PATTERN REVIEW: Magda Pant in Natural Linen
The outside temperature dipped into the negatives this week in southern Wisconsin. Deep winter is among us. Tucked inside a drafty old farmhouse wearing many layers of wool with a space heater at my feet, I continued sewing my summer wardrobe. On the schedule this week? The MAGDA Pant in a NATURAL Linen.
If you are anything like me, you are constantly searching Pinterest for new sewing patterns to try. Each one, a little bit different than the last. A gather here, a dart there. One pant with an elastic waist, the next with patch pockets. How could you choose just one? Then, add in a fabric obsession and a love of new tools, you may have found yourself quite an expensive hobby. I know picking out the right pattern can be daunting to both beginner and advanced seamstresses. Thankfully, there are many free patterns out there. Fabrics-store has a large selection of free options, the MAGDA Pant being one of them!
A few things to know about this sewing pattern; it features an elastic waistband, side seam pockets, a cropped and tapered leg, and an intentionally loose fit. In other words, the perfect paper-bag style pants. I chose to make them in NATURAL Linen to pair well with anything in my closet, but I think they would be so beautiful in a crisp white or black as well!
This was a quick sewing project. After only 4 hours I had a completed pant, including the time to print, cut out, and assemble the paper patterns. I followed the instructions exactly, with the exception of using a slightly wider elastic I had on hand. So, instead of sewing three separate casings in the waistband, I adjusted to two. This is a simple change depending on the width of your elastic or the width of your desired waistband. I found the top of the pants stretched when attaching to the waistband, so I sewed a basting stitch along the top edge and pinned in many spots for easier sewing.
As usual, I’m loving the ease and versatility of this linen pant. If I make them again, I will consider lengthening the hem a couple inches for less of a crop. For reference, I’m 5’7” with a long torso, so patterns tend to be short on me. Overall I’m happy with how they turned out. They will be joining me on many adventurers this summer and likely some dance parties in the kitchen, too.
Have any questions about this sewing project? Leave them in the comment section. I’m happy to answer!
Happy sewing,
Morgann
9 Comments
Anda Cytroen
Agree, Carol! Looking for same –
Simone Kereit
Thanks for the review, totally making myself a pair (+5 or 6″ to not have them be too summery for now)
Question for you, Morgann. How did you finish the pockets? I get doing a flat felled seam on the side seam, but did you manage to do that around the pocket as well? Can’t wrap my sleep deprived head around that part (baby is teething atm).
I assume you attach half the pocket to the front and half to the back, as usual. And then maybe the flat felled seam will go down the leg and around the two pocket pieces? But it doesn’t quite look like that in the picture…
Thanks for any pointers 🙂
Simone
Simone Kereit
Ahh, ignore that! I just found the tutorial here: https://blog.fabrics-store.com/2017/07/06/sewing-glossary-how-to-add-inseam-pockets-to-a-flat-felled-seam/
Somehow when I looked at it before, I only got to a tutorial on how to do flat gelled seams. Total user error on my part, I am sure ?
Carole Kapsner
Is there any chance that you would offer a pants pattern with straight legs, side seam pocket AND a simple elastic waistband? Or would you know where I can find such a pattern? Thanks.
Lauren Gates
Hello Carole, I’d be happy to help, look out for an email from me.
Anda Cytroen
Lauren: can you point me in the same direction as you did Carole? Seeking same – thanks!
Lauren Gates
Hello Anda,
The Magda pattern has all of these features as listed by carole, but I was wondering which of these features you do not like. Is it the flat-felled seams and pocket insertion? The wide elastic waistband?
You may like our Alexandra pants pattern, which has a simple waistband and straight leg. The only alteration you would make is to add a pocket at the side seam. We have a tutorial with pocket patterns for doing this. All of the links to the patterns and tutorials are listed for you below:
Alexandra Pants Pattern: https://fabrics-store.com/sewing-patterns/alexandra-linen-morocco-pants-pattern
Tutorial with the pattern for inseam pockets: https://blog.fabrics-store.com/2016/10/14/sewing-glossary-how-to-sew-inseam-pockets-tutorial/
I hope this helps 🙂
Anda Cytroen
Thank you! that pattern sounds more like the straight pant look I’m seeking (but still comfortable!).
Claudia Segal
Did you lengthen the seat depth? I have a long torso and have trouble fitting the length from waist to crotch. I add more vertical room at the back of most pants. I’m not sure if this is the way to go.
TIA for suggestions
CJ