Measurements you need
Tape horizontal around the narrowest part of your torso, usually ¾–1⅝ in above the navel. Snug but not tight; don't pull in your stomach.Tape horizontal around the narrowest part of your torso, usually 2–4 cm above the navel. Snug but not tight; don't pull in your stomach.
Usually 22⅞–43¼ in.Usually 58–110 cm.Tape horizontal around the fullest part of your buttocks, allowing for the curve of your stomach. Stand straight, feet together.Tape horizontal around the fullest part of your buttocks, allowing for the curve of your stomach. Stand straight, feet together.
Usually 33⅛–51⅛ in.Usually 84–130 cm.At the side, from the waistline down to the level where you measured the hip. It helps to tie a ribbon at the waist and measure from it.At the side, from the waistline down to the level where you measured the hip. It helps to tie a ribbon at the waist and measure from it.
Usually 7⅛–8⅝ in.Usually 18–22 cm.Sit on a hard chair. At the side, straight down from the waistline to the seat. This measurement determines whether the pants will pull or hang loose at the crotch.Sit on a hard chair. At the side, straight down from the waistline to the seat. This measurement determines whether the pants will pull or hang loose at the crotch.
Usually 9½–11¾ in.Usually 24–30 cm.At the side from the waistline down to the desired hem. For a knee-length skirt — about 23⅝ in, for pants — to the floor or to the ankle bone.At the side from the waistline down to the desired hem. For a knee-length skirt — about 60 cm, for pants — to the floor or to the ankle bone.
Skirt 15¾–39⅜ in, pants 35⅜–43¼ in, shorts 11¾–21⅝ in.Skirt 40–100 cm, pants 90–110 cm, shorts 30–55 cm.Which fit to choose
Fit is all about ease: how many centimeters of room to add to your body measurements. Choose it in the "Fit, ease and seams" section — the numbers fill in automatically, and you can adjust them.
| Fit | At waist | At hip | When to choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Close-fitting | +¼ in0.5 cm | +¾ in2 cm | Snug fit. For stretch fabrics and pencil skirts. |
| Standard | +⅜ in1 cm | +1⅛ in3 cm | Follows the figure with room to move. Works for most fabrics. |
| Loose | +⅝ in1.5 cm | +2⅜ in6 cm | Relaxed, doesn't hug the hips. For stable fabrics and a loose silhouette. |
How the pants pattern is drafted
The base is built on a grid: waist, hip, crotch, knee and hem lines. The grainline runs down the center of each leg piece. The front crotch extension is small, the back is about twice as large, and the back center seam is slanted and raised above the waist. The hem is set so the side seam matches your length measurement exactly, and the back inseam ends up ¼–⅜ in0.5–1 cm shorter than the front: ease it in slightly when sewing.
How to print and tape
Download the PDF on Letter or A4 sheets and print at 100% scale, without "fit to page". The first sheet has the test square: measure it with a ruler. Tape the sheets together with an overlap along the ⅜ in1 cm strips; sheet numbers and the assembly guide are on the first page. For a copy shop or plotter, choose "One-sheet PDF".
What you get
Full-size front and back pants pieces: darts, grainline, notches at the hip and knee lines, seam allowances and hem allowance. Cut each piece twice, mirrored.
FAQ
What is crotch depth and why do I need it?
It's the distance from your waist to the chair seat when you sit up straight. It determines the depth of the crotch seam: an error of ⅜–¾ in1–2 cm gives you pants that pull or hang at the crotch.
Why measure inseam length if it's optional?
The pattern maker can draft pants without it. If you enter it, it will also check that the crotch seam is ⅜–2⅜ in1–6 cm longer than your measurement — which is as it should be for freedom of movement.
Why is the back piece wider than the front?
That's how the body is shaped: there's more volume in the seat. So the back has a wider crotch extension, and the center seam is slanted and raised above the waistline.
How do I make the pants narrower or wider?
Change the leg width at the hem: around 14⅛ in36 cm for skinny, 44–48 for straight, 54 and up for wide. A separate palazzo pants pattern is coming soon for noticeably wide legs.