Hello CSC!
As part of the Curvy Year of Sewing, I decided to share trousers to fit the theme for Jan/Feb. I made Blank Slate Patterns Forsythe Trousers, an elastic waist trouser with front pockets and back welt pockets. The trousers can either be full length or capri length. The Forsythe Trousers go up to a 55″ hip. It’s not an amazing size range: my 55″ hips just make it into the pattern’s 3XL size.
I have a double belly, big booty and a waist that is about 7 inches smaller then my full hips. I haven’t done a lot of pants fitting and have only just begun with it, but this pattern is great for beginners. They are like secret pjs and are so so sooooo comfortable to wear.
The first version I made was with a lightweight denim with deers and stars on it. I made the capri length in anticipation of wearing the pants for a trip over the holidays to Cuba. The fit wasn’t perfect. I did my usual adjustments before this pair by adding to the back rise (big booty adjustment) and scooping out the front crotch. The back fits pretty close to perfect for my first version, but the front crotch definitely needed more scooped out of it as there is some pooling of fabric in that area.
My second version is made using a lightweight stretch suiting material with stripes throughout. For this version, I scooped out more in the front and actually lowered the rise a bit at the center back. There is maybe a few more tweaks that could be made, but overall they fit pretty well and I really love them. You’ll notice in both versions I left the back pockets out. I am not a fan of back pockets in general. I have them on a few other pants I made, but I just don’t like them. I never use them and find that they don’t really add any benefits for me. I do, however love the front pockets and think they are a great size. My phone fits in them so that makes me happy.
I took about 4-5 inches off the hem to get them to fit correctly. I didn’t go for the cuffed hem, but instead made a 2 inch deep hem. I could maybe go for an inch more off the hems, but these are okay.
Blank Slate Patterns always has great instructions that are easy to follow. I also find that their patterns are pretty standard and I can make the same adjustments. I actually used my Barton shorts pattern to help me get a good fit with my first pair by comparing the pattern pieces to make my adjustments.
I’m a big fan of how the pattern looks on me and I am definitely going to make it again.
It’ll be a great addition to my work wardrobe.
Size Range (1-5): 4 Could be a bit better, but it’s nice to be in the size range.
Instructions (1-5): 5 Blank Slate Patterns always have great instructions.
Construction Process (1-5): 5 No issues with the construction process. Although, I didn’t try out the welt pocket.
Final Fit (1-5): 4.5 The final fit is super close to what I wanted. I just need a bit of an adjustment at the back crotch and back thigh and a bit more off the hem and then they should be great.
Overall Rating: 4.6
The pattern is super close to 5 for the overall rating. I do think the size range could go up a bit higher. I think that about most patterns, though, and tend to be pretty tough on pattern companies. If I am in the top ranges, I generally think they should go higher. The fit is pretty good. I never expect to make zero adjustments and since these fit well with some minor adjustments, I am pretty happy. So glad to have a comfortable pair of pants for work. Secret pjs for the win!
Both versions of the pant pattern look very flattering on you. Thank you for sharing your measurements. Your makes look better than RTW. I’ll refer my friend here. She keeps telling me that there are no pants for her figure type. Well, you proved her wrong.
Thanks, Deb. Glad to help prove your friend wrong! She can definitely make pants for her figure. 😀
Both versions of the pant pattern look very flattering on you. Thank you for sharing your measurements. Your makes look better than RTW. I’ll refer my friend to here. She keeps telling me that there are no pants for her figure type. Well, you proved her wrong.
they look very profesional and terrific on you. do you like the low rise? i never preferred it for me, but maybe i’m wrong on that. do you think it can be adjusted to be waist-high by slashing straight across the hipline and raising an inch or so? i’m only 5′ tall so one inch should be enough.
Thanks, Barbara. The rise is a bit higher than it appears. I also forgot to mention that I switched out the 1.5 inche elastic for 1 inch elastic so it lowers the rise as well. You could definitely raise it up though just as you explained. 🙂
These look amazing! I can’t believe they are elastic-waist. Is the rise on the low side? I would have thought they’d be more bunchy at the top.
Thank you, Diana. It’s actually not that low. I shortened the front crotch by about 2 inched and also switched out 1.5 inch elastic for 1 inch elastic. So it does appear lower than the original pattern.
Imma have to try these pants! I tried to sew pants with horrible results( serious boodack)!
I hope the pattern works out for you! 🙂
Never even thought about this pattern until your review. They look great and I may have to ponder adding the pattern to my collection.
Thanks, Rebecca. Happy to influence your collection. 🙂
ooh! I love these! Any suggestions on where to learn about scooping out crotches and adjusting back seams? :o)
I have very similar measurements, and never considered making pants that weren’t all baggy!
Thank so much, Eliz.
Check out curvy pants month: http://curvysewingcollective.com/wrap-up-curvy-pants-month/
There are tutorials on adjusting pants to fit there. 🙂
Thanks for the great review Andie. My pants problems are very similar to yours. So I look forward to your pattern reviews! You have given me one more pants pattern to try. I have had success with stylearc Barb pants. I have a 56″ waist, added to the back rise, lowered the front to get rid of excess fabric, added 1/2 inch to front inner thigh. The length is the easiest alteration to make!
Sorry, meant to say 56″ HIP ! Could not figure out how to recall the message to correct it.
Thanks, Mary. Sounds like we have similar adjustments. I agree length is very easy!
The pants look great, in both lengths….
Thank so much!
You had me at “secret pjs”!!! Thanks for the review!
Thanks! 🙂
Hi Andie
What a fab pattern… They both look good but the striped pants look fantastic… Obviously a lesson to pant/ trouser newbies like me to make a practice pair as the fit of the striped pants looks utterly professional. It’s now a pattern I’m adding to my list as I have 4-5 metres of a lovely navy wool mix suiting and I was considering making a jacket from it one of these days and these may well be the perfect matching trousers- comfy being a pre requisite when seated most of the time! I shall refer back to the adjustments you made as a starting point so thank you for being so concise in your review.
T xxx
Thanks so much, T! 🙂 Yes, when you are new to something, a muslin or practice is pair is definitely key. 🙂 This pattern would look lovely in the wool suiting mix. 🙂
Nice job with the stripes; they look good.
Thank you so much! 🙂
Hi 🙂 These pants look really good. I’m v new to sewing but I hope one day I can make something like this also with ‘adjustments’ I’ll need to make too! 😉 Anyway, it’s good to see us curvy’s can make clothes and from which pattern brands. I’m finding your blog v inspirational. Thank you! 🙂
Thanks so much, Cali. 🙂 You’ll definitely be able to make these. They are a great pattern for starting out with pants sewing. 🙂