Menu
Handmade Wardrobe / Inspiration / MN2210 Flint

Obsessive Pattern Matching

Obsessively matched striped linen Flint shorts // Megan Nielsen Design Diary

Most of the time I share my makes on me, but for something a little different today I thought I’d show you the details of one of my recent makes! Yes, I’m talking about my obsessive pattern matching!

Warm weather has come to Perth, and as soon as that happened it became immediately apparent to me that I didn’t have enough shorts. Which in our heat is a bit of a tragedy. I went hunting through my stash and found enough of this gorgeous striped linen from one of our Wattle skirt samples and decided it would make the perfect pair of Flint shorts!

Obsessively matched striped linen Flint shorts // Megan Nielsen Design Diary
Obsessively matched striped linen Flint shorts // Megan Nielsen Design Diary

Then something terrible happened. The obsessive pattern matcher in me went kind of nuts, and I found myself unable to compromise. This went from a quick “oh I need some shorts” to “MUST MATCH EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE” in about 30 seconds flat.

Obsessively matched striped linen Flint shorts // Megan Nielsen Design Diary

Since the stripe of this linen is directional, I had to be really careful with my cutting layout to make sure that everything lined up.  As much as possible I tried to keep the seams lined up and I’m pretty happy with the side seams and crotch seams.

I also got a bit weird about matching the pocket bags…sorry not sorry. For the pocket lining, I use some linen scraps that were close to my skin tone because I ran out of fabric, and I’m happy with this decision because they work with and don’t fight the garment.

Obsessively matched striped linen Flint shorts // Megan Nielsen Design Diary
Obsessively matched striped linen Flint shorts // Megan Nielsen Design Diary

When this level of pattern matching obsession happens I start to wonder if enjoying pattern matching is a blessing or a curse hehe. But if I’m really honest – I’m very happy that I took so much care with these shorts. I know I would have been really upset every time I saw them if they weren’t quite right. Stupid perfectionism!

I have worn these so much already and I enjoy them, even more, knowing how much time and love went into all the details. Now if you notice any mistakes, I beg you, please don’t tell me, I’ll probably have a mental break down. ;)

Obsessively matched striped linen Flint shorts // Megan Nielsen Design Diary
Obsessively matched striped linen Flint shorts // Megan Nielsen Design Diary
About Author

Meg is the Founder and Creative Director of Megan Nielsen Patterns, and is constantly dreaming up ideas for new sewing patterns and ways to make your sewing journey more enjoyable! She gets really excited about design details and is always trying to add way too many variations to our patterns.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

11 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Tricia
Tricia
3 years ago

Such talented pattern matching, I’m envious! I can see one glaring mistake though……..they’re not my size!

Jackie
Jackie
3 years ago

Your pattern matching is stunning!

Chris Durrant
Chris Durrant
3 years ago

This post really made me smile Megan!

Linda Mundy
3 years ago

I agree with obsessive pattern matching. The shorts are beautiful. I’ve gotten so bad about matching that I can’t imagine anyone buying RTW that is not properly matched.

Jemma
Jemma
3 years ago

Absolutely love the pattern matching! I am very much the same way inclined…. Love the fabric choice, will have to get my hands on this pattern too!

Lodi
Lodi
3 years ago

Obsessive perfection! Now we just need to see you in them. := )
You should have had a “Do not try this at home” warning label on this post!

Linda
Linda
3 years ago

Fantastic job! I love the pattern and absolutely must buy it. Really like the striped linen fabric you used and impressed with your “obsessive” matching technique. Great job!