Perfect Pants Experiment Part 2 || Top Down Center Out method for fitting *kinda* works!

[@BettyRubble01801]

The front pleats were a success. I am amazed. As far as I am concerned, unless you are 22 and extremely lean, everyone looks like a stuffed sausage in pleated pants. The key, as far as I could reckon, is that each fold in the pleats falls dead straight along the plaid all the way down from the waistband. Also, you let the waistband be a tad loose, so the pleats did not stretch open, they moved around you instead. Were the pants kinda big? yeah, sure, but still--they hung beautifully in the front. OK, the darts could have been closer to the back seam. But hey--this is DIY! Great work! Love watching you go at stuff, fearlessly. Carry on.

[@leighdesaram]

You're naturally funny. I like your videos and of course subscribed. I see myself in you and your quirky ways

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I'm so excited you're here!! Welcome!

[@kalka1l]

Yes! Another member of secret pants squad. I really need to make a set of these.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I do ❤️❤️ secret pants!!

[@callitags]

I've never made pants before, and I stumbled across this method recently, and it seems like a pretty interesting way to go. I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I will say that it reminded me a bit of reading recipe reviews where they say the recipe didn't turn out well then list all the ingredient swaps they made. 🙂Top down, center out turned into Top down, outside in or something. The pants look great, though! I don't see a part 3... did it have another name? Also, loved the cat cameo. Can never go wrong when slipping those in.

[@indiabilly]

And the trousers fit really well xx

[@NadoCrowFriend]

I commend you for tackling a more challenging pattern!

[@lunababs92]

Tak!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Thank you, my friend!!

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

I had not heard of this method, so thank you for sharing it!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I hadn't either but for the front panels, I think it's pretty cool!

[@indiabilly]

I am proud of you for using an iron and not keeping the paper, I only have an iron for sewing and I also keep bits of paper and scraps of fabric for just in case xx

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I want to keep EVERYTHING even when it's garbage. I'm trying to get better but it's a PROCESS!

[@mochjito662]

the crooked hem on Instagram and yt has a full series on top down center out. you maybe could mark and sew where the pleats are on the pattern on your mock up and then you can adjust from there rather than pinning unsewn pleats while you're fitting. if the pleat is too big/small or in the wrong spot you can unpick it and resew. trying to pin the back by yourself is hard!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

This may work! I'm going to work with this method a bit more to see if I can get it just right. At this point it's as much out of principal as is it making good pants. I won't be beaten by bad pants!

[@mochjito662]

@@KatieMakesStuff parsing through tcdo instructions online can be confusing, but that video series really explains everything pretty concisely. I've also had a pants fitting/drafting "fail" and plan to also try tdco next time too as I've been reading up on it a lot. looking forward to your next video!

[@crystalgarcia9656]

The fit around your waist and hips looks almost perfect. Voluminous pants are always better with a good waist and upper hip fit. I’ve watched oodles of videos on TDCE and have just started on a toile of my first pair, using the Bob pants. Maybe not the best pattern to start with for TDCE but I’m hoping it will assist with rise issues in general. And I’m not big on fixed waistbands these days.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I just got into making elastic waist pants and I may never go back to 'normal' pants again 🤣

[@susanmiller8261]

Katie! I made pants. With a fly zipper front. No elastic. Pockets! Shocked they fit so well. I used Simplicity 9647. I have pants!

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!!! Are you stopping there or making a million pairs?

[@susanmiller8261]

​@@KatieMakesStuff probably will make more.

[@MaryamBehairy]

I lovvvve these. I've been looking for a pattern for them 😙

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I love the Winslow culottes but I don't always want the volume. I'm still trying to get it just right!

[@MaryamBehairy]

@@KatieMakesStuff coolness...I'm all for the volume. Those pleats are also amazing 🤩

[@marlousv]

Hi I’m new here! I’m really loving your content so far.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Thank you so much! I'm always looking for new suggestions so feel free to throw out ideas!

[@IndigoSew]

Cool make! They fall nicely and have a Korean fighting pants vibe. I wonder if a stapler might work for “pinning”back dart? Or a sewing buddy with opposable thumbs. Or a rotatable torso? Yep - no moving while the beasties sleep.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

🤣 I have absolutely used a stapler to hem pants at work (more than once), but this is a brand new idea I may have to try. As long as I don't staple my rear!

[@IndigoSew]

@@KatieMakesStuff 👍

[@chickadeeacres3864]

You did much better than I. I used some very stretchy leggings as the pattern for stretch denim. The stretch was minimal and the results, hilarious. If I drop 20 pounds, I could fit…maybe 😂 I never bothered to do a waistband or hem.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

That seems like a very important lesson to learn! And one you'll never forget 🤣. While I'm sure it was frustrating, imaging what the realization moment looked like hopefully gives you a little giggle.

[@chickadeeacres3864]

@@KatieMakesStuff I was just chatting with another online sewer and they were in the process of adding stripes of fabric on the sides, which also add room. I'm going to try that. Stretch denim isn’t cheap!

[@NancySchober]

I heard of this method halfway though making my last pair of pants. My experience was the same as yours. The front & sides are perfect but I still need some adjustments in the back.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I'm definitely not flexible enough to adjust the back while they're on, that's for sure!

[@ivonemcpherson5716]

Nice job.!❤

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Thank you!! I'm still working on improving the pattern.

[@Bernadette8151]

You should try the wide leg pants from peppermint magazine. It’s a free pattern, doesn’t have pleats but may be a good starting point.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I will absolutely look into this! Thank you for the recommendation!!

[@NadoCrowFriend]

For your first pants : start with a wide leg, simple pant pattern ( no pleats, no slash pockets etc)

[@fantasypaintco]

I loved your video and your pants

[@lfuentes4098]

Place your back darts about 3” from CB. Next time mark CB on your waistband and pin that in first. Might help. 🤷‍♀️

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Thank you so much for the tip! I'm going to try this again and I think your advice will be very helpful!

[@Missbusybee2010]

The process…It just all seems so messy and complicated…but good job working it out

[@balbie29]

Not to be rude but to be a constructive critic, if you're looking for the perfect pants; you would have got better results if you had followed the correct process of Top down centre out.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

Oh 100% true. My first attempt at anything seems to be half-done most of the time. I'll definitely make a better attempt next time!

[@mdford6446]

Great job! You need a bigger space.

[@KatieMakesStuff]

I think so too! 😉