How To Create Perfectly Tapered Dress Pants

Do you often struggle to find the perfect pair of dress pants that fit you just right? If so, why not try making your own tapered dress pants? Not only will you be able to customize the fit to your body measurements, but you'll also have complete control over the style and fabric choices. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps of making tapered dress pants from scratch, giving you the opportunity to create a stylish and tailored pair of pants that will always make you look your best.

Gathering materials and taking accurate measurements

One of the most important steps in making tapered dress pants is gathering the right materials and taking accurate measurements. These two steps will serve as the foundation for the entire sewing process. Here's a detailed guide on how to gather your materials and take precise measurements to ensure a perfect fit for your pants.

Materials:

• Fabric: Choose a high-quality fabric suitable for dress pants, such as wool, cotton, or a polyester blend. Consider the desired weight, drape, and color of the fabric based on the style you intend to create.
• Thread: Use a thread color that matches your fabric or a neutral color like black, gray, or beige.
• Interfacing: Depending on the fabric, you may need a fusible interfacing to reinforce areas like the waistband or pocket openings.
• Sewing machine: A reliable sewing machine with straight and zigzag stitches is essential.
• Sewing tools: Gather basic sewing tools like scissors, pins, hand needles, measuring tape, and a marking pen or chalk.

Taking Measurements:

• Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, which is usually the narrowest part of your torso. The tape should be snug but not too tight or too loose.
• Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, ensuring the tape is parallel to the floor.
• Inseam: Measure from the crotch seam to the desired length of your pants. If you're unsure about the length, measure a well-fitting pair of pants and adjust accordingly.
• Rise: This measurement determines the distance between the crotch seam and the waistband. Measure from the front waistline down through the crotch to the back waistline.
• Thigh: Measure the circumference of your thigh at the widest point. Wrap the tape measure snugly but not tightly around your thigh.
• Knee and calf: Measure the circumference of your knee and calf at the widest points, similar to the thigh measurement.

Creating a Paper Pattern:

• To ensure accuracy, create a paper pattern using your measurements. Start by drawing a basic pants pattern using your waist and hip measurements, ensuring the waistline is narrower than the hips.
• Gradually taper the pattern from the hips down to the desired width at the ankle. This will create a slim and tapered silhouette.
• Make sure to include seam allowances, usually around 1.5 cm (5/8 inch), on all edges except for the waistline.
• Label the pattern pieces accordingly, such as front pant, back pant, waistband, and pocket facing, to avoid confusion during the sewing process.

By meticulously gathering the necessary materials and taking precise measurements, you can set yourself up for success in making your very own tapered dress pants. These initial steps are crucial for achieving a well-fitted and professional-looking final product. Once you have your materials and measurements sorted, you can move on to the next steps of cutting and assembling your pants.

Cutting and sewing the fabric for the pants

Once you have measured and drafted your pattern for your tapered dress pants, it's time to cut and sew the fabric. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of cutting and sewing the fabric for the pants.

• Start by laying out your fabric on a flat, clean surface. Make sure that the fabric is folded in half, with the right sides facing each other. This will ensure that you have two identical pieces for the front and back of the pants.
• Take your pattern pieces and pin them to the fabric. Make sure to align the grainline on the pattern with the grain of the fabric. This will ensure that the pants hang correctly and drape nicely on your body. Trace around the pattern pieces using chalk or a fabric pen, and then remove the pattern pieces.
• With your fabric still folded in half, use fabric shears to carefully cut along the traced lines. Take your time to cut accurately and smoothly, as this will affect the overall look and fit of your pants.
• Once you have cut out both the front and back pieces of the pants, unfold the fabric and lay the front and back pieces with the right sides facing each other. Pin along the inseam and side seam lines, matching up the edges. Make sure to leave an opening along the side seam for the zipper.
• Using a sewing machine or a serger, sew along the pinned inseam and side seam lines. Use a straight stitch, and backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to reinforce it. When sewing the side seam, remember to leave an opening for the zipper.
• Press the seams open using an iron to create a crisp and professional finish. This will also help the seams lay flat and reduce bulk.
• Next, it's time to insert the zipper. Pin the zipper face down along the opening in the side seam, making sure that the teeth of the zipper are aligned with the seam line. Sew the zipper in place using a zipper foot on your sewing machine. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of the zipper to secure it.
• Once the zipper is securely attached, you can finish sewing the rest of the side seam. Pin and sew along the remaining portion of the side seam, starting from the bottom of the zipper and ending at the hem of the pants. Press the seam open and finish the raw edges with a serger or a zigzag stitch.
• Lastly, it's time to hem the pants. Try on the pants and determine how long you want them to be. Fold up the raw edge of the fabric to create a small hem and pin it in place. Sew the hem using a straight stitch or a blind hem stitch on your sewing machine.
• Give your pants a final press using an iron to remove any wrinkles and ensure a polished finish.

Congratulations! You have successfully cut and sewn the fabric for your tapered dress pants. They are now ready to be worn and enjoyed.

Adding details such as pockets and waistband

Pockets:

• Choose the type of pocket you want to add. Common options include side-seam pockets, back welt pockets, or front patch pockets. Consider the style and purpose you desire for your pants.
• Mark the pocket placement on the pants. Use chalk or fabric markers to draw the pocket shape directly onto the pants. Make sure the placement is symmetrical and sits comfortably where you can easily access it.
• Cut out the pocket fabric. Use a pocket pattern or trace the desired pocket shape on your fabric, leaving enough seam allowance for sewing and attaching it to the pants.
• Sew the pocket pieces together. With right sides facing, sew the pocket sections together, leaving the top edge open. If your pocket has a lining, sew that together as well.
• Attach the pocket to the pants. Line up the pocket edges with the markings on the pants and pin them in place. Stitch along the drawn lines, securing the pocket to the pants. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam for added strength.
• Finish the pocket. Trim any excess fabric and press the pocket flat. If desired, you can topstitch around the pocket edges for a neat and professional finish.

Waistband:

• Measure and cut the waistband fabric. Measure the waistband length by wrapping a tape measure around your waist where you want the pants to sit. Cut a fabric strip that is two times the width of the desired finished waistband, plus seam allowance on all sides.
• Sew the waistband pieces together. With right sides facing, sew the short ends of the waistband fabric together to create a loop. Press the seam open.
• Prepare the pants for the waistband. Fold down the top edge of your pants, making sure the fold is even. Press it to create a clean line.
• Attach the waistband to the pants. Align the raw edge of the waistband with the folded edge of the pants, with right sides facing. Pin them together, ensuring that the waistband is evenly distributed around the pants.
• Sew the waistband in place. Stitch along the pinned edge, leaving a small opening at the back for inserting the waistband closure. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam. Trim any excess fabric and press the seam open.
• Insert the waistband closure. Depending on your preference, you can use a button and buttonhole, a hook and eye, or a snap fastener to secure the waistband closure. Ensure it aligns correctly with the opening you left in the previous step.
• Finish the waistband. Fold the waistband over the seam you just sewed, enclosing the raw edge. Press it flat and pin it in place. Topstitch along the folded edge of the waistband, securing it to the pants and creating a polished finish.

By following these steps, you can easily add pockets and a waistband to your tapered dress pants. Remember to take your time and sew with precision to achieve professional-looking results. Enjoy the process of customizing your pants and create a garment that reflects your personal style and preferences.

Finishing touches and final adjustments

Hemming the pants:

• Use a measuring tape to get the desired length for your pants.
• Fold the fabric inside at the bottom, according to the desired length, and pin it in place.
• Try on the pants and adjust the length if necessary.
• Stitch the hem using a blind stitch or a machine stitch, depending on your preference and skill level.
• Press the hem to create a crisp finish.

Waistband:

• Measure the waist of the pants and cut out a waistband strip from the same fabric.
• Fold the strip in half lengthwise, right sides together, and stitch the raw edges together.
• Turn the waistband right side out and press it flat.
• Pin the waistband to the pants, aligning the raw edges, and stitch in place.
• Create buttonholes or add hook and bar closures as needed.
• Attach buttons or hooks to secure the waistband.

Belt loops:

• Cut fabric strips for belt loops, usually about 1.5 inches wide and the desired length.
• Fold the strips lengthwise, right sides together, and stitch along the long edge.
• Turn the belt loops right side out and press them flat.
• Pin the belt loops to the waistband, evenly spaced, and stitch them securely in place.

Final fitting adjustments:

• Try on the pants at various stages of completion to check the fit.
• Make adjustments to the waist, hips, and legs as needed.
• Take in or let out seams using pins and baste stitches until you achieve the desired fit.
• Trim excess fabric and finish seams with an overlock stitch or a serger to prevent fraying.
• Once satisfied with the fit, sew the final seams and remove any basting stitches.

Pressing and steaming:

• Press all seams and darts using a steam iron to create professional-looking creases and smooth out any wrinkles.
• Be careful not to press too hard, especially on delicate fabrics, as it may damage the fabric.
• Steam the pants to remove any remaining wrinkles and give them a polished appearance.

By following these steps, you can achieve beautifully tailored tapered dress pants that fit you perfectly and look impressive. Remember to take your time, make any necessary adjustments, and pay attention to the details for a flawless finish.

Frequently asked questions