Let designer Linda Mafuba shows you how to self-draft a pair of stunning trousers − with or without pockets − in just an afternoon
YOU WILL NEED
■ Existing trousers that fit you
■ Main fabric: 3mx150cm
■ 3cm wide elastic: 1m
■ Iron on interfacing: 30cm
■ Matching thread
■ Basic sewing kit
FABRIC USED
■ John Kalder Rossi Viscose Jersey Stretch Knit Fabric, minerva.com (155cm x 300cm)
FABRICS RECOMMENDED
■ Light weight/medium weight stretch fabrics such as cotton jersey or viscose jersey.
MEASUREMENTS NEEDED
■ Waist
■ Length
■ Leg Width
■ Seam allowance is 1cm unless stated otherwise.
■ To neaten seams, use an overlocker or zigzag stitch.
■ Download Pocket Bag template from gathered.how/ss-templates.
CREATING THE PATTERN
Step one Fold the existing trousers in half and lay flat along the length of the fabric.
Step two Mark along the edges making sure to add the extra length in centre back. 01
Step three Add seam and hem allowance.
Step four Repeat above for the front panels. 02
Step five Front Waistband, Length: measure your waist and divide it by two. Width: 8cm.
Step six Back Waistband, Length: full length of the top of the two Back Panels. Width: 8cm.
CUTTING OUT
Step one From the main fabric, cut:
Back Panel: one pair
Front Panel: one pair
Pocket Bags (optional): two pairs
Step two From interfacing, cut:
Waistband Front: one
SEWING THE MAIN PANELS
Step one With RS facing, sew the centre front crotch seam and finish the edges.
Step two With RS facing, sew the centre back crotch seam and finish the edges. 03
Step three With RS facing, join the Pocket Bags to the side edges of both the Front Panels and Back Panels. 04
Step four Press seams towards the Pocket Bags.
Step five Pin around Pocket Ba
