SEWING KNIT PANTS

Join me as I get inspired by an article in @Threads Magazine and CJ Patterns to sew some beautiful Ponte de Roma knit pants. Hopefully, I can inspire you to not give up easily and tweak the fit until you love your finished product.
Threads Article on Making Knit Pants: www.threadsmagazine.com/2022/...
Christine Jonson Patterns: www.cjpatterns.com/
This pattern: www.cjpatterns.com/all-patter...
MY FAVE SEWING TOOLS: My sewing machine - Babylock Sofia 2
My serger - an old Kenmore
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What I’m wearing in this video: the turtleneck I made from a T-shirt pattern in this video: • Make a Turtleneck from...
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🎀 GIFTS FROM OLD JEANS! • GIFTS FROM OLD JEANS!
0:00 Intro
2:40 What You’ll Need
2:00 Planning
3:04 Choosing Your Size
5:41 Adding a Pocket
7:59 Cutting and Adding a Flare
9:20 Sewing the Pocket
11:49 Centre Seams
16:09 Side Seams
18:37 Inseams
20:00 Crotch Seam
20:58 First Fitting
21:42 Making Adjustments
24:55 Waistband
32:38 Hem
33:32 Finally done!
Music: Fresh Fallen Snow by Chris Haugen from the KZbin Audio Library
EMAIL: [e-mail]
INSTAGRAM: @cathbhay
PINTEREST: / cathbhay
Thank you for watching and supporting the growth of my channel!
Until next time, take care!
~Catherine

[@annsiegle]

Catherine, if you haven't sewn her Perfect Pant pattern, it's EVEN better than the one you sewed, IMHO. It comes in skinny, wide and boot cut (with the foldover waistband, in addition to the seaming along the fronts and backs, plus the deep inset pockets). Christine is a friend, and for about 4 years, I managed her marketing and helped her launch the Perfect Pant line (among other patterns) and STILL love the patterns. The ones in the magazine, in teal, have the pockets (that is the Perfect Pant Skinny.) If you choose the heavy 4 way ponte knit, they will actually LIFT your derriere! It's magical. The band method of determining size is brilliant (Christine is brilliant!) This was a great video for this pattern, thanks for doing it! I am going to share this out on my blog because you've done such a nice job with this. The other garments in that pattern are also excellent.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so for the great comment, Ann, and for sharing my video on your blog! Greatly appreciated!!

[@pamelabartlette6354]

Those turned out really sweet ! You took the time to show what works and not. They look really comfortable. Thanks

[@beverlyness7954]

All the fittings and mistakes were very helpful to understanding how to make or remake these pants. Thanks for your tutorials. I sewed garments for myself a lot in my youth but haven't done so in my adult years. However it's very difficult to find a good fit in clothing because of my size. I'd like to find a couple of patterns that I could repeat several times to make my clothing. I feel I could do a better job than the pre-made clothing in stores today. You've inspired me to take that project on.

[@lindaduffy8387]

Thanks so much for showing real life adjustments…I seem to have an expectation that a pattern made to my “size” according to the pattern will automatically fit😅and am usually disappointed. Seeing the same happen to you is really instructive!

[@wrendellajoens3984]

Thank you for all the troubleshooting & issue resolutions! That's what I need to make my projects work well & get finished.

[@kathyjames9250]

Very inspiring. They look so nice on you and match all your other wardrobe! It is a dream to have a fitted pants pattern (or other garment) to flip out and zap up new clothes. Alas! seldom does any zapping occur with sewing…. Thank you for doing the legwork on knit pants.

[@wayofthewrench]

Congrats on your 40k subscribers! Amazing!

[@CatherineSews]

Thank you so much, my friend! All the best to you and your channel too!

[@jdcogar180]

Catherine, your pants are super. Love the fit and the style adjustment for the flair. They look fabulous on you. Thanks for showing all the issues you had making them because now we know more than what is in the pattern chart. And I can't forget that pocket hack. It is the best trick ever for a pocket. Thanks for that.

[@mymai5859]

Oh wow - you know the type of vids we've all been wanting. Thank you so much 💐

[@CatherineSews]

Oh, that's great to hear! So glad to hit the mark!

[@CarolFresia]

This is super, Catherine. I'm so glad you got a good result following Christine's article. Her advice for pretesting the fabric's stretch is new to me and really helpful--but obviously additional fitting is important.

[@BoppityBoopy]

Thank you for bringing back my love of sewing and design. From 🇨🇦

[@CatherineSews]

What a lovely comment! And I'm also Canadian! 🇨🇦 🍁 🇨🇦 🍁

[@bottle-capjack1778]

Great instructions! I love your calming voice. Pants are a perfect fit!

[@susanstewart1402]

Even when the machine is eating your fabric and skipping stitches! You are very chill. A good influence on new sewers.

[@user-sc9bq9eu6f]

I love watching you being creative and , I realise I have a long way to go to be as good as you are. ❤

[@marthaluciagarcia176]

Wonderful woman, intelligent and very professional. I love this channel, greetings from Spain.

[@CatherineSews]

Wow, thank you! So nice to hear, Maria!

[@susanskidmore9516]

Beautiful fit and beautiful construction. This video answered numerous questions regarding a skirt with same pockets that I intend to design. Thank you so much. As always your videos are so pleasing to watch..🤗

[@NewsfromtheGrove]

thank you for showing your fitting and resize tips. that is very helpful.

[@carolinedelisle589]

This video was worth it even if just for that awesome, simple way to add pockets to a pattern.

[@elainelear4982]

Your techniques are very helpful to all sewing. Thank you for your great videos.

[@jhannon9495]

adding the bottom flare worked and looks really nice.😊 Good job. I'm inspired.

[@helenablignaut662]

Thank you so much for these videos. I learn so much from you. I have fair sewing skills, but it is all in the little things. You make life so much more enjoyable and easier for me.

[@dsiemen1136]

I love the look of these pants! Thanks for sharing the pattern & number and definitely all of your tips! 😊

[@bleudragon9]

Those look great! Worth all the effort! Thanks for explaining everything. These are not simple pants (at least for me as a beginner) and you unlocked several mysteries for me. Multiple seams and custom fitting, waist band pockets, elastic in the upper waist band, zigzagging with the knit fabric... thank you!

[@CatherineSews]

You are so welcome! I'm so glad that this video demystified some aspects of sewing for you!

[@robynnbryar1977]

They turned out really cute.

[@vivianhamilton616]

This was very educational and interesting to watch. and because I love to sew, fun too😊 tfs.

[@susanstewart1402]

These are great .. they have the Max Mara flare that is so flattering.

[@CatherineSews]

Ooooh, Max Mara...I love it!

[@sybilfisherable]

35:06 really glad I found you, Catherine! Great videos, and such a cute personality that you have add so much!!!

[@CatherineSews]

Oh thank you! That's really sweet, Sybil!

[@katieduffy593]

The flare is perfect. I love them especially with the fringed jumper. Cool

[@helenv2906]

Wow! What a great project, learned something new as well as a new pattern company. Thanks for sharing, love your videos...🥰🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much, Helen! Great to hear!

[@claudettemiskell4839]

Wow, you definitely make it seem easy! I have a deep seated fear of sewing knits,(and of sewing from magazines) but I think I’m going to give this pattern a try. I love to watch your videos, even though I’ll never make most of the projects. Blessings.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Claudette! I hope that one day you give one of my projects a try. I'd love to hear about it!

[@lesliechristian1941]

I have used her patterns for knit pants. They are great. Easy to sew and fit.

[@anne-mitavisscher3916]

Thank you so much for this great video. I learned so much😊

[@karenwilliams4152]

These are so cute! We make a 1-2" chalk X on all the wrong sides right after cutting the pattern, even before removing the pins.

[@robyn3349]

Cute! Love the flair!

[@user-ru8jq5yt5v]

I only recentiy found your channel and am so happy i did! You inspire me to get back to sewing. I first sewed knits the Stretch n Sew method decades ago. Now my body shape has changed and all your fitting tips are so helpful. I love seeing how you restyle garments. Keep the good work!!

[@sharonkeller3811]

Hi Catherine, new subscriber here. I'm so glad I found you, your tips and techniques are so helpful! For example, how to add a pocket, your explanation was so clear and common sense. Excellent camera work to boot!!!!!💜

[@carolcarter865]

Alway learn something from your videos ❤

[@fondabadger9617]

I really like the way your explanation of each step, thank you Catherine. I love the way you added the pockets, I am a pocket girl.😇

[@susanskidmore9516]

Wonderful tutorial, Catherine! 🌠I learned so much. Also agree on using the serger.....to make the inside as pretty as the outside!

[@vicki3220]

Super pants , super tips and narration! So informative, but above all I so enjoy watching your videos and listening to you talking. When I think what to watch before sleep to feel good I watch your videos. Thanks a lot!

[@susanbuck1327]

I love Threads magazine. I finally broke down and got a 3 yesr subscription.

[@cybersecretary]

Love this. Great pocket trick!

[@carolines2088]

Love the pants by the way. They look great on you and what a great way to add a little pocket.

[@praxisfurnaturheilkunde5394]

Tolle Tipps, vielen Dank. Hosen sind super geworden - ein bisschen ABBA-mäßig 😀

[@CatherineSews]

Haha, yes, the flare does make them feel like I'm a dancing queen, lol.

[@annholmes9650]

Another great job, hon, love your videos, so clearly explained. Thank you. X x x

[@bc927]

Love how you make your projects look so E Z!! 😄💗

[@barbaraharsch3048]

Great pants and great job pants are the hardest thing for me.. Hope you do another pants pattern in a wolven fabric

[@magsohara7908]

Looks great Catherine. Appreciate all of your tips and tricks. I’m same as you I’d want to overlook (at the very least the waistband). I need a longer rise on trousers (5’ 10”) so that was a useful part of the video for me. Thank you 🤓🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@MSerhasNOfilter]

Catherine, I *love* your videos! You’re so cheerful, eloquent and helpful 😊. Unfortunately, 4 years ago I had a very bad MS flare and lost the use of my right fingers so I’m not able to sew like I used to. But I still so enjoy watching the process. Your videos are the absolute best. Thank you very much🤗!

[@janfranklin2114]

Super cute and I did learn something, thank you.

[@tracybarnes6608]

I learned a lot from this Thankyou so much,they look great on you xxx

[@TheJaniebabe]

That was a bit of a rough ride for you, appreciate it as we learn with you. They look great on, especially with the fringed top. Thanks Catherine!!

[@AnneluvsKatz]

Nice job as always! They fit you nicely!

[@taraiza878]

Wow ! love the final fit. They are perfect on you. Worth every adjustment you made. Your solutions to a great fit are so helpful. Thanks ❤️

[@nellenejooste4636]

Looking gorgeous 😍

[@vickidiodato9834]

Thanks for info on crotch length. I have the opposite issue--crotch length is too long. Could you address how to fix this sometime? Just LOVE your vids!! Can tell you are an amazing teacher (from a retiree).

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much, Vicki! To raise the crotch, just extend the inseam up another inch or so, and then blend that into the curve of the crotch seam. Do the same amount on the front and the back.

[@dinnyhinds3296]

Thank you very much for that tutorial, especially, the make and the remake. Wonderful. I have learned so many things since I found you on KZbin🥰.💖🤩

[@dianecrews6130]

Absolutely beautiful and the fit is fantastic

[@christinebutcher300]

Thankyou for the great tips🙏❤

[@lucilledaub5991]

Great knit pants. Love the color

[@olivemd]

I love Thread’s magazine. I have not bought one in a few years, but maybe I should. Edit: I have saved all my old ones and they are keepers.

[@CatherineSews]

Right!? We never throw out our Threads magazines!

[@andreayucis2008]

Great tutorial! I certainly did learn some good tips. Always enjoy watching your videos! Thank you!

[@CatherineSews]

You are so welcome!

[@helenwood3199]

Those pockets are slick, like you said. Love the flare legs. You got a terrific fit result. Looks so flattering. Great tutorial. I'll use your tips on other projects. Thanks.

[@BelindaTOV]

Good tips, thanks.

[@rewritingastory]

Your pants look great. I've made the Perfect Pants by CJ Patterns. They're very similar to yours but include pockets. I used my serger on both pairs I made, and the seam is not too bulky, in my opinion.

[@CatherineSews]

Good to know. Thanks, Carol!

[@wowyummyyy]

L I K E 👍 👍👍 👍👍 😻😻😻😻😻💯💯💯💯

[@thebigsewalong]

Great video Catherine. I made these pants once ages ago and they did come out way too big. If I make them again I’ll use your tips for the fitting. It does take a lot of extra time but your end result is awesome. I agree about the serging! I don’t like the look of raw edges even if I’m the only one to ever see them!

[@CatherineSews]

Right!? I'm looking forward to making these again, smaller, and definitely with serged seams!

[@lidabard2121]

Good job! I wasn't surprised that you had fitting issues when you did your waist and hip fitting on top of your sweater and pants. A ball point stretch needle and polyester thread are key to eliminating skipped or popped stitches.

[@letuswalkinthelightofthelo5350]

I think you should design your own pattern company.

[@patriciabennett961]

They turned out beautifully! Love your techniques. I just came across your channel and am now a subscriber! Thank you!😊

[@georgiacorey954]

I do like the flared bottoms better than straight. This was a good lesson in stretch knits & altering after they are stitched. Im curious why you didn't alter the pattern before cutting? Was the knit new to you or what? I remember a Quiona knit i used in the '70s that was a so tightly woven stretch, & it was before i owned a serg. It was unlike any other knit on the market or since, that ive seen. I used a ball point needle & had to stretch the seam as i sewed or the needle would not pierce the fabric. But wow did it ever make a gorgeous one piece Vogue jumpsuit.

[@india1422]

I construct knit garments with my serger sometimes, there are seams which need to be sewn with a “ normal” sewing machine

[@deborahstone9696]

When i use fabrics that are hard to tell right side, i put safety pins on right sides😂. Vwalla🎉

[@mjdevorick8404]

Your pants came out great!! Thanks for sharing the journey. I’m still too scared to start from scratch but am willing to try on cheap thrifted items.

[@doudou53d44]

Awesome pants 👍😎🐕‍🦺

[@mymagicword]

That was super helpful- and the pants look great on you! Will you be making another view from the same pattern? I’d love to see it. Thanks for letting us know when your opinion differs from the article or the pattern - it’s always good to hear different rationale. 😊

[@sozofam2164]

This was great! You make projects that look too complicated seem doable. I loved the pocket addition as well. Would it be feasible to put a secret pocket in the waist band?

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

Your pants look wonderful on you. Because you made them, they should wear well. I have a subscription to THREADS magazine. We can't count on finding the latest issue of any magazine in shops around here. In the latest THREADS magazine, issue #221, page 28, Vogue 1893, The Warm-Weather Party Outfit has a bra that looks very much like those worn during the 1950's. I wonder if the pattern could be used to make a cotton, foundation, support bra to wear under garments? It looks very much like the white cotton bras bought and worn back then. The shorts, skirt, and bra do look a lot like those worn to the beach, pool, and private parties of the 1950's.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Arvetta! I haven't received #221 yet, but I'll check it out soon!

[@Proverbs3198]

Dear Catherine, Could you give me an idea how to sew shoulder pads and attach them to a women's blouse or t-shirt?

[@mrgarner4796]

Watching the video again. I love all the info and tips you provide. I desperately want a master pattern for pants. A goal for the new year. Where in blazes did this year go? Thank you...

[@Maplecook]

Wooooooot!!

[@mrgarner4796]

I have a my collection of Threads and Sew News magazines to get rid of. I love these magazines...they have so much info. I have kept a few of them. Do you know how hard it is to part with them? I love that you are taking us all on your journey through the construction of your pattern. I end up very disappointed with off the rack stretch pants. I just can't seem to fit my body into their sizes. I will be watching your video on this so I can learn.

[@maryalgar8779]

Catherine, what a super video; so much information. That knit - it was Ponty something. I have seen one in store called Trinity Ponti Knits - could this be it? Your sewing machine sounds like it sews so effortlessly (Babylock Sofia 2 you've listed). Are there any features it doesn't have that you wish it had? You are so knowledgeable -- I'd enjoy a video hearing you talk about your education etc.; how you came to become such an expert, how you chose your career etc. I see you don't trace your patterns to preserve the original with all its sizes, which I know is an extra-time-consuming step. The small amount of sewing I have done lately is for a growing little girl, so I like to preserve the original for future sizes. Like you, I am cognizant of the price of patterns :) Again, thank you for your expert videos and tips. I recently saw an article that was first published in Threads and that was the first I'd heard of the magazine.

[@JudyHussey]

Here’s a helpful tip: Get into the habit of always holding both threads behind the presser foot each time you start a seam. This prevents the needle from pulling the thread down under the needle plate, thus preventing thread from bunching up at the beginning of the seam.

[@pampam2dapam]

I really enjoy your videos and I have learned a lot. But I must admit when I run into those bad fits with patterns I get really discouraged. Honestly, how long did it take you on these pants?

[@CatherineSews]

The fitting process did take a while, but ow that I've altered the pattern, the next pair should be quick!

[@nancybennick7949]

Use a seam roll to press

[@Msmeohmy52]

Did you stitch the top inside of the pocket to keep interfacing in place? Sewing from “the bottom, up” on pants, skirts, draperies etc. the weight of fabric helps seams not pucker

[@ArlenePMCM]

Beautiful job! All those seams make for a fabulous personalized fit. And I LOVE the gray fringed sweater. Did you make that?

[@ClaudiaDavZam]

Yes, I think it's the first of her sweater thrift flips video that she has on this channel

[@ArlenePMCM]

@@ClaudiaDavZam Thanks! That sweater is so awesome and looks great with her new pants!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Arlene! And thanks Claudia for replying when I fell behind! I love that. Here's the link to the sweater upcycling video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4bOiYaVaN13pa8

[@chaostiverdant6196]

I cannot find how to send you a private message so I am putting this here. My apologies if this is incorrect. I am having a Stitch n' Bitch next Saturday, and again on the 11th, and would be pleased to have you attend.

[@CatherineSews]

That's so sweet of you to invite me! I remember that you're out in the Wack, right? It's a bit far for me to make it, and weekends are always crazy busy! If you do them into the summer, I might be able to make it then! Thanks so much for the thought!

[@mrgarner4796]

Catherine, can I use woven fabric with a knit pattern for pants?

[@lynn858]

But did the -pattern- explain how to adjust the rise?

[@raeanne1945]

Where can we find knit fabrics. Pinehurst, NC

[@maryalgar8779]

P.S. I am old enough to remember and have worn "bell bottoms", which I think were more flared than yours :)

[@amygawtry754]

pockets are so necessary!! why do we care that is "shows" thank you for adding pockets

[@carolines2088]

When I started sewing it was at a community centre where we all shared the patterns so the first thing you had to do was to copy the pattern. Even to this day, 30odd years later, I cannot bring myself to cut through a pattern. Everything is copied onto builders plastic or tracing paper! Isn't funny the habits we grow into.

[@susuburleson878]

If you’re not willing to press as you sew, quit. The pressing is as critical to a professional finish as the stitching, and often more so.

[@CatherineSews]

I agree, Susu!

[@ladysexyd]

That is to much work to do on a pair of pant you should have done a tester fabric to make your adjustment to first , I think .

[@macoeur1122]

👌🏻🙏🏼 They came out great! I especially liked the look of them with the white fringed sweater. I was just wondering a couple of days ago whether I might be able to recreate my favorite yoga pants (No I don't do yoga in them, theyr'e just my favorite all around pants). This pattern seems to be very similar...especially with the flaired hem you added...except that there's no space between pants and body until just around the knee..down to hem. The fabric is 90%Supplex with 10% Spandex...I'm not sure where I could find this fabric but it's "perfect" It's has no "shinyness" to it and it's very stretchy so it almost seems like they might be easy to fit as long as they're made ever so slightly on the small side. If you ever feel like tackling this project, the pants are from "Beyond Yoga" (High Waisted Practice Pant). See here: beyondyoga.com/products/high-waisted-practice-pant-jet-black-sp1111 Everyone seems to love them which is reflected in their $90 Price. I'd love to be able to make 3 or 4 pairs and be done with it for the year! I kust bought my first ever serger so I may cut up an old pair and see whether I can use them as a pattern.✌🏻

[@CatherineSews]

Those yoga pants are beautiful. But yikes, they're $123 in Canadian dollars! The challenge of making them would be finding that nice quality fabric. But if you want them as more of an every day pant instead of a workout pant, then the Ponte de Roma fabric I use in this video might be great! If you don't want to cut up your pants to use as a pattern, this video might help you do a knock off: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGTJppx8oNJgo9U

[@macoeur1122]

@@CatherineSews Awesome! Thank you for the link. I'll check it out. I think it might be worth trying Ponte de Roma fabric. Who knows...It might be awesome in it's own way.... I will say that the fabric these pants are normally made in is also sooooo perfect (in my opinion) as it takes them a really long time to start fading (like a year...and they never fade much)...I wear them almost every day and I usually have about 3 or 4 in circulation at any given time....and I think each one lasts for something like two years!....and they don't creep when you bend over or squat...they just stretch...very comfortably...and no adjustments are needed when you stand back up. I probably sound like a princess here, but believe me, this is huge when you're constantly moving, bending, squating, stretching (even if it's not yoga) It makes life so much easier to have comfy/long lasting pants that just keep holding their shape and looking great and don't require any "fuss". I guess all of this is the reason I've continued to pay what they ask....Now that I think of it, maybe I actually am being a bit of a princess not wanting to just pay for them...but I think it's just "in my blood" to want to figure out more economical ways of making my own versions of the things I love. I'm totally going to try the Ponte de Roma just to see what happens. 😊