PATTERN REVIEW: Cass Wide Leg Culottes in Black Linen
I jumped on the linen culottes trend by sewing a pair of CASS Wide Leg pants last week!
To no one’s surprise, I decided to make this classic and versatile piece in FS BLACK heavy linen, my favorite fabric lately. The heavier-weight is a little stiff at first, but softens beautifully after a few washes. It’s incredibly textured and durable. After looking through many wide leg pant designs, I landed on the CASS pattern for its many design details I love for a summer pant. The combination of a high-waist, inseam pockets, elastic waistband, and a wide-leg silhouette results in pants as comfortable as pyjama bottoms, while looking as timeless as a pair of dress trousers.
For sewing the pants, I followed the instructions in the tutorial found right here on the thread blog. With photos and step-by-step directions, it’s really easy to follow along. This is another one of FS’s free patterns, so the pattern can be downloaded and printed at home. If you are not familiar with sewing pockets or need a refresher, I recommend referencing the inseam pocket tutorial as well. Even as an experienced sewer, I find these instructions helpful as I tend to be a visual learner. It speeds up the sewing time as well. The three rows of elastic along the waistband looks intimating, but the process is the same as a single casing. This little detail adds so much interest and sophistication to an otherwise very simple design.
Overall, I’m happy with the fit and style of these pants. They will complement the other linen garments in my wardrobe so well. The pants are a little tight along my hips just below the pocket, so if I sew another pair, I will create the next size up for a slightly looser fit. If you tend to be between sizes or prefer a flowy silhouette, I recommend sizing up for this pattern.
I think I say this every time I finish an FS pattern, but I’m already dreaming about adding more culottes pants to my wardrobe. Natural or olive linen will be next on the list for me.
Will you be trying out this pattern? Share on Instagram and tag @fabricsstorecom so we can see your finished pieces. Hope you find this project inspiring for your summer wardrobe!
Happy sewing,
Morgann
5 Comments
Kelly Potocki
Hi Morgan,
You look great in these pants. What size did you make? Thank you!
Kim Barrett
From the way the model is stretching the front of the pant, it looks like the pattern has a problem in the crotch. Did you have to modify it?
Priscilla Knoble
I love linen and heavier weight linen pants, so the Cass pant seemed perfect. It was a quick and easy sewing project. I do like how they turned out, but the next time I make them, I will do several modifications. I made a slightly smaller size than the pattern called for (8/10) and they were still too bigj/roomy…so next time will make a 4/6.
I am short, but very proportional for my size. Yet, the pattern seemed to make it for someone long-waisted. This ended up being so high-waisted on me, one could call it an “empire waist”. It will be fantastic with a crop top, but otherwise is more comfortable rolled over. So next time, I will move the pockets down 1.5-2″ and have 2″ left at the top. Finally, I turned the hem under 2″ twice. All in all, very comfortable except for the waist. But love the pattern. Will post picts in the linen area.
Kelsie Sharp
I am a little intimidated by the waist band but I am going to give it a shot! Also, Morgan, girl. Those shoes. Your styling always seems to be on point but those shoes! Are you at liberty to relay the accessory names and types? Thanks for the reviews, keep em’ coming.
Anne Mitchell
How did you find gathering the heavier weight linen? I used heavy weight for the first time on the Paola jacket and fell in love but worry about bulk in a gathered waist. Any tips? Yours look great!