PATTERN REVIEW: Charlie Pant in Natural Linen
I recently spent another rainy Saturday at my sewing machine. This time, it resulted in a wide leg CHARLIE Pant in Midweight Natural Linen.
As the temperatures continue to drop in Wisconsin and we prepare for our first snowfall, I have been thinking about warm layers and garments that transition from season to season. I decided to focus on creating long pants that cover the ankle. As much as I love the cropped pants trend, the practical side of me knows I will be living in long pants, wool socks, and boots for the next few months.
While searching for a pant pattern, I was immediately drawn to the design details of the CHARLIE Pant. The wide-leg, high rise, pleating, and belted waistband produce a flattering silhouette. I pictured it worn with woven leather flats and a simple cotton tee in summer months, then layered with leggings underneath and a cropped sweater in the winter. I picked the medium weight natural linen for its neutral color, which will be easily paired with many tops in my wardrobe.
Similar to my recent jumpsuit project, this took me a little longer to sew than I expected. I have a tendency to jump straight into sewing without first determining the time and materials needed to complete a garment. I get a little excited about the end result. Anyone else? I had to pause halfway through to dig out an invisible zipper and zipper foot. That said, my best advice for sewing your own clothes is always this: prep your sewing space, proper tools, and project pieces first. A little extra time in the beginning allows you to enjoy the sewing process and finished piece more. Thankfully, FS patterns come with in-depth directions and printed patterns on heavy-duty paper, so project prep is really easy and painless for impatient seamstresses like me.
Overall, I’m so happy with how these pants turned out! They are comfortable and feel dressy without trying too hard. There is something about a wide leg pant that makes me feel confident and carefree. I love the tied belt detail and how it defines the waist with a feminine touch. The size 2 is a little snug around my waist, so I would add ¼” to the waistband if I make another one. Thinking a pair of shorts in this style will be in my future! And maybe the Charlie blouse, too!
This year has been a wonderful opportunity to sew through my fabric stash and try new patterns. It looks like winter will be filled with many weekends at home working on personal sewing projects. I’m feeling grateful for this creative outlet and online sewing community that brings me so much joy, on sunny days and rainy ones.
Which sewing projects are on your to-do list this season? Would love to hear what you’re working on in the comments!
Keep creating,
Morgann
One Comment
Crystal Taylor
Hi Morgann,
Thank you for all of your reviews. I’ve just started learning sew and after a false start at the beginning of the year, I came across this website and it has made me excited about sewing. We have a similar body size so I have read nearly all of your reviews. I pretty much have no waist and less hips, so will have to work out how to make the waist bigger (lots of phone calls/photos to my Mum most likely)! I have made the boxy top from this website and it is fantastic, wore it today as the temperature here in Australia is starting warm up, it was nice and cool to wear.
Thanks you and to the Fabric Store,
Crystal