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justiceischeap

(14,040 posts)
Sat Aug 11, 2012, 11:21 AM Aug 2012

Got any seamstresses here that can answer a question about hand-made patterns?

I have the overwhelming urge to make a pair of Thai Fisherman pants. There are 2 hand-drawn patterns available online that I'm creating my own pattern from. There is a slight difference between the two patterns and I want to know why.

This is one picture of the pattern for the pant legs:



And this is the other:



They are virtually identical except in the second image, the top of the legs are cut at an angle. My question is, what difference does this make? I'm creating a pattern from the measurements given and I want to make sure I create the best pattern and understand why there is that difference.

BTW, it's been 20 yrs since I've seen a sewing pattern or sat at a sewing machine... so I'm basically a newbie at this stuff.

Edited to add:
Completed pair of TFP:

12 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Got any seamstresses here that can answer a question about hand-made patterns? (Original Post) justiceischeap Aug 2012 OP
Maybe you should change that to "seamstresses." Archae Aug 2012 #1
Thanks for the tip! ;) nt justiceischeap Aug 2012 #2
That's a pretty generic pattern. Body shape is going to dictate dimensions. NYC_SKP Aug 2012 #3
you're an architect? Kali Aug 2012 #11
All nighters! NYC_SKP Aug 2012 #12
The second on will fit a little smoother I think Viva_La_Revolution Aug 2012 #4
It's basically about the way it "hangs" then justiceischeap Aug 2012 #5
I think so Viva_La_Revolution Aug 2012 #6
If you want the pants to hang on your hips marzipanni Aug 2012 #7
OOOOPS- I just looked at the link NYC_SKP posted. marzipanni Aug 2012 #8
Thanks all! justiceischeap Aug 2012 #9
Top one male, bottom one female. HopeHoops Aug 2012 #10

Archae

(46,260 posts)
1. Maybe you should change that to "seamstresses."
Sat Aug 11, 2012, 11:25 AM
Aug 2012

I saw the title and thought, "A sewer?"
"What all the shit drains into?"

 

NYC_SKP

(68,644 posts)
3. That's a pretty generic pattern. Body shape is going to dictate dimensions.
Sat Aug 11, 2012, 11:30 AM
Aug 2012

If you have some scrap muslin or something, you could experiment, but I think that the angle question is going to depend on the wearer's figure.

Also, the top diagram is hand-drawn, maybe they meant to draw an angle.

As an architect, I'd be inclined to construct a scale model, maybe 2X barbie doll size, to see how it comes together.

Also, check out "comfy pants" at this website and note how they translate body measurements into pattern dimensions.

http://www.mediatinker.com/blog/archives/008262.html

Maybe that will help!

Kali

(54,990 posts)
11. you're an architect?
Sat Aug 11, 2012, 02:54 PM
Aug 2012

the desire to construct a scale model

dated an architecture student in college, - always used to give him shit about playing with colored pens and making toys for a university degree

more all-nighters than a med student! I spent many in the ASU Architecture building with those folks. fun times.

Viva_La_Revolution

(28,791 posts)
4. The second on will fit a little smoother I think
Sat Aug 11, 2012, 11:32 AM
Aug 2012

where the first might leave a little corner bulge because of the extra fabric.

Viva_La_Revolution

(28,791 posts)
6. I think so
Sat Aug 11, 2012, 12:20 PM
Aug 2012

and the pattern is more refined than the first, that always makes a difference in the finished article.

post a pic when you get them done, they look very comfy!

marzipanni

(6,011 posts)
7. If you want the pants to hang on your hips
Sat Aug 11, 2012, 12:24 PM
Aug 2012

the measurement of the combined tops of the pattern pieces, minus seam allowance (each seam is about 1/2-5/8" in from the edge, so ~1 inch is added to allow for each seam) should equal the measurement of the part of your body where the pants will rest plus a bit of slack for comfort.
If you have some pants you like the fit of, measure those as well as your body at waist and hip level at widest part, and get an idea of how you'd like the pants to taper from narrower at top, to wider around your hips/butt. Since they don't have a zipper or buttons you have to make the top of the pants circumference big enough to slide over your widest part.

I have some Zen meditation pants made by a friend that are straight, not tapered at the waist, and have to be drawn in by their
drawstring making them rather bulky, but they are corduroy so have more bulk/less drape than many fabrics.

marzipanni

(6,011 posts)
8. OOOOPS- I just looked at the link NYC_SKP posted.
Sat Aug 11, 2012, 12:48 PM
Aug 2012

Thai fisherman pants are supposed to be folded across at the top front to fit, tied at waist, and then folded down over the tie, so the taper would be unnecessary. Since they are folded across at the front, a soft, drapey, material like rayon would work best.

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