The pattern for these princess seamed pants came with the Craftsy course I did on Fitting and Sewing Pants by Sandra Betzina. We were asked to use this pattern, and as it came with the course, I did. I have to admit that I was not keen on these pants at all from the pattern illustration which was unappealing to me.
Pattern Description:
Vogue describes them as "fitted through hip, tapered pants have front and back princess seams, contour waistband and left side or back zipper closure with button tab. A: topstitch detail and front pockets. B: Contrast strip trim, forming piping."
Pattern Sizing:
All sizes are in one envelope. The sizes don't follow the usual Vogue numbering system. These go from A through to J based on hip size. This covers hips 88 cm (34 ½ inch) to 145 cm (57 inch) – so a good range.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes the general shape was the same.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions were very easy to follow including several pages of information showing how to alter for your own particular shape. Sandra Betzina has many suggestions about what to look for in customising these pants to fit you. For example she suggests if you have thin legs to use a smaller size below the crotch. If you have a smaller waist in proportion to your hip then use the smaller size for the waist. And so on. She explains why you should adjust the pant length before you cut your fabric and how to add extra room for larger thighs, a protruding seat or a bit of a tummy. As well an explanation is given for what to do if you have a flat seat, or sway back or if your pants roll over at the front.
In my own case I made lots of changes following her explanations, both on the pattern pieces and also in her online class.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made the legs 5 inches longer because I am tall with long legs and a high waist. I didn't want these to fit to far below the waist but just on top of my hipbones. I find if they don't sit just there I need to wear a really tight belt or I am constantly adjusting them by hitching upwards. This is not an attractive look. So I added length between the crotch and the waist and in two places on the legs. The place for doing this were all clearly marked so it was easy to do. I took the advice of cutting a smaller sizes from the crotch down because I have thin legs. I took out a wedge above the front crotch because sometimes I have "poofiness" there and added a wedge into the back seat for my backside. In her online class Sandra suggests making up your waist pieces first (in a muslin of course) to make sure that you cut the right size. Then you add more or take away from the size you have chosen to fit your hips. I did that and found it helpful.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I didn't like the lack of a decent pocket. Pant A has two ridiculous tiny little pockets between the waistband and the legs. I added pockets from another pattern. B has no pockets at all.
I always use pockets. Love them.
Also I don't like back zippers and I couldn't easily put in a side zip because of my different pockets so I hid the opening using an idea I first came upon with Simplicity 4701 which I believe is out of print now. I have used this idea a number of times in skirts and pants and really like how easy it is. My hidden placket is inside the left side pocket and my right pocket is just for me.
This illustration from my ancient pattern shows what it looks like. And here it is on my pants.
I have read that people feel this is not a very secure method of holding your pants or skirts up but I have not ever had a problem with it and I find it very easy to use and to execute. I use a button and also a couple of snaps. They've never let me down yet. However I like my clothing loosish so if it was very tight I suppose it could be a problem.
Fabric Used:
I used fairly robust cotton sateen. It is very colourful. I bought it on sale a few years ago and didn't have any idea what I would make with it but I just loved it. Now there a lots of colourful pants about in the shops and so it has became pants.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes to both those questions. I would like to try it in a softer fabric, probably a soft linen. They are certainly comfortable and pretty easy to construct too. I've even seen a pair of jeans with the seam up the front recently and that could be fun to try too.
Conclusion: A nice fitting pair of pants which has lots of details written in the instructions to help you if you are a newbie to pant making. Back view
My next problem is that I only have one shirt that looks nice with them.
pamscott said... I really like them and I think they are a great fit on you :0) 2/3/13 2:35 AM
Nonezzat said... These pants are adorable and they look so fun to wear. 2/3/13 3:06 AM
mm said... Great pants in great fabric. 2/3/13 3:22 AM
Dilliander said... These look fabulous on you, such fun fabric and you have achieved a great fit. Thanks for your details on the pocket and closure, and the vh review. 2/3/13 3:28 AM
GoodbyeValntino said... Your hard work and alterations made for a beautiful pair of slacks! I love the fabric. 2/3/13 7:00 AM
Laurasews said... Thank you for your timely review. I love your fabric! I am currently finishing my pants from the Craftsy class. You did a very good job on the adjustments to get a great fit! I am anxious to get mine done now. 2/3/13 10:02 AM
Renren said... Great review with lots of detail. I'll have to try that part about making only the top part of the pants as a muslin. Your pants look super and appear to fit very well. Those old instructions seem to give a lot more detail than the ones we use now! As far as your next problem, you will have lots of colour chocies for these very colourful pants. 2/3/13 11:05 AM
sunnysewer said... fantastic fit, I can imagine these pants in a variety of fabrics 2/3/13 11:11 AM
Clareew said... Great review, great pants, thanks for being so thorough. 2/3/13 11:21 AM
petro said... Really nice pants, the fabric is perfect. 2/3/13 11:48 AM
JTink said... These are great. 2/3/13 1:34 PM
QuiltSewSewSue said... Great review thanks. I have joined that Craftsy class to, but am like you in that I am not sure I like the pattern. You have done a great job of perfecting your fit in these pants. 2/3/13 5:52 PM
CypGrl said... One of the most detailed and helpful reviews ever. I am not a fan of the patterned pants that are so on trend, but they are a wonderful look on you and the material is so beautiful. 2/4/13 0:28 AM
Pj3g said... Love the fabric and they look great! 2/4/13 9:40 AM
cathy45 said... Great fitting pants and thank you for the wonderful review. 2/4/13 10:50 AM
AnneCarol said... Thanks for the thorough review. I am thinking of doing the class too but had the same doubts as you about the pattern. Thanks too for the 'pocket' closure suggestion. Fantastic altogether! 2/9/13 4:18 PM
Adventurer said... I joined the class, was looking for responses. I love your adaptation. 4/14/13 8:46 PM
StudioCherie said... great review. I think I need this pattern. 5/16/13 5:13 PM
I really like them and I think they are a great fit on you :0)
2/3/13 2:35 AM
These pants are adorable and they look so fun to wear.
2/3/13 3:06 AM
Great pants in great fabric.
2/3/13 3:22 AM
These look fabulous on you, such fun fabric and you have achieved a great fit. Thanks for your details on the pocket and closure, and the vh review.
2/3/13 3:28 AM
Your hard work and alterations made for a beautiful pair of slacks! I love the fabric.
2/3/13 7:00 AM
Thank you for your timely review. I love your fabric! I am currently finishing my pants from the Craftsy class. You did a very good job on the adjustments to get a great fit! I am anxious to get mine done now.
2/3/13 10:02 AM
Great review with lots of detail. I'll have to try that part about making only the top part of the pants as a muslin. Your pants look super and appear to fit very well. Those old instructions seem to give a lot more detail than the ones we use now! As far as your next problem, you will have lots of colour chocies for these very colourful pants.
2/3/13 11:05 AM
fantastic fit, I can imagine these pants in a variety of fabrics
2/3/13 11:11 AM
Great review, great pants, thanks for being so thorough.
2/3/13 11:21 AM
Really nice pants, the fabric is perfect.
2/3/13 11:48 AM
These are great.
2/3/13 1:34 PM
Great review thanks. I have joined that Craftsy class to, but am like you in that I am not sure I like the pattern. You have done a great job of perfecting your fit in these pants.
2/3/13 5:52 PM
One of the most detailed and helpful reviews ever. I am not a fan of the patterned pants that are so on trend, but they are a wonderful look on you and the material is so beautiful.
2/4/13 0:28 AM
Love the fabric and they look great!
2/4/13 9:40 AM
Great fitting pants and thank you for the wonderful review.
2/4/13 10:50 AM
Thanks for the thorough review. I am thinking of doing the class too but had the same doubts as you about the pattern. Thanks too for the 'pocket' closure suggestion. Fantastic altogether!
2/9/13 4:18 PM
I joined the class, was looking for responses. I love your adaptation.
4/14/13 8:46 PM
great review. I think I need this pattern.
5/16/13 5:13 PM