Not all pants patterns are created equal…

A while back my good friend gave (unloaded, but I am appreciative) her sewing supplies to me. One of the items in the goodie box was a capri/ skirt pattern. Last week I was in the mood to sew for myself and this pattern was on top of the box. At first I thought it was a simple elastic waist Capri pants pattern, you know 2 pattern pieces, elastic and you are done. Nope this one had 4 pattern pieces with a bias waistband. I was not sure at first what the difference would but I went with it.   Luckily, I had enough material because the material was purchased without a pattern in mind. Here is the pattern I used, Simplicity 7229.

Once I tried on the pants I realized immediately what the difference is from a bias waist pants to regular gathered waistband. (I only show my belly on the WWW so you can see the bias waistband)

Also, I removed the drawstring because I wear my shirts on the outside and I did not like the bump.

Benefits of Bias Waistbands
1.Waistbands on the bias follow curves much better then waistbands cut on the grain. Therefore, they lay flat!

2. Waistbands on the bias stretch and do not need as much material for you to get the pants over your hips. Less bulk!

3. These pants rest 2" off your waist. Exactly were I like to wear my pants. So comfy!

4.Waistbands on the bias disguises the fact that your pants are homemade! It is those extra steps that make your pants look fashionable and trendy!

The one downside to bias waistband

1. You need more material for the bias waistband because it is cut at a 45degree angle.

I will never again make elastic or drawstring pants without a bias waistband. Trust me once you make a pattern like this you will not either!

In my next post, I will show tips and tricks on how to customized these pants with back pockets. I can not wear pants without pockets for my cellphone!

Thanks friend (you know who you are) for this great pants pattern!!