In this week’s session, I guided our members through creating a complete pattern for classic trousers, including all the pattern pieces needed. We focused on developing pocket pieces, fly facing, waistband, and other details to transform our basic trouser block into a fully realized pattern ready for cutting and sewing.
Demonstration Steps:
- Copied the basic trouser block to create a working pattern
- Drew pocket openings and created pocket facing pieces
- Developed the fly facing and fly guard patterns
- Created waistband facing patterns for front and back
- Added seam allowances and notches to all pattern pieces
- Trued the pattern pieces to ensure proper fit
Questions & Answers:
- Q: Is this the most complicated garment to design and make?
- A: No, this is actually a very basic pattern. If you can make your own patterns, it’s a valuable skill that can earn you money. 99% of people buy ready-made patterns and struggle with changes.
- Q: How do we notch when making the final garment with expensive fabric?
- A: You can use chalk instead of cutting notches to prevent fraying if your fabric is prone to fraying. You’ll want to overlock the side seams before construction anyway. Notching doesn’t have to mean cutting – it can be a mark made with chalk, a contrasting thread, or even pins.
Next week, we’ll cut the fabric and start sewing our trousers. I’ll also be demonstrating how to turn a one-piece sleeve into a two-piece sleeve for our jacket project in tomorrow’s session. I’m excited to get back to sewing projects and working with fabrics again!
