Pants alterations: a tutorial

Hi everyone, today I have a quick tutorial on how I altered the seat and front crotch curve on the Elizabeth Suzanne "Clyde" work pants. I hope you find this helpful let me know if you have any suggestions or questions and, as always, thank you so much for watching.
my measurements for reference:
Height 5'3"
weight 138 LB
bust 38"
waist 34"
hips 39"
Links:
Krista Larson website: kristalarson.com
My Krista Larson Experiment video from last week:
• The Krista Larson Project
Threads Magazine website:
www.threadsmagazine.com
Books Mentioned:
Textilepedia: fashionary.org/products/texti...
The Fashion Designer's Textile Directory:
www.amazon.com/Fashion-Design...
Patterns mentioned
Butterick 5786:
simplicity.com/butterick/b5786
Elizabeth Suzanne Patterns:
elizabethsuzann.com/collectio...
Sew House 7 Free Range Slacks:
sewhouse7.com/collections/pdf...
Vogue 1860
simplicity.com/vogue-patterns...

[@BethS-LA]

The pants alteration is excellent! I have the same problem with the seat/back leg, then I get all hung up over-thinking the problem. Thank you for clearly demonstrating the adjustment & showing the before/after!!

[@thebigsewalong]

🤣🤣🤣 overthinking a problem is my specialty!

[@ellenyoungbluth7696]

Wow, I learned a lot in a short time. Thanks!

[@thebigsewalong]

😀😀😀

[@sewmuchknitting2469]

“dukes of hazard” 🤣🤣 Thanks for the pants fitting tutorial, made so much sense 🙂 And I love the outfit you are making from the thrifted tablecloth: the handstitching will take it to the next level 👍🏻🙂

[@thebigsewalong]

Thanks Patty, I'm really geeked about this tablecloth skirt, I found some sachiko thread in amazing colors so I'm using that. for the hand stitching. It's going to take forever but I'm really enjoying it.

[@rosey_ie]

FANTASTIC tutorial - thank you! 🙌🏻

[@thebigsewalong]

thanks Rosey!

[@christinebush3343]

Excellent advice/tutorial!

[@thebigsewalong]

thanks Christine! 🤗

[@kerrygirl2003]

Great lesson! Ty 💕

[@thebigsewalong]

thanks Kerrygirl!! 🤗

[@noshrinkingviolet1]

Wow Gini, fantastic tutorial on the Clyde pants and what a fantastic fit that it has given you by doing the adjustments 😍 they look amazing now 🤩 thank you for explaining and showing how you adjusted them 😃

[@thebigsewalong]

🤗🤗🤗

[@lz738]

Wow! Huge improvement!

[@thebigsewalong]

thanks!!😀

[@sherrillsturm7240]

This is the FIRST time someone has addressed the "smiles" in the front crotch due to excess fabric across the crotch. Every other adjustment has been about "whiskers," which was not my issue. Thank you.

[@thebigsewalong]

Oh YAY!! I'm glad this was helpful!!

[@sewmuchsewing]

Head spinning. Pants fitting does my head in. BUT I think I did get something out of it. I'm thinking back to some pants I made recently and trying to piece it all together and decide how it relates to the changes I made 🤔. You are always very informative and put a lot of effort into your videos..... you put some of us to shame 😆.

[@thebigsewalong]

Thanks Catherine!!! Pants fitting is a challenge all around, there are SO MANY things that can go wrong and just as many ways to fix them. 🤗🤗🤗

[@witchcrafting]

I can't wait to see what you do with the tunic pattern. I'm going to buy it as well. Happy sewing!

[@thebigsewalong]

Thanks Witchcrafting, I think this is a great pattern that can be made in a TON of different fabrics for different looks, definitely worth. having the pattern

[@karolmolpus9536]

Really neat pants! Love the pockets 😊

[@thebigsewalong]

thank you Karol!

[@robyn3349]

Thank you, Gini! Super tutorial, I need these alterations! Yes! I could also wear your outfit every day! I am glad you are feeling better!

[@thebigsewalong]

thanks Robyn ! 🤗

[@cathyswope5174]

Very clear tutorial thanks! The Clyde is one of my favorites. I bought the Harper at the same time but haven't made it yet. You've inspired me to finally make one

[@thebigsewalong]

Hi Cathy! Yes! the harper is pretty awesome, I think you'll like it.

[@user-pk2pi8um9f]

Great looking outfit. Appreciate the tutorial as I have similar fit issue. I will be rewatching the video again.

[@thebigsewalong]

I'm glad you found this helpful and thank you so much for watching 🤗

[@VTheYo]

I just found you and I LOVE your channel!!!!!

[@thebigsewalong]

YAY!! I'm glad you found me! Thank you for the compliment and thank you for watching!🤗

[@trudyberry3267]

Thank you for a simple but very helpful tutorial. They look so much better with such a simple alteration.❤

[@thebigsewalong]

thank you Trudy!

[@redkbikerider]

Love, LOVE your ES makes! This tutorial will come in handy when I tackle the Clydes. I love the Harper and it's pocket! I'm thrilled that with her pattern releases I'm able to enjoy her esthetic while altering to accommodate my personal fit preferences! I widened the sleeves on my me-made when I found my SE made version's sleeves were uncomfortably tight and I also narrowed the neck opening so my bra straps don't show.

[@thebigsewalong]

I agree about being able to enjoy ES esthetic but having the ability to alter for my preferred fit etc. I think It's incredibly nice of her to offer patterns I don't know of other designers who do that. I will also narrow the neckline next time so my bra straps don't show 😵

[@susiegoettel6627]

Thanks for the fitting tips. I have the Clyde Workpants pattern, and you just gave me the confidence to sew it up!

[@thebigsewalong]

YAY!!! definitely give them a try. I'm planning a second pair in linen 😀

[@faithmathingsdal79]

Such great adjustment instruction, Gini. Your changes made such a HUGE difference!! They look awesome. I tried these pants and I really didn't like them on me. However, I believe it is because I'm a hip-py shape and the taper over-emphasises this more than I like. However, you've got me thinking of ways I could make them work for me. hmmm...we shall see! Also, I love the Harper top and I made one ages ago, but I ended up repurposing it and making a StyleArc Ethel top because I felt totally overwhelmed by the size of the Harper. I may try again, and make a smaller size. Yours looks fab and totally you. x

[@thebigsewalong]

I saw your Clyde pants on insta and thought they looked good BUT I totally get why you think they emphasize what you call "hip-py" shape (I would call that a tiny waist 😂) Definitely size down if you make the Harper again but, IMHO, lots of volume in a top just might not be your thing. You look especially good when I see you in things a little more fitted. (like those FAB jeans!)

[@sarahq9372]

Wow. I am a newer sewer and am terrified about making pants. Thanks for this info! BOOKS!!! Love book recommendations, thank you. "MORE FABRIC SAVVY" by Sandra Betzina. This one is pretty cool, it does need updating with some of the newer fabrics, BUT, provides info about washing, best stitch length, best presser foot, etc. Still available on Amazon Canada so probably also on the US site.

[@Craftytutu]

Fantastic Tutorial 😃 The clyde work pants were my second ever pair of trousers I made. I love them but had to alter the first pair drastically because they were so big. The second pair are much better but can still be doing with some tweaking to get rid of the daiper butt. I’m going to revisit at the pattern for summer and try your suggestions. Thank you 💞💞

[@thebigsewalong]

yeah the diaper but situation was a definite no-go for me, good luck on your next pair! 🤗

[@bluegrassdreams2seams510]

Gini, I always feel that I learn so much valuable info from your adjustments. I tried using a friend to adjust a pattern; disaster! Note to self: never use a crafter that hates garment sewing😕

[@thebigsewalong]

🤣🤣🤣

[@charlottemccaig578]

That outfit looks fantastic on you! Ive made the Harper 3 times but made them a size too large. I still wear them but will go down a size next time. One of mine is from a cross stitched linen tablecloth that has stains that wouldnt budge but careful planning made it so I could make the front and sleeves. I also made a faux yoke on the back to add some of the embroidery to the plaid (part of a duvet) I used for the rest. Another I made from upcycled lightweight denims. I think I have a Vogue pattern even closer to the KL than the Butterick. Ill see if I can find it.

[@thebigsewalong]

Oooooo I love that faux yoke idea!! Let me know if you locate the Vogue pattern 🤗🤗🤗

[@craftymystic4868]

Joann’s, uncharacteristically has a great Tencel denim collection, I bought yards of it when it was on sale, washes and wears wonderfully. Every once in a bit, they carry a gem. Otherwise, not so much. Hope that’s helpful.

[@thebigsewalong]

YESSSSS! this is very helpful!! I will go have a look thanks!🤗

[@judithritner9696]

Gini I loved this video! I’m saving it , of course I save all of your videos.😊 I have rewatched many of them, and love that I can go to ones that apply to what I am making for references. I ordered the Harper top pattern. It just seems to be such a simple make, yet looks very stylish. I even have a thrifted tablecloth of my own to use😊. That alteration was genius, I will refer to that again and again. Both of your pieces look great together. I have been saving some less than precious fabrics for making muslins. I could see me trying this in multiple types of fabric. Did you alter the length of the top? Since I am also 5’3” I’d like to have mine at about the same length as yours. This was a very fun video to watch and learn from. I am looking forward to your tutorial next week 🤗. With all the pieces in the lower part of the dress, I think I better watch your tutorial before I purchase the pattern. Marcy Tilton’s patterns are so creative! I have purchased a few and have been a bit nervous about making them. You are such an inspiration, and give me such wonderful pieces to watch and hope to make. Thank you again for all you do! I sincerely appreciate your efforts. 🤗❤️

[@thebigsewalong]

Gosh Judith thank you!! I did not shorten my Harper tunic, I thought about it but I have to say I like the length. OMG wait 'til you see this Marcy Tilton pattern 😵😵😵I think it had 18 pieces!! My husband knows absolutely nothing about sewing and even he thought that was a lot 🤣

[@judithritner9696]

@@thebigsewalong thanks for getting back to me. The next pattern , Marcy Tilton, looks like it would have to have quite a few pieces just for unusual piecing in the lower front. I really look forward to your tutorial on it🤗❤️

[@karolmolpus9536]

So many large pattern tops people say to downsize. What is your suggestion to get the right look? I’m 5’1” and chubby, 73 years old.

[@redkbikerider]

I have an older ES made Harper long sleeve tunic and the sleeves are too tight at the bicep and forearm and while I might have a teeny bit more muscle than average my arms are not 'big' by any means....so my suggestion would be to double check the width of the sleeve pieces. It's a great top with an awesome big pocket and having the pattern now means I can make it to fit me by widening the sleeves (and I narrow the neck opening too so my bra straps don't show). I have the first iteration of the pattern and the sizing my have changed when she revised her sizing system. Also if you're 5'1" you might get more of a dress than a tunic if you didn't shorten it?

[@thebigsewalong]

at our height I think it can be helpful to size down (always double check measurements first!) I think it's also helpful to know how much ease you like in a top. Measure one that you have and like the fit of and then use that to guide your size choice in patterns. I hope that helps 🤗

[@karolmolpus9536]

What do you have underneath tunic?

[@thebigsewalong]

well, I'm embarrassed to say, it's just my jog bra. I really need to alter the neckline on this pattern for the next one 😅

[@user-pk2pi8um9f]

I am attaching a link to a previously watched video on Sew Show with Shae. Wondering if this is the same alteration on ready made garment as the one in your pants alteration tutorial?kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZ_QnoqCip1mo80&pp=gAQBiAQB

[@thebigsewalong]

yes! that's essentially the same seat adjustment and that is exactly how I do it if I'm altering ready to wear

[@judithritner9696]

Good tutorial, but she didn’t show us the before and after fit on her husband. I really like to see that so I can see how the fit changed. Also how did she know how much to cut off, and I wonder why she never did a fit test before she cut off all that fabric. Sorry for the critique 😏. Thank you for posting the link, I now know to check her site for more tutorials. Thanks again.