This is a pattern that I’ve used before, but I made some other modifications in order to get a better fit. About a month ago, I went through all of my patterns. I got rid of some and organized what was remaining (still a lot). I’ve been trying my hand at pattern hacking/altering so that I can get the look and fit I want without having to buy more patterns all the time.

With this pattern, which includes pants, coulottes and shorts, I made View C which is like a “city shorts” or “walking shorts” (at least that’s how we used to refer to these).

While the pattern has front pleats, I removed those and made them flat-front. I didn’t like the way that the pleats add volume where I really don’t want or need it. But I do like how the pattern is very easy to sew. so, rather than finding another pattern, I use this one and changed it. I pleated the pattern, then redrew the front piece as if the pleat was never there (I hope that makes sense).  Here’s the post I wrote about it a while back here

As far as getting a better fit this time, I shortened the crotch seam by about 1/2″, then lengthened the center back seam about 1/2″. The only other change was to use a snap instead of a button.

This is made from a gray polyester suiting I had in my stash. I think I’ll use this pattern in the future to make the pants. This is pretty easy and straightforward in terms of pants-making. Once you get the fit the way you want, it should be easy to make some other changes.