High Waisted Check Trousers (Simplicity 8342)

I'm sure any long-time readers of my blog will have noticed by now that once I find a pattern I like, I'm going to make it time and time again. This is certainly no exception for the Simplicity 8342 retro style tight-fitting trousers, which I'd already made twice before this project (here and here), and will probably keep making every time I get some suitable stretch fabric.

For bonus points, this is also a fabric repeat - there was fabric left over from a pencil skirt and I'm all about that stash busting. Basically, this was a very repetitive project.

The fabric in question is a black and white check ponte roma, which is quite a thick, stretchy material, perfect for making something figure-hugging as it holds its shape very well. This particular material had the additional advantage that it didn't appear to fray, so I didn't bother with any seam finishings. As much as I love a clean finish inside a garment, there's something irresistibly refreshing about being able to skip this step. Instead, I just took extra care when cutting the pieces out, so that all the edges were as even as possible.

In terms of pattern alterations, I made the same adjustments as last time. I lengthened the legs from cropped to full-length - I added about 10 inches which turned out to be just the right length without hemming, so it was kind of lucky this fabric doesn't fray. Obviously, if you're thinking of doing the same thing, I'd recommend you measuring against your own legs if you want an accurate result.

I also raised the waistline by two inches as I preferred the higher waist look - if you're going to do this, make sure to double check your new waistline measurement corresponds to your actual waist measurement so they'll fit nice and snug.

These are a wonderfully easy sew, and would definitely be a great pattern to dip your toe in the water that is trouser making. I find this to be a really flattering pattern that really emphasises your curves in true 1950's fashion, and they're also incredibly comfortable to wear. I've already worn my other two pairs to death, and I wouldn't be surprised if that happens to this pair as well.

That's it from me for now - stay tuned in the coming weeks for a post on the top! Here's some extra photos taken outside I apparently didn't have space for in the main body of this post.