The Flint pants and shorts pattern currently includes release tucks, and today I’m going to show you how to alter your pattern to remove those release tucks and convert your pattern to a flat front! I absolutely love it when you guys come up with suggestions, and this tutorial is one that has been requested quite a lot since Flint was released – so I figured it would be a great addition to the Flint sewalong. Now that I’ve written it up I really want to try it myself!
Before you start, don’t forget to trace your pattern before making any alterations, so that you can preserve your original pattern. The only supplies you’ll need for this alteration are a ruler, sticky tape and tracing paper.
Let’s get to it!
The first step is to draw some guidelines and slash lines. Draw a vertical line that goes through the centre of the release tuck (this is a notch on the Flint pattern) and down until below the pocket.
Next draw lines through the release tucks to extend them until they touch the vertical line. This is going to look like a giant dart (it’s not). Please don’t sew it like this or it will look ridiculous hehe.
Next up we need to draw some horizontal slash lines. Draw a line that extends from the inseam to the side seam and goes through the intersection point of the previous slash lines.
Now it’s time to slash your pattern! Cut down through the vertical slash line, until you hit the intersection point of all the lines. Then cut horizontally until the side seam leaving a small amount of paper uncut to act as a pivot point. Once again from the centre point, cut horizontally towards the inseam and leave a small amount of paper uncut to act as a pivot point.
Lastly, overlap the slashed pattern sections until the release tuck legs line up in the centre. Tape in place and then true your side seam and waist seam, by adding or trimming back pattern paper until the seams are smooth and not jagged.
Now your release tucks have been removed and your pants have a flat front! You can cut out your fabric and sew your pants as per the pattern instructions!
LOOKING FOR MORE TUTORIALS?
Here’s the full list of Flint tutorials:
- 5 ways to transfer pattern markings to fabric
- How to lengthen or shorten the pattern
- How to remove release tucks and convert your pattern to a flat front (this post!)
- Inspiration, fabric ideas and optional ideas for customising your pattern
- Release tucks and darts
- Pockets
- Sewing seams
- Sewing the tie waistband View B & View D
- Sewing the button up waistband View A & View C
- Hemming
We absolutely love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to tag your creations with #MNflint and @megannielsenpatterns if sharing on social media.
Don’t have the pattern yet?!
