Sewing pedal pushers with belt loops I designed (and you can too!)

[@tashacouldmakethat]

The fabric I used is a little more turquoise than the camera shows, but check the description for a link to purchase it, if you're looking for a nice stretch twill too! I also ordered it in green... 😜

[@charlottenaves1513]

My mother wore blouses just like the one you are wearing 😊 In the 50’s and 60’s ladies always wore blouses-not jerseys and stretchy pullovers. And dressed that way until the day she passed at 91 years old!❤ Very classy 😊

[@RetroClaude]

The combination of the pedal pushers and the jailbird blouse 🎉 love the little details ❤

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Thanks!! ❤️ I love how they looked together even though I was planning to wear a different top with the pedal pushers originally. Then I remembered my Jailbird blouse! And now I want to knit another. 😆

[@lindak8664]

Thanks for reminding me of that lapped zipper method! That’s the way I always used to do them, and they all turned out spot on. Then I started following pattern instructions, thinking the must know what they’re talking about, and haven’t managed a decent one since! Love your outfit! You have such a nice body shape for 50’s wear. Whatever you make always looks fantastic on you.

[@tashacouldmakethat]

It's a nice method, just a bit fussier in some respects, but hard to deny the great results! Patterns definitely don't always have all the answers. 🤣

[@agcons]

The first pair of trousers I made was over 40 years ago, and I not only sewed the two backs together but the two fronts together too, at what were supposed to be the side seams. Imagine my confusion when I found I couldn't go any further. It never happened again; I made sure of that. I also found making and attaching belt loops to be onerous, and one of those tasks where I have to brace myself before starting. Even so, I always make seven loops (with one over the centre back) instead of taking the same shortcut as clothing manufacturers (five loops, or, worse, six loops with one on each side of centre back). I just put the project aside when I get to that point, and tackle the making and sewing of the loops the next day when I've got the stamina. When I get back into sewing I have making my own jeans on the list. I've done this before, years ago, from a commercial pattern and they didn't look quite right. They were also one helluva lot of work, what with changing the thread countless times for topstitching. This time I'll make a pattern from a favourite pair of 501s that are blown out. I'll definitely try your assembly order if I can make it work with jeans, and since I have a second machine now the topstitching won't be nearly as annoying.

[@tashacouldmakethat]

I love making my own jeans, it's one of my favorite things to do! And so many small opportunities to personalize. Belt loops however you like, whatever color of topstitching you like (I've done gold, red, and light blue, plus contrasting red bar tacks with gold topstitching), whatever shape pockets you want, you name it. The switching threads is a bit of a drag but you'll have that problem solved.

[@LauriesPlace999]

Love them❤ That’s how I learned to construct pants (about 100 yrs ago lol back in school) and could never figure out why everyone found them so confusing

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Thanks! Yes I'm sure there are benefits to the other assembly methods (one would assume if they exist 😁), but this method is so much easier to remember and I love it.

[@BritInvLvr]

I am almost done with my 1930s inspired dress. Only have to make the belt and loops. This video came up just in time.

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Oooh something like those belt loops would be great on a 30s-inspired dress too or with a self-made belt. I'm definitely going to do them again sometime with a matching belt.

[@sandreawhite7534]

We never called them capris we called them pedal pushers.beautiful pants. Beautiful fit.

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Thanks! I usually think of capris as shorter, closer to knee length. I amazingly have a vintage pair of capris that the label shows are literally from the island of Capri, where they were named! They are just a bit below my knee, definitely shorter than these pedal pushers, if I recall. So interesting.

[@patriciabennett961]

Oh these turned out super cute! Love the belt loops and I've always loved lapped zippers the best! Thanks for this video, you are so inspirational ❤️

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Thank you so much! ☺️

[@marathorne6821]

I love those belt loops! Very stylish 😍 Well done!

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Thank you!! 😊

[@nkruczenyk4047]

Fabulous as always, your pedal pushers are so cute and your sewing tips for the zipper and waistband are fantastic! Thank you 😊

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Thank you so much, and you’re very welcome! 😊

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

I love this way of putting pants together. The other way is needlessly complicated and annoying! The waistband hints are great I never thought of doing that. I’m now thinking well duh it so makes sense! Love the shaped belt loops with the buttons. They add so much to the pants.

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Thanks, glad you found the waistband tips helpful! I really like the belt loops, it's a fun touch! And looks so cool with the belt in my next video-to-come. 😁

[@ReinaElizondo]

Really cute! Love the belt loops!

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Thank you! 😊

[@michelleblount1336]

I have just tried your zip method and it worked amazingly well shall be doing all my zips this way from now on thanks for sharing love your chanel ❤

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Fantastic, and welcome to the channel!

[@sewmytroublesaway]

I'm definitely trying your zipper method. I've been making faced-waist cigarette pants using a back invisible zipper because I want pockets and was worried about putting in an invisible zipper at the side with pockets. But I really don't like the back invisible zipper on fitted pants. I'm going to try this instead!

[@Aemelianna]

Great timing and great tutorial! I was just planning how I'd add belt loops like this to a 3/4 denim circle skirt I'm making

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Thanks! Belt loop kismet. 😁

[@Puppy52]

Good tips as always! Thank you so much🥰

[@tashacouldmakethat]

You are so welcome, glad it was helpful!

[@monicagfoeller2270]

Great detailed video, thanks.

[@tashacouldmakethat]

You're so welcome, thanks!

[@triciawilkerson2778]

I'm so excited to make some pedal pushers! But...I definitely need to make a muslin. Do you have a recommendation for stretch bottom weight for a muslin of the pants? Thanks!

[@tashacouldmakethat]

Unfortunately I don't! When I've needed to do muslins for stretch woven pants I've ended up using fabrics that I had in my stash that ended up things I hated (like a really ugly light green that looked awful lol). Or just diving in and basting the legs together, and figuring out the best I can get from taking in/letting things out as a 'wearable muslin' kind of, and then transferring any changes to the pattern for next time.

[@kittypimms1606]

Tasha! Do you have any tips for sewing while neurodivergent? I've always wanted to learn but my attention span is short and I get frustrated easily.

[@tashacouldmakethat]

I don't specifically, however, if attention span is an issue then breaking things up into much smaller chunks of time might be a big help! Plus, if you're learning, maybe less frustrating too. You could even set a timer for yourself for a short period of time to keep yourself focused. In fact I actually work like that on occasion just by nature of working from home. I can get a few minutes in at lunch, or before work, or what-have-you. I'll just say "okay, I'm sewing one seam". And I pin/sew/press just one small thing. Even in short increments, you can sometimes make a lot of progress. There's a lot of sitting and standing and moving around with sewing, so I sometimes can't do it for long bursts anyway because even with a rug, I work on a basement concrete floor and I'm not a spring chicken so my body is like nope, we're done here. 🤣

[@jessieatterholt3957]

I've been planning a pair of pedal-pushers in a turquoise stretch twill using this pattern, and was searching for ways to add little extra something, and of course you have the perfect idea!! Planning to give these button loops a go, thanks so much for the lovely tutorial, Tasha! ❤ Out of curiosity, why did you eliminate the pockets and put the zipper at the side instead of the back? Trying to decide if I should attempt the same...🤔

[@tashacouldmakethat]

You're very welcome! It was fun to do something a little different. Imagine them on a Western-inspired skirt! I originally eliminated the pockets for aesthetic reasons, just wanted a plain front pair. I later moved the zipper to the side because I just find them a bit easier (when I sew a skirt with side seam pockets and a CB zipper I almost always put it on sideways first and am like why is there a pocket on my stomach 🤣). Though I've since still made a pair with the pockets/back zipper.

[@jessieatterholt3957]

@@tashacouldmakethat Thanks for explaining! It's always interesting to hear your thought process. I think I'll give the side zipper a shot to try something new! And OMG, yes, these would look soooo cute on a Western style skirt. 😍

[@rachelferet3941]

Wait... How do those other methods of sewing pants together go? Why would I put one leg inside the other? I do mine the way you do and it's the only method I've ever known. Are you suggesting that there are methods out there wherein you sew each pant leg? Like chaps? And then sew those together? I reject that reality 😂

[@BritInvLvr]

I made a pair of shorts yesterday and save the crotch till last and ended up having to put one inside the other. D’oh!

[@tashacouldmakethat]

I wish I could remember what pattern I saw the leg inside the other, and I can't remember how it's done, other than me thinking NOPE this is silly, I'm ignoring this if I ever see it again. 🤣 From what I recall, you sewed the inseam together front/back leg (so that's so easy to do 2 fronts on accident, say), and maybe then side the seams? And then somehow slip one leg into the other and sew the center front/back crotch seam in one go. Just noooo thank you. Clearly I too rejected that reality. 😂