Thursday 23 July 2015

How to Make Harem Pants for Toddlers



These incredibly easy to make harem pants are all the rage for the toddler set. Not only easy to make but super comfy to wear. And—bonus—they're made from dad's still-good-but-no-longer-worn tee shirts. Refashioning! I love it!


A ten year old could draft this pattern. Start by ruling a rectangle 14 inches (35.5 cm) wide by 17 ½ inches (44.5 cm) long on whatever paper is to hand. Draw in the curves using the measurements on my drawing, no need to be too fussy, the stretchy tee shirt material is quite forgiving. You'll need to cut a front pattern and a back pattern, the back being curved up and the front scooped down. I've included a seam allowance of 3/8'' (10 mm).


To ensure that both sides match, cut out one side then fold in half and trace around before cutting out the remaining side.


This size 1 pattern will fit nicely on a man's tee shirt.


An overlocker makes sewing these pants a cinch but you could use a conventional machine and a narrow zigzag stitch to allow a bit of stretch.



Sew one side seam then open out and Overlock the waist edge and the bottom leg edge of the seam just sewn. Sew second side seam then overlock that bottom leg edge. It's easier and neater to work while garment is still open. Now, sew the inner-leg seams in one continuous sweep.


Turn a narrow hem on leg edges and machine stitch, stretching a little as you go.


Cut a length of ½'' (13 mm) elastic to fit waist, allowing an inch to overlap. Turn waist edge over to make a casing for the elastic, making sure it's wide enough to thread the elastic through. Stitch all the way around leaving a small opening to insert the elastic. Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and thread through the casing. Overlap the ends of the elastic and stitch in place. Stitch gap closed and you're done.


Pretty good eh?



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