This post is long over due. So long, that I have actually already made three pairs of these pants and managed to wear one out to the point where the fabric piles and the pants are worn in and are extremely comfortable. I should probably make a new pair to replace those. A couple nights ago I managed to make yet another pair of Alyse Slim Leg Pants and then I managed to find a few minutes to photograph them. See what happens when renos are not occupying all my spare time? These pants are rather easy to make and if you’ve made pants before, they will come together in no time.
The pattern was provided to me free of charge but all opinions are my own.
Back in late Summer Ann from Designer Stitch approached me to try out some of her patterns. I have heard of the pattern company before and was interested in some of the designs, but I was yet to try the actual patterns. Needless to say I was very excited! I chose Alyse Slim Leg Pant as I was in the market for an every day pant pattern that would work with stretch fabric. The pattern is designed for fabrics with at least 10% stretch, and I did have some stretch suiting on hand that I was eager to make into pants.
The pattern itself is a very simple slim leg pant, with 3 leg lengths – long shorts, cropped pants and long pants. The pants have no darts but a wide curved waistband as well as front pockets and a side zipper. The patterns comes in size 6-26 covering hips from 86cm to 136cm. If slim leg is not quite what you are looking for, Ann also has taper leg and wide leg pants of similar design.
I was impressed with the pattern. The instructions are very thorough, at 18 pages long, comprehensive size and finished garment tables, and good illustrations. I mean the sizing chart has 13 measurements, and the final garment size chart has 6 measurements! Adjusting and modifying this pattern to fit is so much easier knowing front crotch, back crotch, thigh, knee and hem measurement.
Even though the skill level is rated 3 out of 5, the instructions are very thorough and have good diagrams, so I think that this pattern will work for a confident beginner willing to venture out into pant making.
One thing to keep in mind though, Ann’s patterns use industrial construction methods and use various seam allowances on different parts of the pattern. For example, pant leg side seam has seam allowance of 5/8″, whereas pocket facings have 1/4″ seam allowance. I actually quite enjoyed this as there was less trimming involved, although I did have to pay more attention to details and instructions. Also, the seam allowances are clearly indicated in each step in the instructions as well as on the pattern pieces.
I picked my size based on my hip measurement. Since my waist is a size smaller than my hips, I blended the yoke to a smaller size at the waist. I normally prefer to make a muslin for pants before I start making them out of my fashion fabric, but I find that every stretch fabric behaves differently. So rather than making a muslin, I decided to make my usual adjustments to the seat curve – I lowered it and scooped it out. Then I sewed up the pockets as intended and basted the rest of the pants together to try them on before going further. I was very impressed with the fit. They fit right away and they looked great!
I find that the pants fit quite snugly right when I put them on, and then as I wear them the pants ease up and become even more comfortable. So in my opinion, I would recommend going for a snug fit as the fabric does tend to ease.
I have really enjoyed this pattern. It is a great basic pant pattern for a stretch fabric, that I can see myself modifying into other pant patterns for stretch fabrics. I am thinking of eliminating the wide waistband, modifying pockets, adding front fly… If only I had all the time in the world.
The burgundy pair are made with stretch twill from Style Maker Fabrics. They have at least 3 more color ways that I realty want! The fabric’s content is rayon/lycra, which makes it feel very soft and helps it retain its shape. Even though I already said that it is soft, I will say it again. It is super soft and feels almost brushed! So luxurious. The gray check pair below is made out of stretch rayon suiting I got from local FabricLand a few years ago. My third pair of these pants which I haven’t photographed is made out of black rayon suiting. That’s the pair that has seen most wear.
With three pairs of these pants under my belt, I think it is safe to say that this pattern made it onto my tried and true list. I will definitely be making more of these in the future. Now I need to get my hands on those stretch twills…
Until next time,
Anya
P.S. My sweater is also me made! It is Weekender Tunic by 5 out of 4 patterns. I slightly modified the tunnel neck pattern to eliminate an extra seam. The fabric is here, they only have black color left. It’s not the greatest quality in my opinion, but it hasn’t stopped me from wearing it all the time.
You are a pants-sewing superstar. They all look great but the checks are my favorite. I love the whole outfit.
Thank you very much! I was really scared to sew pants even half a year ago. It’s hard to fit them! And I agree, the check ones are just so funky yet very much wearable everyday 🙂
I must must must perfect the fit on mine! Yours look so great. I’m equally impressed with the pattern.
Do you find it hard to perfect the fit when sewing with stretch fabric? I find it harder and easier at the same time. It’s like I have to buy fabric for an extra pair of pants right away just because I can’t muslin these out of anything else… I am so glad you liked the pattern as well!
Busy bee back at it! Love both of the colours you chose for the Alyse. And really digging the new in house photo wall 😉
haha I am trying! Thank you! I gotta say I am still getting used to wine colored pants. I so rarely wear anything other than black and gray pants that wine color seems really wild! 🙂 And thank you! I wasn’t sure how it would work as a photo wall at first, but I am really digging it too :*
I love this whole outfit, oh and the plaid pants outfit too! Seriously Anya, I aspire to be as stylish as you! 😉
Thank you so much! haha yes, I was wondering about plaid pants as I was making them, but in the end I liked them so much. Aw, thank you! That means so much to me. I swear some days sweat pants, paint splattered t-shirt and unwashed hair is as stylish as I would get lol