What's the best way to create your own pattern for sewing off of an existing garment (pants in this case)?

Question

I'd like to make some baggy elasticized waist pants for my daughter using a favorite style as a sample rather than buying a pattern at the store.

Answer 1

If you want to preserve the pants, take them to a tailor and ask for a pattern.

Or, you could carefully open all the seams, lay out the individual pieces as a pattern, and cut them out, adding about 1/2" for seams.

Answer 2

Hey, glad to talk to you. I've created my own patterns from other clothing now for 24 years. I started doing it when my daughter was born. I just take the clothing I want to pattern (in your case, pants) and fold at the seams and trace or pin to fabric to sew. I always allow a little extra arounds seams, waistbands, and hems just in case. But mine have always turned out just great. I don't have a machine and do it all by hand and I made my daughter one great devil costume this past Halloween. Good Luck, I'm sure you will do fine.

Answer 3

Go to the craft store, and buy a roll of drawing paper, the kind that comes with the kids blackboards. Now take the pants apart
and place each part of them on top of the paper adding 1 or 2 inches or whatever measurement you want.pin then to the paper and draw the outline, do this with each piece, Leaving enough material to play with.
Pin it all together and see how it fits her, trying it on inside out as you don't want the pins to pinch her. and you can alter them at that time.

Answer 4

Just remember the back pattern will have a bigger J than the front panels. Even if they have no seams on the side.

Answer 5

Take the favorite ones apart, use them as a pattern...It will work great

Answer 6

first have her remove the pants. then go from there