10 ALL-TIME BESTSELLERS: TROUSERS

10 ALL-TIME BESTSELLERS: TROUSERS
Louise Carmichael

10 ALL-TIME BESTSELLERS: TROUSERS

Are you planning to tackle trouser-making in 2026? Before you scour the shop, searching for the perfect pattern, we have you covered. We have shortlisted 10 of the most popular trouser patterns to save you time.

It's a fantastic line-up. We've got designs that are perfect for your first project. Simple to sew and easy to fit, these patterns are great for beginners and quick for pros. In addition to the basic options, you'll find projects to enhance your sewing skills.

Read on to discover our all-time bestselling trouser sewing patterns.

Sew Liberated Chanterelle Pants and Shorts

A consistent bestseller since its 2023 launch, Chanterelle is a must-have sewing pattern. The relaxed barrel-leg-esque shape is achieved by a pleat at the hem. If you are a little unsure of the barrel leg trend, this nods to the look, but is much more subtle. 

Chanterelle is a great buy as you get three designs in one. Featuring a comfortable and easy-to-fit elastic waist and three leg options, Chanterelle will fill any gap in your wardrobe and be an all-seasons piece for years to come. Oh, and this is suitable for confident beginners and beyond, so it's a pleasingly straightforward sew.

Sizing: US 0 – 34 (approx. UK 6/8 – 32/34)

Sewing level: Confident beginner

Closet Core Patterns Pietra Pants and Shorts

Giving you the best of both worlds, the flat front, high-waisted silhouette is finished with the comfort of an elastic waist in the back. Featuring lengthening panels in the front with slanted hip pockets and a hidden waist stay, you’ll never want to take them off. 

Pietra is a great option for your first attempt at making trousers, as you can sew three completely different styles from one pattern! Pietra comes with a choice of wide leg, tapered leg, or shorts. Warning: you will want to make all three!

Sizing: 0 – 20 (approx. UK 6 – 20)

Sewing level: Confident beginner

Sew House Seven Free Range Slacks

Slacks are defined as trousers for casual wear. While we don’t hear that term much these days, we think it is time to embrace it again. The Free Range Slacks pattern is as easy to wear as its name. You will feel free to roam in the comfort of a stylish, elastic high waist when you wear these pants.

There are two options - a tapered leg version and a straight, cropped version. Both have an elastic high waist, side panels, front pockets that are top-stitched in place from behind, and an optional back patch pocket(s). 

Sizing: 00 - 20 (approx. UK 6 - 22) and 18 - 34 (approx. UK 20/22 - 38)

Sewing level: Confident beginner

Anna Allen Pomona Pants and Shorts

Pomona has proved to be a popular option since its 2023 launch. The statement elastic waist and lack of side seams make for an intriguing sew and a winning garment to wear. The waistband is created by folding over the top edge of the pants, which eliminates the extra bulk you would get from a separate waistband seam. 

Another bit of good news is that you have three styles to sew! Whether you opt for the modern, tapered leg or the stylish wide leg, you will love what you make. I have made this pattern several times, and reach for the shorts in the summer for pottering around the garden.

Sizing:  00 – 22 (approx. UK 6 – 22)

Sewing level: Confident beginner

Named Ninni Culottes

These delightfully simple elastic waist pants feature handy side pockets and can be made in woven or knit fabrics. Yes, you heard that right, woven or knit fabrics. The world really is your oyster with this pattern. It's also the perfect choice for sewing your first pair of trousers. 

They are elegantly casual, and the generous ease makes them a breeze to fit. I made a pair of jersey shorts by cropping the pattern, and boy, were they comfortable!

Sizing:  EU 32 – 56 (approx. UK 4/6 – 28)

Sewing level: Confident beginner

Merchant & Mills Quinn Trousers

You may have spotted that so far, this list consists of easy sewing patterns. Quinn is about to change that. These sailor-inspired wide-leg trousers feature back welt pockets and front pockets with button openings. There’s also a clever buckle fastening at the back for flexible fitting. What’s not to love?

If you want to flex your sewing muscles and tackle something a bit more challenging, the bestselling Quinn is a marvellous choice.

Sizing:  UK 6 – 16/18 or UK 18 – 28/30

Sewing level: Intermediate

Helen's Closet Winslow Culottes

An elegant yet easy option, Winslow has been on sewing tables for years. This iconic pattern delivers two fantastic options you will want to sew and wear over and over again. Choose from the classic wide-legged culottes or the easy-to-sew wrap pants. What's more, you can customise each view to your desired length, from shorts to full-length palazzo pants.

Tie the wrap pants in the front or the back for versatile styling. It's a must-have pattern for any collection.

Sizing:  0 – 34 (approx. UK 6 – 34)

Sewing level: Confident beginner

True Bias Lander Pants and Short

This pattern took the sewing world by storm when it launched in 2016, and it has remained a firm favourite ever since. Sew your own custom trousers, with skill-building button fly. 

The shape is still bang-on trend, proving Landers have a timeless appeal. The design includes front and back patch pockets, belt loops, and a straight fit through the legs. You can sew them as full-length, modern crop, or shorts.

If you would prefer a zip fly, an expansion pack is available.

Sizing: US 0 – 18 or US 14 – 32 (approx. UK 6/8 – 18/20 or UK 16 – 34)

Sewing level: Intermediate

Paradise Patterns Protea Pants

Protea is a great investment piece for your pattern collection. The trousers feature a high waist, in-seam pockets and a curved waistband to get the fit just right.

The sweeping pant legs can be made with chic front pleats or a flat front, giving two completely different looks. One feels tailored and smart, while the other feels like a modern alternative to jeans. Both explain why Protea is an all-time bestseller.

Sizing: 00 – 30 (approx. UK 6/8 – 32)

Sewing level: Intermediate

Modern Sewing Co. Worker Trousers

The ultimate everyday trousers and the perfect alternative to jeans all year round, it's no surprise to see this pattern on the list. They fit snugly around the lower waist, with a slight balloon in the leg for volume and comfort, before tapering in at the ankle.

The construction features a concealed button or zip fly finished with binding, front pockets with facings, patch pockets, and a waistband with belt loops. The combination of fit and construction is tried and tested and designed to be worn into the ground, just like the very best vintage jeans. Worth making then!

Sizing: UK 4 – 28 (approx. UK 4/6 – 26)

Sewing level: Intermediate

 

Are you feeling motivated to get going? If you haven't found "the one" yet, fear not... we have hundreds of trouser sewing patterns to browse.

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