Fiber Arts
Sewing: Pants Fit & Sew with Marla Kazell
Learn the basics of creating pants from a pattern, customized to your body shape and measurements.
Tuition Assistance and Other Policies
Meeting Times
- Thur, 5/30/2024 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Fri, 5/31/2024 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sat, 6/1/2024 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thur, 5/30/2024 - Sat, 6/1/2024
Closed
About
Pants are a staple in our wardrobes, but our unique curves and shapes means they can be a challenge to fit. In this workshop, you'll learn to fit pants by using a combination of flat pattern and draping techniques.
See how and where to measure the body and pattern, make adjustments to the pattern and then pin together the pattern pieces and tissue fit your pattern first. Then sew up a pair, fine tune the fit in fabric and learn how to sew darts, zippers and waistbands.
You'll sew a simple, no-pocket pant with darts (if needed), a zipper, and straight waistband to be made from woven (non-stretch) fabric to learn the basics. After the first pair, you can, time permitting, fit a second pattern of your choice. See the materials list for details on what you'll need to bring to class.
Details
- Bring a bag lunch each day. A refrigerator and microwave are available downstairs.
- Wear the undergarments you'll wear under your pants (fitting can't be done properly over tights or leggings).
- This class doesn't cover jeans. That's a whole different class!
Materials
- Bring a sewing machine to use in class or reserve one of BARN's when you register.
- Bring basic sewing supplies including pins, pen or pencil, seam gauge or ruler (6, 12, or 18 inches), a zipper foot or invisible zipper foot, and 1-inch elastic to fit around your waist.
- You'll use a basic pants pattern as a sloper to learn the
fitting method. Most pattern companies have a basic pants pattern with a
zipper closure and straight or faced waistline. Purchase a pattern from the following list or bring one that fits the
criteria:
- Burda: 6035, 6152, 6218, 6681, 7062, 7075
- Butterick: 5719, 6640, 6718, 6738, 6796, 6802, 6944, 6948
- Simplicity: 1559
- Vogue: 1581, 1993
- New Look: 6712
- Choose your pattern size by your hip measurement (use the fullest measurement below your waist - tummy, hip or thigh). When several patterns look alike, check the shape and width of the leg (do you prefer slim, tapered, straight, or wide?).
- You may choose a second pattern to fit with more design features such as diagonal pockets, a contour waistband, or elastic waist. To avoid spending time tracing, select a pattern printed on tissue.
- For your test pair of pants, bring a non-stretch pant-weight fabric in the quantity needed by the pattern you selected. You'll also need thread. If you plan on wearing your test pants, you'll need a zipper (regular or invisible) and a button or pant hook-and-eye if you have a waistband.
- If you plan on sewing a second pair, bring fabric and notions as needed by the pattern.
Prerequisites
Class Policies
Ages 14 and up are welcome.
BARN Policies
- View BARN's Cancellation and Refund Policy.
- Tuition Assistance is available. Fill out the application before registering.
- BARN is committed to accessibility. We try to make accommodations when requested; the earlier you contact us, the more likely we can help. Please email accessibility@bainbridgebarn.org to find out more or request an accommodation.
- Sensory Statement: Makerspaces like BARN can be noisy and cluttered, smell strongly, and have bright or flickering lights. BARN is not an allergen-free facility. If you have concerns, please email info@bainbridgebarn.org.
Instructors or Guides
Marla Kazell
Sewing
She learned to sew in her seventh-grade home economics class and began her career in the sewing industry as a sample seamstress in the research and development department at Stretch and Sew in Eugene, Ore. As she developed her custom clothing business, Marla continued to learn all she could about fitting, fashion, and sewing with many well-known teachers, including 12 years of study with couture expert, Bobbie Carr.
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