I needed some new pants so I decided to give making blue jeans a try. I have made pants before and put in plenty of zippers so I was worried about it, plus I had some nice denim fabric just sitting around in my stash.
I used butterick pattern # #B5682 for the jeans. I had used this pattern previously to make some yellow plaid pants that I never blogged about, they were made out a very stretchy fabric, what I used for these jeans is an a hundred percent cotton with no stretch so they were very different. I wasn’t sure what size to make because of the fact they were non stretch and decided to go up one size just to be safe. this as it turns out was not a good idea. I had to take up every bit of the extra size. Which means this pattern is sized for non-stretch denim this is something good to know for future pairs.
The pattern was fairly straight forward but it seems like most of them are. I did read the directions which I am trying to do better at. I am so bad to simply cut out the pattern and get right to sewing. for the most part I can do this but I have decided maybe a quick overview of the pattern instructions is a good idea.
I did run into problems with the denim being too thick, which I was somewhat anticipating. my machine went through two layers with no problem and probably would have gone through three layers but it balked at four. I had trouble getting the waist band on with all those layers and decided to try lining the waistband with a light weight cotton rather than the denim. I had previously chosen a a brown with little flowers cotton to line the pockets with and went with that for lining the waistband as well. this worked like a charm and looks cute too.
for sewing the pants together I used regular thread but for the top stitching I used a heavy duty jean thread. my machine takes it well; I do have to adjust the top tension just a bit, and just to be safe I use regular thread on the bobbin. I am sure I could adjust the bobbin to work with the heavy thread but it’s not as easy to re adjust back as the top tension so I played it safe.
now putting on the belt loops on the other hand turned out to be impossible by machine. I did try it, broke a needle right away and thought no way I am ruining my machine by forcing it to do this. And put those on by hand which was not exactly easy but I managed.
the only issue I have with the finished product is they turned out a bit shorter then I would have liked. they look fine standing still but when I move they draw up a bit I just wish I would have made them an inch longer. But they’re still wearable and I do like them. They have become a staple to my wardrobe.
the blue shirt with the lace at the top is Simplicity pattern #8215
I did make a few changes on this pattern. I don’t much care for fold over collars so I ditched that idea and did just a small bias around the neck. I also added a band to the bottom of the sleeve because I thought that would look pretty. Other than that I followed the pattern . it was very easy and making the change to the collar made it all the easier to make. I do have to admit thought sewing with the light weight lace and the lining was a bit like sewing spider webs together. it took a lot of pins and sewing a bit slower than normal but it turned out so cute it was worth it.
both of these patterns where things I can wear for everyday wear and can be mixed and matched with other pieces I have. I really need to concentrate more on everyday wear so I wear what make to places like work. I love to wear dresses but they are not my friend at work (wheels and having to sit on the floor at times doesn’t bode well with dresses) so I need to wear more practical things like pants which means of course I really should make them.
Cool pants and shirt! Great tree!
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