Home >> Hobbies >> Sewing

How to Sew Skinny Leg Pants

The pant silhouette has evolved into various looks and styles. The leg cuff measurement has gone from a flare to ultra skinny. The savvy fashionista knows that fads and trends change every season. Making your own skinny leg pants can give you the opportunity to express your creativity while making an economical addition to your fashion wardrobe. By taking your measurements and working with a pre-made pattern, you will be able to sew a variety of skinny leg pant versions to be part of your everyday ensembles.

Things You'll Need

Flexible tape measure
Pattern paper
Pre-made pattern
Colored pencils or tailor's chalk
French curve ruler
Trims (optional)
Scissors
Straight pins
Fabric, 2 to 3 yards
Waistband elastic (optional)
Sewing machine
Serger machine (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Take your measurements with a flexible tape measure. Measure your hip and inseam accurately as well as your leg cuff opening. Keep your fabric in mind. For instance, if you are working with a non-stretch cotton fabric, you will not be able to get your foot through the leg cuff opening and you will have to insert a side zipper. Fabric blends with Lycra/spandex will allow you to create a snug fit.
- 2
  Trace your pre-made pattern onto your pattern paper. Use pencil or chalk to adjust the pattern to your dimensions. Use your French curve ruler to shape any contours in your pattern. Alter your pattern by adding pockets, different seam placement or trims. If you are adding an elastic waistband for a pull-on skinny pant, construct a separate waistband pattern. Your elastic width must correlate with your waistband tunnel width.
- 3
  Cut out your pattern with your scissors. Make any required notches on your pattern, which will remind you of aligning particular pattern pieces while sewing. Depending on your design and pre-made pattern, you will have a front and back leg pattern as well as a waistband.
- 4
  Pin your pattern to your fabric and cut out. Lightly mark your notches with tailor's chalk on your fabric. Pin your fabric parts together and carefully try on prior to stitching. Check for comfort and ease at the leg cuff opening as well as the front and back rise.
- 5
  Stitch your front rise separately from your back rise. You can use a Serger machine to merrow your fabric parts with an overlock stitch prior to stitching if you are working with knit fabric such as jersey or rib. Pin the front and back together at the rise and make sure the inseam is aligned correctly. Stitch the front and back together. Add a reinforcement or reverse stitch to the pant's crotch.
- 6
  Stitch your sideseams and attach your waistband. If you are working with an elastic waistband, construct it separately by inserting the elastic and gently pulling it while stitching it onto your waistband tunnel.
- 7
  Stitch your bottom hem. Use a blind stitch to avoid puckering or a distorted, flared cuff. Your skinny leg pants are complete.

Sewing