How to Make Harem Pants
Harem pants have been a popular fashion trend for many years, with their billowy and draped fabric making them comfortable and stylish. Originating from the Middle East, these loose-fitting pants have now become a global fashion phenomenon. If you’re interested in making your own pair of harem pants, follow this step-by-step guide to learn how.
Materials:
– Fabric (lightweight materials like cotton or rayon work best)
– Elastic (for the waistband and ankle cuffs)
– Sewing machine
– Measuring tape
– Scissors
– Pins
– Thread (in a color that matches your fabric)
Step 1: Measure and cut your fabric
To begin, measure your hips and inseam for sizing purposes. Make sure to add two inches to your hip measurement to allow for movement and seam allowance. Next, cut two rectangular pieces of fabric using these measurements – one for each leg.
Step 2: Fold and pin the fabric
Fold each piece of fabric in half lengthwise with the right sides facing each other. The folded edge will be the centerline of the pant leg. Using pins, secure the fabric along the open edges where you will be sewing.
Step 3: Sewing the legs
Sew along the open edges of each pant leg using a straight stitch. Be sure to leave about an inch unsewn at the top of both pant legs; this will be used later when attaching them together.
Step 4: Create waistband casing
On both pant legs, fold down about an inch of fabric at the top (the unsewn part) and pin it in place, creating a casing for the elastic waistband. Sew around the edge to secure it in place, leaving a small opening where the elastic will be inserted.
Step 5: Attaching the legs
Turn one pant leg right side out and leave the other inside out. Insert the right-side-out pant leg into the inside-out pant leg so that the right sides are facing each other and the seams line up. Now, you’ll be sewing around the curved opening which will form the crotch area. Pin this area together and sew using a straight stitch.
Step 6: Insert elastic
Measure the elastic to fit your waist comfortably, leaving an overlap of around half an inch for sewing. Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and thread it through the waistband casing, making sure it doesn’t twist as you insert it. Once in place, overlap the ends of the elastic and sew them together securely.
Step 7: Create ankle cuffs
Measure your ankles and cut two pieces of elastic to fit comfortably around each ankle with a half-inch overlap for sewing. Fold up about an inch of fabric at the bottom of each pant leg, creating a hem for the cuff. Sew along the edge, leaving an opening for inserting the ankle elastic.
Step 8: Insert ankle elastic
Attach a safety pin to one end of each piece of ankle elastic and thread them through the cuffs, ensuring there are no twists as you insert them. Overlap and sew both ends of each piece of ankle elastic.
Step 9: Final touches
Sew up any remaining openings in your waistband or cuffs and trim any excess threads. Turn your pants right side out and give them a final press with an iron for a polished finish.
Congratulations! You have now created a pair of stylish and comfortable harem pants that will make a great addition to your wardrobe.