Before we get started on our Opal pants and shorts construction, we wanted to go over one quick pattern alteration. And that is how to lengthen or shorten your pants! Now, the actually lengthening and shortening may be pretty self explanatory, but the reason we wanted to go over it is because the location of where you would slash the pattern is actually different on wide leg and tapered views. Want to see what I mean? Let me show you…
// View A (tapered leg) //
So on the tapered leg pattern, you will want to slash your pattern at the knee notches provided on the pattern.
Simply draw a straight line connecting these two notches, and then cut across this line.
Then you can overlap the pattern to shorten it (make sure it is overlapped evenly by the same amount across the entire leg)…
… or you can place a piece a paper underneath and spread the pattern by the amount you want to add. Make sure you use your ruler so the spread is even and straight. Tape in place, connect the side seams with your ruler, and re-cut.
// View B (wide leg) //
On the wide leg view, you will be slashing on the View D knee length shorts cut line.
Cut straight across this line.
You can then shorten the pattern by overlapping the pattern, making sure it overlaps evenly across the entire leg.
Or you can lengthen it by spreading the pattern, placing paper underneath, and evenly measuring the amount you want to add across the entire width of the leg. Tape in place, and redraw the side seams with a ruler.
Simple right! And it’s even easier for adjustments to the View C & D shorts – just pick the cut line closest to the length you want and measure up or down the amount you want to lengthen or shorten by. Then at this mark, draw your own cutline parallel to the original line, cut there, and you’re ready to start! Woo!
// Looking for more Opal posts? //
- Inspiration and Ideas
- Tester Round-Up
- How to Lengthen Or Shorten the Pants (this post!)
- Inseam Pockets
- Patch Pockets (back pockets and front patch pockets)
- Seams (crotch seam, inseam, side seams)
- Belt Loops and Belt
- Waistband (B & D standard elastic waist)
- Paperbag Waistband (A & C)
- Hemming
- Bonus Hack – Cargo Side Pockets
- Bonus Hack – Drawstring Waistband
- Bonus Hack – Elastic Hem Joggers
- Opal Hack Ideas
We absolutely love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to tag your creations with #MNopal and @megannielsenpatterns when sharing on social media, and check out what everyone else is up to!
