Secret Jeans Trousers

Because of the description, I had high hopes for this pattern. Unfortunately, it is not for me but it may be just fine for someone else. My body now sports a belly, no waist to speak of and a rather flat rear end which let me to try this pattern hoping for only minor alterations. However, for the pattern to fit properly, I had to alter the waistline level, change the front crotch length which was about 1.5 inches too short and the back length which was too long. The crotch extension (area between legs) was too short for front and too long for back for inside leg seam to be centered on leg. Total width and length of pants was fine. I chose the pattern size by choosing the high hip size (which is now larger than my bottom hip) and waist size. After I made the alterations to the problems listed above, the pants fit fine - but the final altered pattern did not at all resemble the original! I have been sewing my clothes since I was a teenager but I am always looking for improvement - one of the reasons for trying this pattern. PS, I did enjoy figuring out how to change the pattern to fit my needs!

I expected to love these jeans, because they would, I thought, fit my body shape (waist about the same as hips). But I didn't check the range of sizes first, and the sizing begins at a larger hip size than mine. So I won't be making them after all!

i had to take a "pause" on working with this pattern and my mock-up. I am on the small side and shrank 3+ inches over the last 15 years, 2" just this past year, after a fall which caused an number of spinal fractures. So far, I'm finding far too much ease in the mid-section. I do need extra to the standard because of my "squished" body. Just not as much as the pattern is drafted for. So, I'm between my previously fitted slack/jean pattern and my new body adjustments.

I was looking for an easy pair of pants to make, and I liked the look of these (and the story behind them). Also, the name!

I have always been hesitant to have pants with an elastic waist—as a plus size person in her 60s, when I was a teen, only the “fat girls” or older ladies like my mom wore pants with elastic waists. But I decided to give these a try.

Extremely clear instructions and easily put together. I have two differences in body shape from how these are designed—a big butt and generous thighs. I altered for the butt and neglected to do so for the thighs, but the 5/8 in seam allowance is my friend.

I made two changes, both related to the waistband. First, I did not press under the inside waistband seam allowance, but serged it, trimming off about 1/4 in in the process. That way, you have a bit extra to work with as you are stitching it down from the right side. Second, I also had elastic in the front, but I stitched the elastic down in the front so that it does not gather the fabric but rather helps maintain the length of the front waistband (hard to explain that..). I got that tip from a Nancy Zieman book decades ago, I think. I have another pair of pants with elastic in the back only, and they don’t stay on my waist well enough. This ensures that this pair does.

Also—love the pockets.

I made this first pair of inexpensive fabric, which is totally wearable, but will be making more.