Monday, April 17, 2017

Lutterloh Patterns Come Alive!

Supplement 304 - Model #5 - Spring 2017
Tapered Leg Knit Pants (Joggers)

Have you heard the term "athleisure"? These pants are the epitome of this style. They feel very much like athletic wear to me. I'm not sure I'll be running around town doing errands in these though; much better suited to walking the dog, which is why I needed them. 😉 

So, am I the only one who feels like their knit garments continue to shrink shorter the more you wash them? This created my need for knit pants that are a little longer than average. Sure I could probably order sweats from somewhere that offers talls but it seems like the price increases exponentially as they add those few precious inches. 

Pattern Drafting Hints:
This pants pattern was not at all complicated to enlarge to my size. I needed to make all my regular pattern alterations even though these pants are intended for knit fabrics. I find the Lutterloh patterns to fit me about the same as most pattern companies. In other words I still need to lengthen all my patterns just a little. 

Fabric Used/Suggested:
These casual pull on pants are made up in a medium weight poly/cotton interlock. This fabric has about 30% crosswise stretch but no lengthwise stretch. I wanted to reduce the risk of sagging pocket openings so the pockets are interfaced with knit interfacing. The wide waistband has 1.5" elastic all the way around. These pants could really be made up in almost any weight knit you like as long as your fabric has sufficient stretch with good recovery.

Design Changes:
There were just a few minor changes plus one major change. I didn't bother to install the drawstring waistband since I knew I wouldn't use it. I also added 2.5 inches to the length because I wanted these pants to cover the tops of my shoes. The major design change was to the width of the legs of this pattern. From experience, I know that pants that are tapered all the way to the ankle are not the best shape for me. I drew my pattern so it tapers to about mid calf and then drew the seamlines straight down. I also cut my fabric with generous seam allowances but ended up trimming off most of that with the serger by the time I was done. 

The fashion drawings for these pants were a little deceiving to me. About the only clue to the fit of these pants is on the drawing for model #4. See the arrow pointing to the slight wrinkling in the photo below?
This should have been my clue to the ease in these pants despite how slim they look on the other model. The extra ease I achieved by adding room at the seams turned out to be unnecessary.

Closing hints:
These pants are turning out to be super comfortable. My only concern is that they may bag out at the knees after wearing them all day. The top photo was taken about midday and they don't look too bad. So far, so good. I'll be on the lookout for another color fabric to make these again.

Here's hoping you're getting in some sewing time for you.
Happy Sewing!
Ann in Calif.     

16 comments:

  1. You are absolutely rockin' that look, love it!

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  2. Well thanks La Vonda. Once you get the pockets attached these are really fast to put together too.

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  3. Awesome review. You've lost weight--you look great!

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  4. Aawwww thanks. It's so much easier to get out and exercise when the weather warms up. ;)

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  5. Very nice. I am working on pattern 151 and can't figure out the symbol on part A bodice top. Can you help?

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  6. #3 on the side bar covers the symbols, feel free to print it off so you have copies.

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  7. Sherifat, for us to know which pattern you are working on we would need to know the year it was published. It should be in Roman numerals on the back of the pattern.

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  8. Romam numeral MMXIV. Thanks in advance.

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  9. Sashay, I actually have a review of that pattern here:
    http://sewingnhumming.blogspot.com/2014/11/lutterloh-patterns-come-alive.html
    The symbol you're likely wondering about is for a tuck or pleat. On the symbols page this appears as a mirrored facing because the fabric folded back on itself does form a facing of sorts for the pleat. If that doesn't answer your question feel free to ask a more specific one.

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  10. Much appreciated. You are great. Please keep sharing you knowledge. It's very helpful for newbies like me.

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  11. You are most welcome Sahsay. Make sure to check out all our links to past posts listed on the right side bar. There is a wealth of information contained in this blog.

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  12. I love those pants! I'm just getting into Lutterloh system and found your blog. Really inspiring. Will give it a try.

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  13. Thanks Erim. If you're just getting started with Lutterloh be sure to make the fitting vest. This will help you to determine any alterations you may need on all your future patterns.

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