Make a pattern from your favorite pants

Here's how to easily copy any existing pant or trouser so you'll have a pattern for making new pants that fit the same, and a starting point to designing your own already fitted pants. It's a followup to my earlier video on copying a shirt and ONLY COVERS WHAT'S DIFFERENT about copying pants, so you should definitely watch the shirt video first! It's here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRLCHj2mDFE&feature=fvw&fmt=18

Please drop in on my blog about pants, and about the book and DVD I created; that's the best place to ask any questions or make comments that I'll be sure to see. It's here:
http://makingtrouserswithdpc.blogspot.com/

Thanks and enjoy!

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• David Coffin
• pants
• sewing
• patterns
• copying
• fashion
• DIY
• trousers

[amateursewing]

I want to make a pattern for mens breeches with the small ballon on side of thigh, I only have a German style breeches to copy but want to make the U.S. style tight breeches, is there a paper pattern already available for this?? mens size 36inch waist and 29" Inside leg, with zips on ankle and small ballon on side beginning to extend from about 6 inches below waist to about 4-5 inches at widest point of "ballon" then tapering in about 6 inches about the knee - any tips/suggestions??

[DavidCoffin]

@amateursewing Three links I'd start with:

The Great War: Styles & Patterns of the 1910s book at amazon

suitability. com

cutterandtailor. com

Good hunting!

[SuchaCaligrrl]

What if I were to take the pants apart by the seam and used that as a pattern?? How would that work.

[DavidCoffin]

@SuchaCaligrrl Besides being a lot more work and either wrecking the original pants or requiring you to put them back together, the problem is that unless the pants are brand new, never been worn, the separate pieces will be somewhat distorted and likely to get even more distorted from taking them apart and pressing to flatten them. The seams on the garment protect the edges, especially any curves or diagonals. For complex garments it's often the only way; pants are simple, so you don't have to.

[amateursewing]

OK I'll check that out thanks. Amateursewing @ gmail . com

[Jeipeaem]

Lol - thank you so much I guess I am tired of wearing what other people have chosen for me - now I can really personalize

[4barnsmammastube]

Thanks to this I now have two new par of pants. Many thanks!

[DCUPtoejuice]

@DCUPtoejuice thank you

[DavidCoffin]

@DCUPtoejuice

You could also try just cutting away some at the waist of each piece when shortening the rise, which would catch the increased circumference as you go down from the original waist. Add pockets and waistband details after you like the new, shorter basic pattern.

[DavidCoffin]

@LightOfRaven You're quite welcome; have fun!