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Pattern used:

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Simplicity 4886 Pattern Review

Pattern Review: Simplicity 4886, circa 1950s

Pattern Description: Pants in 3 lengths with proportioned sizes. All views are fitted at the waistline with two darts each side of center front and back and have left side zipper closing. I made View 2 which was below knee-length.

Pattern Sizing: This was a 30 waist, which I thought would fit but it was too large.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This is my first pants sewing project, and they were surprisingly easy to sew.

Fabric Used: Dark blue linen.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I measured my inseam and side seam before starting. I changed the curve of the side seam to match my measurements, and I took in large seam allowances on all sides and inseam (about 1 inch). I made a muslin of all of this beforehand and it surprisingly fits. I used an invisible zipper at side seam and interfaced the waistband. I made a mistake with the waistband — the overlap for the waistband was more than one inch wide, and after sewing in the hook and eye closure there was about an inch of fabric sticking out. I folded the fabric together and sewed it, and it still stuck out. I used a snap to secure the overlap to the waistband, and that finally worked.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes. The pattern is very versatile and comfortable. The pattern has three lengths (short, medium, and tall) and is easily customizable based on height. It’s a good change from making dresses and will become a wardrobe staple. It is nearly impossible for me to find high-waisted capris (or high-waisted anything these days), and since I’ve stopped buying RTW items, making this was a natural evolution.

Conclusion: I will definitely make more of these in the future.