Early on in designing the Chi-Town Chinos pattern, I envisioned turning it into knee-length shorts or pants. When I had the original pattern in testing, I specifically asked two of my testers to lengthen them to knee-length (they had to for religious reasons anyway). What we found is that there was a lot of tapering needed and pattern re-drafting involved before we could even get to fitting. This made sense, of course, but I wanted it confirmed before I put the work into additional pattern pieces. Confirmed: this wasn’t going to be a quick tutorial I could share on the blog.
I hit the drafting table again and am back with brand new pattern pieces that allow for unique fits, while still allowing you to use the waistband, fly, and pocket pieces from the original pattern. Both sets are very different pattern pieces below the front pockets!
So, without further ado, I am thrilled to introduce you to two brand new expansion packs for the Chi-Town Chinos pattern!
Expansion Pack No. 1
Expansion Pack No. 1 includes front and back pant pattern pieces to make fitted, knee-length shorts (10.5″ inseam).
There is very little ease written into this pattern. I’ve taken into account the fact that almost all non-stretch fabrics will relax (some relax multiple sizes worth). My lower half fits a straight size four in this pattern, and my samples have relaxed exactly the amount I would want (though I can still put the pants on and move around very easily pre-relaxing–sample photos above were taken pre-relaxing). Alternatively, though fabrics with a small amount of stretch (i.e. stretch denim) are not on the recommended fabrics list, having very little ease in the pattern does allow for some flexibility in choosing fabrics for this expansion pack.
So, if you need more professional, more modest, or even season-transitional shorts, expansion pack no. 1 has you covered! (ahem…literally.) I can hear my LDS friends celebrating across the globe. 😀
Expansion Pack No. 2
Expansion Pack No. 2 includes front and back pant pattern pieces to make semi-fitted, full-length pants.
This pattern has just enough ease to look relaxed without looking baggy. They fall in line with a “girlfriend chino” fit. I personally am thrilled about the fit of this expansion pack because they offer the feel of relaxed, comfortable pants, but still look flattering and professional when you need them to be. I love rolling them up for a casual look, as you can tell from my sample photos, but they also look great with a button-up and a pair of heels.
Welt Pockets
Both expansion packs include fully-illustrated step-by-step instructions and new pattern pieces for french-seamed welt pockets. You may add these welt pockets to any of the patterns within the collection; add patch pockets to knee-length shorts or full-length pants or welt pockets to the original relaxed-fit shorts or skirt.
With FOUR different patterns included, and almost every back pocket style you could want, the Chi-Town Chinos collection is now the complete package!
I’ve put together a few bundles in the shop, so you can purchase the original pattern + an expansion pack or the full collection, all for 10-15% off. And of course, you may also purchase the expansion packs separately if you already own the original pattern.
Thanks so much for all of your support of the original pattern (my first!)–I wouldn’t be releasing expansion packs without your genuine excitement, support, requests, and kind words. Thanks for taking a risk and purchasing from a new-to-the-scene designer. You guys are THE BEST!
I’ll be back later this week with a step-by-step photo tutorial for the welt pockets, tester photos, and more!
Below you will find the list of links to each blog post in the sewalong. If you have any questions, absolutely feel free to e-mail me.
- Introducing the Chi-Town Chinos Sewing Pattern
- Introducing the Chi-Town Chinos Expansion Packs
- Chi-Town Chinos Tester Round-Up
- Chi-Town Chinos Expansion Pack Tester Round-Up
- Part 1 : Inspiration
- Part 2 : Supplies
- Part 3 : Customizing the Pattern
- Part 4 : Fitting + Finishing
- Part 5 : Prepwork
- Part 6 : Front Pockets
- Part 7 : Fly Front
- Part 8 : Back Assembly + Final Fitting
- Part 8.5 : Welt Pockets
- Part 9 : Waistband, Center Back Seam, Inseam, Side Seams
- Part 10 : Belt Loops, Bar Tacks, Hemming, Front Closure
