Hey my dears! So after my post introducing the Tania pattern – I’ve had a few questions asking me to expand on how to lengthen the Tania culottes. So today I’ve got a few diagrams to share with you explaining it! Ready?

I’m pretty sure our first inclination is always to slash and spread a pattern to lengthen it as per the above diagrams – that works well for fairly close-fitted garments – but becomes a bit problematic when fullness is involved. For circular-based designs, it alters the pattern shape and therefore the drape too drastically. To try and get something more accurate you may end up trying to work multiple slash lines at different angles, and let’s be honest, that’s getting a little confusing and still difficult to implement.

Here’s what I recommend you do – and conveniently it’s the simplest method! – lengthen the side seams and inseams by the same amount, then redraw the hemline to be parallel to the original. This is best since it maintains the circle, and the drape of the culottes won’t be altered at all.
Let me know if you have any more questions about lengthening your culottes!
Meg xo
LOOKING FOR MORE TANIA POSTS?
Here’s the full list of Tania posts and tutorials:
- Inspiration and ideas
- Pleats
- Pockets
- Bonus: adding pockets to the old version of Tania
- Side seam and waistband
- Zipper (invisible zipper)
- Waistband facing – two ways
- Bonus : lapped zipper with waistband facing
- Inseam and hem
Here are some older Tania posts you might find useful
- How to lengthen the Tania culottes (this post!)
- How to lengthen a hem with lace
- How to make midi Tania culottes (if you have the old pattern and want to make View C or D without purchasing the new version)
- Variation: Tania culottes with elastic back and side seam pockets
And some older tutorials that could help!
- Six seam finishes and when to use them
- Clipping vs. notching
- Three ways to sew a rolled hem
- Evening out a circle hem
We absolutely love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to tag your creations with #MNtania and @megannielsenpatterns when sharing on social media, and check out what everyone else is up to!
DON’T HAVE THE PATTERN YET?
