I have been wanting to make some patchwork pants for a while. I was going to buy some, but there so damn expensive, and I have tons of old cordoroy(sp?) pants and scraps to use, plus a bunch of other cool fabrics. I was wondering if anyone knows where I can get info on how to make them well, and if I should hand sew or use a machine. Hope you can help. -CHris
Patchwork pants are like making regular pants. You just make the fabric out of patchwork first. I recommend buying a pattern for a pair of pants or cutting up a pair of pants that you like the cut of and use them as your pattern. Remember if you want to make them drawstring to use a drawstring pattern. I would use your machine. That way you can straight stitch and zig zig them. That will keep them from fraying on the inside. Plus stitching them by hand would take a long time. When you buy your pattern there will be instructions on how to sew them together.
I just recently made a pair of patchwork pants..and take erickas advice..she rocks...... i did pretty much as she said..i made my fabric...by sewing all of my cord togher...but instead of using a pattern..i used a pair of drawstring linen pants as my pattern...i really just needed them to get the rise right... then i just sewed the inseams and then the outside seams..and then the hem and the waistband.... i would also recommend using a machine..it's silly to sew them by hand..it would take way way way too long...what i did was straght stich and serge the seams... here 's a pic ! they are pretty generic...because it is the first time i've ever sewn pants w/out a real pattern....they took me about 7 hours..it's alot of work... i hope it works out for ya'
both of these responses from these crafty mamas are wonderful!! i also suggest that if you have never made pants before, try making a pair out of real cheap muslin. then go to the patchwork. it would be such a shame you spent all that time into making patchwork, then somehow messing up. I did it once and i got so angry! its always good to practice beforehand, so you know exactly what you are doing. good luck to you!! keep us informed on your project!
i think the hand sew or machine choice also depends on your comfort level. i myself am machine challenged and when i begin my handsewing i will be starting small (apron top) and working my way up to pants. you do need to be prepared for a long and patience testing project by doing it by hand though.
Get the book T"hreads for heads" Its a great book... It will help you understand how to measure to get the right rise.. and how to make just about anything.. Its a great investment (i think i paid like12 bucks for it)
i truly recommend that you get a simplicity pattern for pants, perhaps pajama. i traced pants before, and where i had trouble is in the crotch/butt. that's because you need to leave room for your butt to fill the back area in a different way than the front area. the simplicity pattern should say 'one hour' on it- then you'll be set. i agree with the muslin- first get the hang of it...
Thanks for your tips. I am holding out on the pants for a few weeks so I can get all the materials I need. I made a patchwork backpack with some of the patches I had so I will need to buy some more fabric. I am fairly experienced in hand sewing, and I am extremely patient, so I might hand sew them, but this all depends on how long I expect it to take. Thanks for the book idea too, I'll try to pick it up.
I agree with Faerie. I got the threads for heads book and it really helped me out when I first started sewing. It explains thing's pretty well to make it easier for the beginner sewer to start. I used to make thing's by hand too before i got a sewing machine, and it's weird because with anything else besides sewing, I have no patience whatsoever, but with sewing it's different somehow, I can sit for hours among a mountain of fabrics and threads and ~for the most part~ not lose my cool. ;p I'm getting ready to make my first pair of full patch pants too...it's kind of funny....i have to wait to get more cord coz I used most of mine (in the colors i want anyway for my pants) for a backpack as well! Hopefully i can get some pictures up of that here soon, i'm really proud of the outcome. Anyway, goodluck with your pants! Let us know how it goes.
