Hi there! It’s Nastasia here to share with you a simple hack to the Flint pants pattern that will give you a whole new look! Just in case you aren’t familiar with Flint yet, it’s a wide leg pattern with two really cool waistband closure options: side-tie or buttons. I love the wide-leg look, but I’m all about getting the most out of patterns and changing them up for different looks and styles. So today I’ll show you how to sew a tapered leg!
The important thing when adjusting the legs is to remember to adjust both the front pattern piece and the back pattern piece the same. You can, of course, adjust according to the look you’re going for, just be sure to make equal adjustments to the inseam and outseam, front and back. Oh and to preserve your original paper pattern, be sure to trace or copy it and then make changes to your copy!
I’m using beautiful linen that will be perfect for spring and our hot summers here in Las Vegas. I wanted them to still be nice and airy but more tapered at the bottom. If there is a pair of pants you like the fit of, you can use those as a reference for how much you’d like to alter the pattern. Just remember to take into consideration seam allowances.
Let’s get started!
First I measured in at the hem 3 inches on both sides and then I drew an angled line out to where I wanted it to blend with my size. I did this for both the front and back pant pattern pieces. (Note: the actual amount you remove may be different from mine.) You can taper from around the knee area down to the hem with an angled line or slim the pants more by starting a little above the shorts cut line (I’ve shown this marked in blue above). When adjusting the pattern be sure to smooth out all lines. You want your angled lines to blend in nicely when connecting back to the pattern lines.
Now cut your pieces and sew your pants following the pattern instructions!
After sewing up the pants and trying them on, I took off an additional inch from the inseam and outseam (front and back) at the hem angled back out at my knee. When trying on and making further adjustments I suggest marking where your knee hits and then tapering from there to the hem. I simply use my ruler to draw an angled line in from my stitching to the hem. Then follow that line when sewing. Trim and finish the seam allowances and it’s as simple as that!
I also chose to roll my pants for a relaxed look, but you can of course just follow the pattern directions and leave the hem unrolled. I’ve paired mine with a modified Rowan tee (scooped neckline). I think these pants are the perfect combination of comfort and style.
I hope you enjoy seeing the Flint pants in a new way! Give this a try if you love the tapered pant look! It’s fun to use one pattern to create lots of different looks!
Happy sewing!
Nastasia
LOOKING FOR MORE FLINT POSTS?
- 5 ways to transfer pattern markings to fabric
- How to remove release tucks and convert to a flat front
- How to lengthen or shorten the pattern
- 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
- Flint Variation // Bib Overalls
We absolutely love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to tag your creations with #MNflint tag on Instagram.
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