I’d like to share with you my most recent project Pajama Pants.  I used Kwik Sew Pattern  K3602.  

Kwik Sew K3602

I was a nervous to make an attempt at garment sewing again.  Have you seen the pillowcases I made?  Though simple, they were a success … and I’m  proud of them.  Honestly, since I haven’t been successful achieving a good fit I had the thought that I should stick to sewing for the home.  Pillowcases … pillows … drapes …purses and totebags.  Those are nice straight seams and I don’t have worry about them fitting. 

In an attempt to build my confidence, I took a class to sew these PJ bottoms.  I was excited to hear that my sewing teacher, Becky, would be addressing fit issues.  Hallelujah!

In the past I strictly looked at my measurements and started sewing the pattern.  Making the (wrong) assumption as long as I sewed my size it would fit.  This class took a completely different approach.  We started with taking our measurements.  A lot more measurements than are listed on the back of a standard pattern!

1. Waist
2. Hip – standing and sitting measurements
3. Outseam Length – the outside length of leg from my waist to the floor
4. Inseam Length – the inside length of my leg from crotch to the floor
5. Crotch Depth – outseam length minus inseam length

We then worked to adjust the pattern to fit me. A summary of the pattern changes we made include:

1. We drew the  5/8″ sewing lines on the pattern.  I’ve never done this before, but I found this technique extremely helpful in keeping up with all of the pattern adjustments we were making.  It helped me keep ease in the back of my mind, along with the complete garment measurements.
2. We used the crotch depth and the inseam measurements to adjust the crotch and fold line for the elastic waist.  I’m very petite – 5’0″.  So simply lengthening and shortening the length of the legs won’t help me if the crotch is too long.  It will just look like a pair of MC Hammer pants.  🙂
3. We learned to measure the total crotch length on the pattern to make sure it was at least as long as my body crotch measurement.
4. We learned to compare our body hip measurement to the hip circumference on the pattern to ensure there was enough ease.  With that adjustment I was able to ensure there wasn’t too much ease in the pattern.  I sewed the XL but my body measures the smallest hip measurement.  By making the comparison I was able to take out some of the ease to ensure they wouldn’t be too baggy. 
5. Finally we adjusted the inseam length by measuring the seamline at the crotch along the inside leg seam to the fold of the hem.  We then compared this to our body measurements. 

I’m very happy with my finished product. 

I added ribbon to the back of the waistband so that I could easily distinguish the front from the back.  This was a great idea from my sewing teacher. 

Actually I had this ribbon in my stash and it matched perfectly.

 Now for pictures of me.  I’m pretty proud of this fit.  Fits perfectly in the waist and not too baggy.  (Forgive the crappyness of these pictures:).  E wasn’t available to help me with pictures and I ended up taking these myself.) 

Initially when I tried these on I thought they may be a little too baggy, but after lounging in them for an evening, they are a perfect fit.  Very comfortable.  Here’s one more picture.  

Overall I see why people love Kwik Sew patterns.  The instructions are very easy to follow and I felt comfortable following them.  However, I wouldn’t have a good fit it weren’t for the additional instruction from my sewing teacher.  I still have a long way to to go to achieving the proper fit.  But I feel like I’m on my way.  This project makes me want to learn more about achieving the proper fit, and getting better at fitting myself.  I’m happy I challenged myself in this way and will do so again.

On to the next project …

Happy Sewing!