Shirred waist wide leg pants for a casual-chic elegant look that will take you throughout the year in a comfortable nature-loving style. Take it from me, I have been wearing this design for years and have made these pants in black, beige, and pinstripe fabrics.
At first look these pants look like a long skirt but when you move people will realise you are wearing pants.
The best part about these pants is the shirred waistband which adds a level of comfort and elegance that is worth buying the extra fabric that you will need to make these wide-leg pants.
Materials
- 1 1/2 yards of 54″(minimum) dark linen, silk, or rayon fabric
- black elastic thread to match
- 1 to 1 1/2 yards of 1/2″ wide black elastic (your waist size minus 2″)
- thread to match
Tools
- sewing machine (optional)
- scissors
- serger
Fabric Recommendations from Fabric.com
Sewing Level: Intermediate
Experience in shirring fabric is essential. I do not recommend this project for people who can not follow written instructions nor have sewn a pair of pants before.
If you are allergic to elastic please use the double layer fabric method to shirr the waistband.
Sizing Information
Size | Hip Measurements |
XS/S | 34-36″ |
M/L | 38-42″ |
XL/2XL | 43-47″ |
3XL | 47-54″ |
Pattern Download
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Pattern Layout
How to Sew Your Shirred Waist Wide Leg Pants
The pattern has NO seam allowance, I suggest a 5/8″ since you have to attach the shirred waistband to the pants and this is easier done when you have a larger seam allowance.
The waistband is NOT included in the pattern.
There are two ways of shirring on one layer of fabric with elastic thread and one with a double layer of fabric using 1/8″ to 1/4″ elastic. I prefer the double-layer technique because it last longer and if you are allergic to the latex in the elastic this is a great way to hide it.
Sew one leg at a time. Sewing the sides first. Serge all the seam allowance.
Insert one leg inside the other to sew the croth in one continues stitching line. Make sure that you have the wrong sides of the legs facing each other.
How to make the shirred waist band
Cut TWO rectangles of fabric one for the front and one for the back of the pants with the following measurements shown below. The 1 1/4″ represents the sea, allowance. Serge the top and bottom edges.
Note: I do not have enough linen fabric so I am using a 1/2″ of 54″ wide black rayon. I would not recommend using a contrasting colour since a colour block would make you look even shorter and wider.
The first two inches of the rectangle are for the 1″ elastic placement.
Add 5 lines at 1/2 distance from one another using an erasable fabric marker or tailor's chalk.
Attach the 1″ elastic, to the band.
Shirr the five lines leaving the distances at the top for the elastic and the bottom to attach to the pants.
Sew the sides of the waist to make a band and sew to the pants matching the side seams.
As I am finishing this pair of pants I realize that the waistband might be a bit challenging for a beginner. Please wait for a separate tutorial where I will be adding a step by step tutorial using a light colour fabric and black thread so it is clear. I will also be sharing some tips for the ladies who have a very large bottom and small waist.
Until Next time, hope you are well and let's keep sewing keeping the world together one stitch at a time.
Hello, have you posted the beginners tutorial for the shirred waistband yet please? I am unable to find it if you have. Thanks.
Hello I love these and I do want to make a pair however for the waistband shouldn’t it be longer than the waistband because it’s going to shrink up once it’s shirred? so what is the actual length of the band that you made before your shirred it?
Hi Lee, I had the same question when making this tutorial, as you can imagine I always have to find the easiest way to make it. Shirring depends so much on the quality of the thread you use. Indeed you could use the approach you mentioned above but if you do use a lighter fabric and reduce the waist to 4 inches smaller than your waist. If you are keeping with linen I found that making the waist the same size as the hips was good enough. I will explain in more detail in a separate tutorial.
Would pockets make hips too bulky?
Please note new email.
Love, love, LOVE these pants! Can’t wait to make them. Is there a pattern for the top as well?
Thanks!
Much as i like the pants, can you let me know where to find the pattern for that top? thanks!
Great pattern! But are you sure that “you have the wrong sides of the legs facing each other”? Shouldn’t it be “the right sides”?
Will you offer a tutorial for the top?
Or let us know where to find the pattern?
Thanks
Aha! You have demystified the shirred waist. Thank you! I will have to give this a try. I will also be looking for your solution to a smaller waist over larger hips.
Beautiful pants! Where can I find the pattern for the lovely top that goes with it? They make a gorgeous set!
“Insert one leg inside the other to sew the croth in one continues stitching line. Make sure that you have the wrong sides of the legs facing each other.” Shouldn’t this be…the RIGHT sides of the legs facing each other?
Do you have the pattern for the top that matches the pants?
The wide pants look great but please tell me more about the top that is shown with it. The gathered front looks very appealing!
Thanks
I would love to know if this too will be a pattern for sale sometime as well. This outfit is STUNNING ????
Hi Kelly, thanks for your comment. It isn’t for sale, it is for free, or happy if you would like to make a small donation which would be great. There are two links to the pattern in the section of the article where it says “Pattern Download”. Please enjoy and happy sewing!
Love the look…can’t wait to try it out