other parts, such as pockets, do same way as the main part of the pants. Measure your waistband and draw that out on your paper as well. Remember that clothing sometimes has ease and so one measurement may not quite seem right, but take a good look at your garment to be sure that it may not have some fullness at the waist or the back leg up by the crotch. The first pair you make you may want to do as a test garment to make sure your measurements were correct and you have the method of assembly correct. Good Luck
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I can't find them online, but I recently bought several pairs of what Macy's advertised as 'leggings' but which are pretty close to what's being described/discussed here. They were in the regular sportswear-not activewear-department with all the other pants, ie not with the exercise clothes. Anyway, they are made of knit fabric, band waist and cut to fit snugly but extremely comfortably. They've got pockets on the back and came in both ankle length and a longer boot cut style. I bought several pairs and love them for work. I always wear a top untucked over slim fit pants anyway since I work in a generally business casual office (university advisor/admin), so they are perfect. The only problem I have is that I accidentally hemmed one pair inside out. So now they have cuffs which really isn't working for the look I'm going for LOL. Once I fix that, good to go.
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janene1
17 years ago
I am hard to fit and any time that I find a pair of pants that fit really good, I tear them apart and use them as a pattern. I just wear elasticized waists, so putting in a zipper and darts, etc. will be harder. Also pay attention to the type of material in the boughten pair compared to the fabric you have. That may make a difference too. If you do not have a serger and the seams are only 1/4 inch, you may want to make them larger...Hope this helps.

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