Or is it secret sweatpants? Either way, I’ve used ponté knit from Sew Much Fabric in three colors to make my husband some new work pants. Since he now works permanently from home, he wanted something a little more comfy that was also easier to care for (i.e., less ironing for me!)
My husband didn’t want to model, so I pinned a pair to my dress form to give you an idea. I used Kwik Sew 4088 (OOP), a pyjama pants pattern that also includes a tee shirt, robe and short variation on the pants. While the pattern has an open fly with button closure, I simply sewed the fly shut to make a false fly. It’s a nice, quick pattern that assembles easily on the serger, with an elastic waist, drawstring and pockets.
A note of caution on this pattern (or any pants pattern really): do measure the crotch seam and compare it to a pair of well-fitting pants; these are meant to be pj’s worn to bed, so I imagine the crotch is supposed to be pretty loose. I didn’t think about that, and made a straight size – the crotch seam was hanging way down, and I had to significantly adjust the first pair I made. I reduced the front crotch by 1.5 inches and the back crotch by 3 inches. In order to alter the first pair I made, I had to cut out the pockets and lower the waistband. The original pockets weren’t salvageable, but I had enough scraps to make some quick and easy patch pockets instead.
Speaking of pockets, the pattern has you put these in rather low, especially for the larger sizes, so you might want to be certain of the final placement; I raised them in the final iteration by over two inches – my husband’s arms aren’t that long! I also used my usual “sportswear” pocket, I think this is the same as the pattern, but I don’t really remember. Don’t forget the knit stay tape to interface your pocket seams with!
The first pair also had the drawstring, but Hubby didn’t feel it was necessary, so I skipped it on the next two pairs. I used a blind hem to finish the pants. Here’s a tip we probably all know, but just a reminder: use your serger to edge the hem, then you’re all set up with the ¼ inch marked for you when you use the blind stitch foot on your sewing machine.
He isn’t either one for decorative elements, but that doesn’t mean that I, as the sewer, can’t have fun; I used a variegated thread in the bottom looper when I did the topstitching, so now there’s secret bling too!
For those of you who haven’t used the ponté from Roz before, it’s a wonderful fabric to sew with, to wear, and so easy to care for. Wrinkles come out really easily – see before and after a quick steam in the dryer.
I myself am looking forward to my own pair of secret comfy pants; Simplicity not long ago issued 3036 for ladies, which I will be making soon in ponté!
