I tried making Clover a few months ago and my first try at it was a complete fail. I’ve since read Pants for Real People and the next draft was a little better. I used a stretchy cotton that will mimic my final fabric, and fitted the pants as best as I could. Muslin #2 (not shown here) was baggy and even more unflattering, but this muslin turned out better.
Alterations:
- cut a size 4 (instead of a size 6), but it was still way too big (?)
- shortened the leg by one inch
- added one inch to the crotch length
- sewed all seams 1″ (after 5/8″ was still too baggy and unflattering)
- added the waistband to the muslin for even more accuracy
I think this is as good as it gets and will be making this version out of the fashion fabric. I’m not sure if the blue stretch twill I’ll be using will be as stretchy as the muslin, so I’ll be basting 1″ inch seams first, then testing it, then finalizing it if that works out.
Those pants seem so complicated! It seems like some people had almost instant success and others are having a really difficult time getting a good fit. I mean, I guess that’s life/sewing/clothing but I’m sorry to hear how difficult it has been for you. Good luck with the final pair! Can’t wait to see how they turn out
Hi! They look great! Only one thing though… It looks like your crotch curve is too long in front. That pokey part in front. You might want to trim that back a little. But I’m no expert. So take everything I say with a tub of salt. The side and back look fantastic to me.
Hmmm let me try pinning it up in the front to lessen the curve and see if it looks better. Thank you!
Thanks, Gaby!
For whatever it’s worth, I’ve never thought that style was attractive or looked easy to wear, and I’m including the photos on the Colette Patterns website.
You should also know that not everyone finds Colette Patterns easy to fit. For example, with tops, women often need to move the darts, and not just a little bit.
I just thought it was me or my ineptitude, since I’ve seen Clover and Clover that looks so well-made and well-fitted, and I’ve been definitely struggling with this one. I had to raise the torso by a lot so it doesn’t look that similar to Clover, but works well enough.