Remember a few days ago when I said I wanted to sort out some fit issues I have when making pants during the new year? Well I made a huge move in that direction with these pants! These are the Sabrina Slims from Love Notions and they are so comfortable! It is totally acceptable to feel like you are wearing pajamas at work when the pants look this good. This slim fit pattern has just released in the larger plus size range which is becoming the LN standard! The pattern fits up to size 32 and is loaded with options.
Let’s talk about getting a great fit. First off, Tami has worked really hard to put together a pants fitting guide to help. This comes automatically when you purchase the pattern. The fitting guide helps you to sort out issues and improve your fit. So let’s talk about my pants. By the measurement chart (hip measurement), I should be wearing a size 32. From experience I know this isn’t going to work for my body. You can look at me and see that I have next to no curves for hips or booty. I have all belly. So we are about to get really awkward and I am going to talk to you about some personal issues. I retook my measurements this time I went under my belly. Surprise! My measurement is 6 inches less! So let’s start there. I am now in size 24, but I need some belly room. First, I graded from the crotch point (size 24 line) up to the waist at size 28. I compared the measurement chart to my numbers to determine how many inches I needed to account for to fit my waist. I added a 1.5 inch full belly adjustment to the front of pattern piece only. Keep in mind that whatever number you use will get doubled. This is because you have one pattern piece for the front, but you will cut two of them. J So I added 1.5 inches to each side. Now I have gained about 4.5 inches in the front belly. I graded the back pant from the crotch point (size 24) to the waist (size 28). Now we have gained another inch! This will be plenty of room for my belly to fit comfortably.
The next issue I needed to address was extra fabric pooling at my knees on my fit muslin pants. This was a much easier fix. I needed to remove some height. This isn’t as direct as cutting fabric off the bottom of the pant legs. I removed 1 ½ inches from the thigh area of the pattern front and back pieces. I then removed 1 inch from just above the knee on both the front and back of the pattern. That pattern has notch marks to indicate where your hip and knees should be. Next I removed 1 inch from the 26 inch inseam cut line. Lastly, I removed 1.5 inches from the rise to get the waist band resting over my belly button. The fit is much better now! I know this seems like a lot of adjustment for a pattern that is so wonderful, but trust me. My body isn’t typical and well worth all these little adjustments to get a great fit. It is worth it. Plus once you get the fit nailed down, you are golden!
Ok let’s talk about fabric! Simply by Ti sponsored my fabric and shipping for this size increase. The pattern requires a stable knit or stretch woven with 20% stretch. Think “bottom weight fabrics.” I picked this great ponte print! It is a lighter weight ponte that I used for my muslin, but it is still nice. It is so comfortable and feels like I am wearing pajamas! Go check out SBT for some fun prints and great solids. Ti also keeps tons of bra making supplies available and has a great deal on needles for sewing machines and sergers. I think I ordered 4 packs of 10 needles! They were only $2 and $3 each! Thank you, Ti, for the beautiful fabric for my finals.
The Sabrina Slims Pants instant downloadable pdf pattern contains:
- Cigarette slims pants pattern
- Pattern pieces for 2 different pant styles: solid front and back or seamed front and back as well as 2 maternity waistband options and three hem styles: plain, zippered and split hem
- 2 pages of slims pants inspiration photos from pattern testers.
- Cutting guide and the ability to print just your desired size(s) with the Adobe layers feature and a print chart to print the needed pattern pieces.
- 14 pages of bright and clear step by step color illustrations and photos.
- Downloadable fitting workbook designed specifically for the Sabrina Slims
- Large format file for copy shop printing
- Projector file for those using a projector in their sewing
- Glossary of needed sewing terms.
- Troubleshooting guide.
So what do you think about my Sabrina Slims? I can’t wait to sew up some of the other options! I need the pockets and the zipper ankles! Please give my blog a follow for something really awesome coming to my blog a little later this month!
SequoiaLynn Sews 