So do you all have Shelly’s and my book? Do you want to sew up something fun? I do.
I was thoroughly inspired by last week’s Kid’s Clothes Week Challenge, but getting ready to finalize details for Ella to begin Kindergarten at school (late, I know!) ate up almost my entire week. I did however, sew up an adorable pair of pants using some of my most cherished babywale cord in a dusty teal to pair with Daniela’s airplane print from the book in a cotton/linen blend fresh off the Spoonflower presses!
I’m following along starting with Page 74, and the downloadable errata sheet from Wiley (find it here).
Let’s make some Treasure Pocket Pants!
Trace the Pattern
Find your kid’s size by measuring the child first, then looking for the corresponding size on the pattern piece. [If you know your kid has extra-long legs, do yourself a favor and add enough length to the bottom of the trouser legs to match the length you like from his favorite pair of currently-fitting pants, plus 1/2” extra to allow for the bottom hem edge and turn-of-cloth.]
I traced a size 2/3 onto a roll of paper from Ikea intended for their kid-sized easels. I just use a pencil to trace, and I write the size and number of pieces to cut (from which fabric) on each piece for future reference.
Cut the Fabric
I know the book indicates that the Side Panel – Top should be cut in contrast fabric, but when I have corduroy, I cannot resist playing a little with the adorable little ridges and the grain. I cut my Side Panel – Top from the main fabric (solid) on the cross grain (with the ridges running horizontally) but you can choose whatever you’d like for your own pants.
Another tip for the cutting out bit: I usually cut my contrast hem facings and waist facings AFTER I’ve sewn all my seams. With so many panel seams, there’s a huge range of finished circumferences possible, unless you sew exactly, perfectly, 3/8” seams. I try my best, but even I don’t sew PERFECT seams, so I give myself a couple extra inches in length on the hem facings to trim down as needed.
Do you have your pieces cut? Good! Now come back tomorrow to start putting it all together.
