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Monday, July 6, 2009

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!



13 comments:

  1. Very nice fit. I'm going to have to give that painter's tape a try. Thanks for sharing your tips

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  2. Your pants are looking fantastic! I love that color, and you are right, they are going to look so rich in a great wool. I need to get my next version done, now that I think I have the crotch curve figured out!

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  3. Great fit and the color is a beautiful choice!

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  4. I agree with the above--great fit! You may never buy another pair of pants again!

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  5. fit perfectly and u look great! look forward for the wool gabardine version :)

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  6. you did a fantastic job!.. I love the color also...

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  7. I love your blog.

    Come and see what's new at my blog at www.sewingwithtrudy.blogspot.com

    You can also check my 8 year old daughter's sewing blog at www.sewingsister.blogspot.com

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  8. Thanks so much for taking the time to visit my blog. I hope you come again soon.

    www.sewingwithtrudy.blogspot.com

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  9. These pants look great. I think I might have to try this technique. Thanks for the added tips that you gave.

    I also want to thank you for the lovely comment you left me about my jumpsuit.

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  10. First visit to your blog from your post @ Wardrobe Refashion. Am admiring your sewing skills a bunch and I want to hear allllll about your collection of machines. Thanks!

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