Fine tuned Painter's Tape Pants

Michelle at Cheap and Picky posted her technique for Painter's Tape Pants by copying her favorite pair of slacks with Painter's Tape. I tried it and while it gave me a great starting point, I still wanted a better fit. After tweaking the crotch and lots of trying on, taking off, trying on, taking off...you get the picture, I think I've finally gotten what I'm looking for. These photos are of my wearable muslin. The fabric is 100% polyester and I know it's been in my stash more than 10 years! I can just magine how fabulous they would look made out of a wool gabardine.

To what Michelle has written I'd like to add my thoughts:

1. Add a 1" additional side seam allowance


2. Add a 1" additonal waist seam allowance


3. If you have more than an "average" (whatever that is) size butt, your back crotch curve should look more like a "J" or possibly even an "L"


4. After sewing zipper, darts, back and inseams, pin-fit side seams to your liking


5. Any excess seam allowance your remove from the waist or side seams, remove that same amount from your pattern pieces


6. Have a good pants fitting reference book handy. I prefer "Sewing Pants That Fit" from the Singer Sewing Reference Library.


7. Be patient, it may take making more than one muslin to get what you want.

I wanted to add just a simple 1" waistband to my slacks but wanted one that wouldn't bend. I used 1" not-roll elastic and absolutely love it! I'll do a simple tutorial in the next day or so. You are going to love it!