In these days of self-isolating, I’m all about comfortable clothes. Given that I’m juggling trying to work from home full-time while suddenly having to homeschool my 2nd grader, I’m also all about sewing projects that don’t make my brain hurt. Luckily for us curvy sewists, the new-ish Sculthorpe Pants pattern from Muna and Broad checks both of these boxes!
The Sculthorpes feature a side panel/pocket construction that’s been popular in recent pant patterns. The rise on the Sculthorpe is slightly lower than the Muna and Broad Glebe pant, and the Sculthorpe leg is more tapered than the Glebe.
As is the case with all Muna and Broad patterns, the size chart for the Sculthorpes start where many other indie patterns sizing ends and goes up to a 71.5″ (181.5cm) hip. If you need a larger size, contact them, and Leila will grade up the pattern for you.
Andie
Measurements: 48 inch waist, 53-57 inch hips depending on inflammation; Height 5’3″
Pattern Size: Size 1
Alterations: I took 2 inches off the bottom in both versions for ankle length. In the mint version, I altered the waistband for 1 inch elastic instead of 1.5 inch elastic.
Fabric: Lavender linen for my tester version. Mint cotton canvas for my final version.
Fit: I think the fit for both is pretty good.
Changes for future versions: Since I modified for 1 inch elastic, I do want to raise the height of the pants a bit for comfort. This would also get rid of some minor fit issues in the crotch curve.
Final Thoughts: I love both pairs and think they make for great pants that are both comfortable and look great to wear. I loved pairing the mint with my sheer boxy top since it really made for a lovely look. I can also see these being cute with the hems rolled up for a cropped look. All in all, these are my fav casual pants so far!
Kristina
Your Measurements: Bust –44″/112cm, Bra Size – 16DD, Waist – 38-40″/99 cm. Hips – 48-50″/124cm , Height – 5’6″/166 cm
Body Shape: Busty Pear? Sounds like a cartoon character actually…
Pattern size used: I made a size ii.
Alterations: None! Nil, zilch, nada. I have made several pairs of the Glebe pants, so I knew roughly which size I should start with. Also the major alteration I made in my Glebes was shortening the rise quite significantly, this pattern already has a shorter rise than the Glebes, and to me didn’t look like it would be worn quite so high, so I decided to run with it.
Fabric: The chocolate linen I used is from The Fabric Store. It’s a beautiful rich brown with a lovely drape, prefect for autumn pants. I loved the contrast stitching on the selvedge so much I used it as a guide for a contrasting top stitching colour.
Fit: I’m really happy with where the pants sit on my waist, the fit through my hips & thighs. If I’m being uber picky I could probably take out a wee bit of fabric around the front lower hip area, and possibly under my butt but to be honest, it’s marginal. I’m not sure what jiggery pokery Muna & Board have performed to get this fit straight out of the packet but I’m happy!
Changes for future versions: As above, a slight alteration possibly, but that would probably depend on the fabric I’m using (the linen is quite heavy, something with more drape would fall differently) and possible a cm or two in additional length depending on what shoes I’ll be wearing, I really like the idea of these pants rolled up over cute boots. Also I have some lovely wool in my stash so a lined pair would be fab! We also can’t overlook lounge wear possibilities…
Final Thoughts:
This is a lovely pants pattern, the interesting & roomy pockets are fab, and the top stitching adds a really nice detail (especially if you want to go contrasting) Most important, they are really comfortable! As many of us are, I’m working from home currently, so a comfortable pair of pants that still look great (unlike my much beloved but rather sad leggings…) is a win. I purchased the PDF version of this pattern myself, direct from the Muna & Broad website.
Meg
Measurements: 43″ bust, 37-38″ waist, 46″ hip, 5’7″ height, 38D bra
Body Shape: Pearish? with a belly?
Pattern Size: Size iii
Alterations: My linen pair is about 1″ shorter than intended, and my corduroy pair 1″ longer than intended.
Fabric: I made two versions: one in a linen blend of some sort and the other in a lightweight corduroy. Both worked well!
Fit: I love the fit on the Sculthorpes! The rise is high, but not too high. Lovely taper on the leg. Room to move, but not too much room.
Changes for future version: No changes! I really do like the slightly cropped look for summer, so I might do that again. Maybe a contrasting side panel, or contrasting stitching to highlight the side panel/pocket situation?
Final thoughts: I love the cool, minimalist Elizabeth Suzanne Clyde pants vibes that the Sculthorpe pants have, but in a self-sewn, plus-size kind of way. The pockets and the side panel are a really nice detail, and very easy to sew.
Megan
Measurements: 45″ waist, 47″ hips, 5’7” tall
Pattern Size: I cut a size 2, corresponding to my hip measurement, and did not grade down at the waist because I figured I could just tighten the elastic.
Alterations: Before cutting, I compared the pattern pieces to my self drafted pants block. It was obvious I would need a lot more length along the crotch extension (the part that goes under the body, parallel to the ground). I added 2″ to the back crotch extension and 1″ to the front.
Fabric: This is a linen/rayon blend from LA Finch Fabrics.
Fit: When I first sewed them, they were totally wearable, but a little baggier than the look I was hoping for. I looked back at some of the versions I had admired on instagram and realized that those folks had size down! I should have payed attention to that detail. The fact that this linen/rayon blend is prone to bagging and stretching out with wear did help at all with the fact that they felt a bit bigger than I wanted them to. I ended up unpicking the waistband and topstitching and increasing the seam allowance along each of the princess seams 5/8″, to remove a total of 5″ from the waist and hips and 2.5″ from each of the legs, all the way to the hem. I am really happy with the fit now!
Changes for future version: Generally speaking, I would go down a size, however I’m probably not going to reprint the pattern, I will just modify what I already printed out cause the changes I made worked great! I will probably also lower the front rise at least an inch on my next version. Otherwise, they are pretty perfect!
Final thoughts: REALLY LOVE these pants! They are everything I dreamed.
Michelle
Measurements: High Bust – 42″, Bust –47″, Bra Size – 40DD, Waist – 44″, Hips – 47″, Height – 5’2″.
Pattern Size: I sewed a size iii hip/leg graded to a ii at the waist.
Alterations: I shortened the legs by 2″ at the lengthen/shorten lines and did the aforementioned grading between sizes. Whereas I’d shortened the rise of my Glebe pants, I knew that the Sculthorpes had a shorter rise already drafted, so I chose to not alter the rise. I might lower it a touch in future versions.
Fabric: Mid-weight linen from La Mercerie, who used to have a nice selection of curated fabrics for sale. (In these photos, I’ve paired my Sculthorpe pants with the Seamwork Jo top.)
Fit: I can’t believe that I have pants that fit me like this straight off of the PDF. The waist does feel a bit loose as I wear them throughout the day, so I do want to unpick a few inches of stitches from the waistband and take in the elastic a bit. Other than that, though, I love these pants.
Changes for future version: I can’t think of anything I’d change other than making sure to cut a shorter length of elastic in future versions, and I might play around with lowering the rise slightly.
Final thoughts: These are so ridiculously comfortable in this linen. I want to make up at least a few more versions in other colors.
Sierra
Measurements: Full bust: 54 in, waist: 44 in, hips: 54 in, height: 5 ft 7 in
Pattern Size: Size 1, the same size I used for the Glebe pants.
Alterations: I didn’t make any major fit alterations. I used a 1/2 inch hem instead of 1 inch.
Fabric: Viscose twill from Blackbird Fabrics.
Fit: I’m super pleased with the overall fit. The elastic waistband is comfortable when sitting and standing. I’m used to a very high rise, so I’m adjusting to this rise being lower. It’s not low rise by any means, but it’s lower than I’m used to. I like the shape of the legs. These are the most tapered woven pants I’ve made.
Changes for future version: I need to settle on my desired length. I am not completely sure if I want a longer or shorter hem. I’ll wear them around to figure that out. I don’t need to change anything else.
Final thoughts: I love these pants. The pocket is my favorite detail from this pattern. I like that these can be dressed up or down. I’ve already paired these pants with several pieces currently in my wardrobe. This is another great pattern that I’m excited to wear!
I’m delighted to see this post! These are great trousers and I enjoyed seeing all the makes and accompanying review. I made a pair out of old sheets, and they fitted with no alterations, which never ever ever happens to me! I had to take the elastic in a bit to be firmer, and that is all. I am part way through sewing a pair in dark red linen, and looking forward to wearing them and maybe buying fabric for more…