I’ve submitted my first Pattern Review … er, review. This is for Burda 7863, the slimline pants I’ve just finished for winter. I wanted slimline pants this season so I could wear them tucked into my biker boots, and I’m definitely planning to wear these mostly in this way. However only half the legs are visible when boots are on, so for my review photo I thought I’d better show them in their full length as here. Without further ado, here is my review…
Pattern Description:
Ladies slimline pants in either three quarter or ankle length with fly front, button up waistband, curved inset side pockets, patch back pockets with flap. Waistband sits at natural waistline. For two way stretch fabrics only
Pattern Sizing:
European 36 (US10) to 48 (US22)
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
I made up the ankle length only but, yes
Were the instructions easy to follow?
very easy
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
It was a very simple pattern to use. The envelope rates it as average difficulty, I’d say a beginner could easily make these pants successfully. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. What I didn’t like; according to the Burda sizing I have size (US)12 hips and size (US) 10 waist. So I laid the pattern pieces down on some well-fitting jeans I already have and was suspicious the (US)12 hip would be too big, consequently I cut my leg pieces to accommodate size 12 hips but basted them together along the size 10 sewing lines. As it turned out the size 10 fit perfectly and I finished the seams to size 10 and removed the extra allowance.
Fabric Used:
Khaki/grey stretch gabardine for the pants and the back pocket flaps were made in a contrasting beige cotton. Topstitching in contrasting light tan thread, pewter shaded metallic buttons. To reduce chance of “pocket shadow” on the front of the pants I used a scraps of a very lightweight brown synthetic I had for the pocket piece.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
No pattern alterations. Instead of double rows of topstitching as recommended in the pattern instructions I used single long stitch topstitching in a lighter coloured contrasting thread, as I like the more simple look this gives.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would definitely sew this again! I already have some black stretch denim waiting with this pattern’s name on it…!
Conclusion:
I chose this pattern because I wanted slimline pants for winter and all my other pants patterns are widelegged because I had it stuck in my head slimline wouldn’t suit me. I am thrilled I took a chance with this new pattern type and felt very trendy and hip the first time I wore them! With the waistband sitting high at the natural waistline the pants are a big improvement on the low-rise skinny jeans of the last few years; the higher waist removes the risk of muffin-top happening and using a firm stretch fabric results in a figure hugging, body sculpting silhouette that I couldn’t be happier with…! This are definitely not “mummy jeans” but stylish and smart.
I would class them as “jeggings” the new name for pants that are too thin for the name “jeans” but too tailored and smart to be labelled “leggings”
Details:
Pants; Burda 7863, khaki stretch gabardine
Top; Cue
Ivory scarf; Country Road
Blue scarf; My DIY version, from a refashioned tank-top
Belt; from Salvos op shop
Booties; Django and Juliette
OooOo I am in love!
They are spectacular! Those back pockets are MAGNIFICENT. I am *almost* tempted to make a pair myself… however I'm still terrified of pants.
Pattern sizing is ridiculous. You know a US size 10 is about an Australian size 16! They shouldn't even bother putting sizes on them as they mean nothing!
You look fantastic in these! Great choice of color too!
It seems that the pattern sizing is just as bad as clothing sizing here in the US. I wear store bought clothing ranging in size from a 12 to a 16 depending on the brand. That's quite a gap if you ask me.
Those are really cute.
Thank you so much for your condolences on our loss.
Gorgeous! Lovely work. Especially adore the fun pocket flaps – they make your tushie look FABULOUS! Well done!
Those look very good! I got a bit scared when reading the blog title, but I'm OK now. As far as I know, the term 'jeggings' is used to refer to leggings made from a very stretchy variaty of jeans. So, skintight 'jeans' with an elastic waistband. To me, your flattering slimline trousers are nothing like 'jeggings'…
Those are beautiful! Great job — the fit is fabulous.
mmm, very cute pants. Definitely not mom jeans, you're right.
Love them. Great fit.
The pants looks basolutelly great on you, love the color of fabric you chose!
i may have to borrow this patten a very successful garment!!!!!
I love the pocket flaps and the colour scheme. I have bought a similar coloured top to go with charcoal pants and coat. The blue and cream look good as accents. Of course you look great in everything. Mum
You look fantastic in these slim line pants. love the choice of contrasting fabric for pocket flap which appear to be perfectly placed. I also like to rear view showing a well choosen belt to compliment the pants.
Really great fit, I'm inspired to have a go now. Found your blog via a link in The Guardian newspaper. I'm going to add these to my list of things to make. If I buy jeans that fit on the bum, they're too tight on the waist and give me a muffin top. Here in the UK, 'jeggings' just seem to be leggings made of denim – i.e. pull on rather than fly-front.