Hello! Happy New Year, I hope everyone’s keeping well? I decided that I’m not doing any yearly retrospective posts or best-of/worst-of posts for 2024. Instead, I’m just jumping back into catching up with sharing some recent makes.
I made these slim-leg ponte knit joggers maybe three months ago and took the photos about one month ago (the wheels have been turning slowly around here lately, eh?). So I thought it was about time I got off my backside and wrote a blog post about them (in my defence, I’ve still been super busy with Mum’s house clearance, but the end is in sight at last).
This is my second time using the Hudson pants pattern by True Bias. You can read about my first attempt here. I had already slimmed the legs of this pattern down a bit and added a vertical centre-back leg seam for some extra contouring with my first make so I used that adapted pattern.
This time, I wanted to use a more stable knit, and this subtle camouflage print from My Fabrics fits the bill nicely. There’s quite a bit less vertical stretch and a bit less horizontal stretch than the lighter green ponte I previously used. These colours fit well with my preferred colour palette too. Olive and mustard particularly work well with them.
I made two further changes to the design of this second version of the True Bias pattern. One was to add a centre front vertical slit in the hem cuffs so that they sit nicely over my ankle boots and the other was to reduce a lot of the pocket bulk.
The original pocket design is for a two-sided pocket bag which hangs free on the inside. So that’s 3 layers of fabric altogether including the main outer pant. My solution was to add a neat binding/facing edge to the curved opening and use one layer for the piece which makes up the side front and pocket bag. I stitched around the ‘pocket bag’ directly onto the front leg. The pocket is held in place nicely and there’s less bulk over my tummy area. I’m really pleased with the result. Here’s a couple of close-ups to show you what I mean.
I used quite a wide elastic for the waistband, which is extra comfy and has a nice smoothing effect over the front. I just sewed one row of stitching down the centre of the band to secure it in place and prevent any possible twisting of the elastic.
These pants have been a big hit with me. I’ve already worn them a lot paired with many of my sweaters and they look great with heeled or flat ankle boots. Perfect for Autumn/Winter time. I feel comfortable and put-together, perfect for my lifestyle.
I have some more knit fabrics to sew into pants. They’re both fabulous sueded scuba/ponte so they have even more structure than these. Patterns that I’m considering are the Love Notions Sabrina slims and the Style Arc Sage pants (or a combination of the two 🙂 )
I’ve still got three more completed projects from over the last few weeks to share with you. I’ve already taken the photos of two of them (would you believe one make is from February last year!) I just need to get off my butt and write the bloomin’ blog posts.
And on that note, I’ll see you soon.
The front slit to go over boots is genius! Those are lovely fitting pants.
Author
Thanks so much, Mary. Yes, I decided to put the slit at the front because it allows for the cuff to fall over the boot shaft nicely. So glad you like my new pants.
Exquisite ponte knit joggers. Elevated by your precise design improvement and sewing.
Thank you for this brilliant inspiration!
Author
Oh goodness, you’re so kind, thank you Angela.
I love these, and the modifications you’ve made to the pattern are excellent, especially the pockets because they save fabric as well as bulk.
Author
Thanks so much Helen. Yes, good point. Every bit helps eh?
Some clever adaptations with the pocket and slits. Very nice!
Author
Thanks so much, Vicki!
Happy New Year, Diane!
Love your smart and attractive pocket changes, both the faced opening and eliminating one layer by sewing down the pocket to create “a bag”: getting rid of the loose bag is easier to wear/tidier, too!
I would never have thought to put a front slit on the cuff, but it looks great and accommodates more footwear options — clever!
I think your sewn-on wide elastic waist treatment looks nice, too!
Author
Happy New Year to you to0 Joan! So glad you love my changes to this design. I’m very happy with how they turned out (wearing them as I type this too).
p.s. Your topstitching, bar tacks and similar details really add to these joggers! I’ve got to pay more attention to such things…
Author
Thank you! Well they say it’s the little things that count 🙂 😉