Do you know how Miranda Made A Zadie Jumpsuit With Jhag Ajrak Fabric? If no, then find that out here...
And now you will learn to make another master piece from her
Over to her...
I’m back again with another creation made with Fabriclore’s artisan fabric. This time the handloom woven checks captured my attention.
I just had to jump on the checked trouser trend when I saw window pane check handloom cotton fabric on fabriclore.com. I had envisioned a pair of trousers in this style and I used the Fremantle Pants pattern from Elbe textiles to bring the vision to life. This is a gender neutral, beginner friendly pattern with 3 length options and hip sizing from 32.5inches to 61.5inches . A medium weight fabric
works well with this pattern.
This grey handloom woven fabric has yellow and blue stripes creating a window pane design. The fabric is a part of a hand-picked curation of woven window pane checks, gingham and stripes in a wide variety of colours. The window pane design was my favourite, just something about this combination of colours really spoke to me.
Trouser patterns are relatively simple , especially if the design is loose fitting. It is still a good idea to make a mock up version ( also known as a toile) before making in your chosen fabric. The instructions for the pattern are very clear and when making this pattern you’ll use the following skills:
• Making pockets
• Creating waistband
• Adding a drawstring (if desired)
The Fabric
I knew I wanted to make a pair of checked trousers for some time now. The large squares of the check design in the fabric combined with the colours make it feel contemporary in my opinion.
When the fabric arrived I prepared it according to the instructions on the website. They suggest a gentle handwash and recommend soaking the fabric in salt water for 3-4 hours before you begin stitching. After following those instructions, I cut the pattern for my trousers. The fabric is 43inches wide so bare this in mind when choosing your pattern. More fabric is needed when matching stripes so also consider this when selecting your fabric amount.
When the fabric arrived I prepared it according to the instructions on the website. They suggest a gentle handwash and recommend soaking the fabric in salt water for 3-4 hours before you begin stitching. After following those instructions, I cut the pattern for my trousers. The fabric is 43inches wide so bare this in mind when choosing your pattern. More fabric is needed when matching stripes so also consider this when selecting your fabric amount.
This woven fabric was created on a handloom so the weave of the fabric isn’t as tight as regular cotton so avoid making garments that are tight fitting and may put stress on the seams. Allow the fabric to drape and display the checks perfectly
The Pattern
I used the beginner friendly Fremantle pants by Elbe textiles. There is a great video online which helps with the construction of the waistband. The instructions that come with the pattern are well written and will make this a great introduction to pants making. I made one modification and added belt loops to the trousers. I just felt like I wanted that option and I really like how it looks.
I made the full length version but ended up cutting a few inches off the bottom. It always saves time to measure your sewing pattern beforehand to highlight any adjustments needed. For example, I am 5’2” and I usually need to adjust the leg length in trousers as the patterns are usually drafted for a much taller person. In this instance didn’t make any adjustments beforehand.
I did consider a small amount of pattern matching when making these trousers. There are 2 pockets at the back and I tried to line up the stripes while attaching them. The stripes may not line up perfectly but the lines are straight which is pleasing to the eye. True pattern matching requires some effort and extra fabric but I was able to keep the pattern undisturbed by matching some of the lines and keeping the pattern flowing.
With the remnant fabric I drafted a simple top. I made it as an afterthought in one sewing session and in all honesty I neglected to take notes while I made it. There is a very similar tutorial on www.diydaisy.com called The Rectangle sleeve top. Great for using up leftover fabric.
The Result
I am so pleased with my matching set. My main intention was to create trousers and I accomplished that but I am even more happy with the fact that I used all the fabric for my matching top. Worn as separates or together, the checks make a statement. I think this fabric would be amazing as a shirt or combined with a lining would even make a “Shacket” (shirt/jacket). There are lots of woven checks on the Fabriclore website and once again I would like to thank the lovely folks at Fabriclore for allowing me to select from their collection of beautiful artisan fabrics.
Do let us know in the comment how you felt about the making of this beautiful attire.
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