16th December 2020
Pattern variation
Tie-front Palazzo Pant.
This is an easy to make and easy to wear variation of The Wide-legged Trouser.
Create this simplified trouser shape that omits the side seam using the jersey version of The Wide-Legged Trouser. Place the front and back sewing pattern pieces side-by-side as shown in the illustration. The waist measurement needs to be enough to pull the finished trouser over the hip. Measure your hips at their widest point, add 10 cm and halve that measurement. This is the distance between point A and B. Angle the pattern pieces to achieve this measurement at the top but taper the gap down the leg. This swings each piece slightly off the grain but one cancels the other out, so the finished trouser still hangs well. Finally straightened the hem between points C and D. Your new pattern piece should look like the second illustration.
A buttonhole is required to thread the waist tie through. At point A chalk a 2 cm line, parallel to the top of the trouser, 4 cm from the centre front and 4.5cm down from the top of the trouser piece. Using the buttonhole function stitch a 2cm buttonhole along this line. Make the tie using a tape or a self-fabric rouleau, 40 cm longer than the required waist measurement. Make up the trousers as instructed for the jersey version in the original sewing pattern until the waistband. Instead of inserting elastic, turn the top of the trouser over by 3cm and stitch down. Thread the tie through one buttonhole, around the waistband and out through the other buttonhole. Complete trousers, press, slip-on and tie the waistband cord in a bow.