Merchant & Mills Eve Trousers

I love love love the Eve Trousers from Merchant and Mills. These are the first pair of fitted waistband trousers that I have made. I was a little nervous about whether or not I was going to be able to get a good fit on these trousers as I have quite narrow hips and a rounder tummy which makes buying RTW trousers impossible! In the end I made two toiles, shortening the length at the leg and rise and grading between two sizes at the hips and waist. I found the instructions for inserting the lapped zip a bit confusing but I'd like to recommend and thank Sew Much Fun on youtube who have a video focussed just on this section which is really really helpful.

I have had loads of compliments on these trousers and I feel that they are the perfect classic fitted trouser shape. I feel very cool in them honestly they are an absolute wardrobe staple and I've worn them non stop. They have a bit of a Toast like look which is a brand I really love.

I made my first pair in a medium weight denim which was worn and washed really well. My second pair I made in a lighter jacquard which to be honest was a bit of a bad fabric choice on my part as I think these trousers really benefit from a bit of structure and look a bit shapeless when sewn in a lighter fabric. The other excellent thing is the fabric requirements are pretty low (under 2m) which is a factor I consider when selecting patterns.

Mainly, I recommend this as a great basic trouser that look very cool and contemporary.

My first attempt at trousers and I chose the Merchant & Mills Eve trouser. I was looking for a light summer look so used a cotton linen fabric in Blue Turquoise. I’m generally a size 8 to 10 but I have a 32” waist so chose to make a size 10 grading out to a size 14 waistband. As you can see they’re quite big but the waistband fits! I did alter the back darts and front pleats to reduce the overall size of the trouser. It was my first time making a lapped zip but the instructions are great and it went in easily. All finished, nerve racking buttonhole stitched perfectly (we all know how temperamental buttonholes are) and I had sewn it on to the wrong side. I decided to sew the button on the inside and I am super pleased with the result as it gives it a nice clean finish. I’m about to start another pair in light denim, different size though and I think I’ll go for a straight size 10. I’m delighted with the light summer feel and the linen was a dream to sew with.

This is the second pair of Eve trousers I made, I'm currently on my third, with another pair planned.  Such a good pattern, the cut is brilliant.  I did have to make adjustments as I'm a bit hourglass with a flat bum. The photo makes me look thinner than I am, for some reason.  I mostly adjusted by making the darts at the back longer and shortening the body where the pattern indicated, above the crotch seam.  I love the flat front and the leg shape that hangs from the hip in a very elegant way.  I love the slight tapering that gives a hint of a "balloon pant" look.  I love the cropped leg and the detail of the back pockets.  I made this pair in a pure wool check with a crazy magenta Lurex detail woven into it.  A little scratchy and loose weave, so I lined them.  I also have an orange cotton flannel pair, and I'm making one in a black viscose-linen with a lovely drape for the summer.  The instructions are very clear (except for the zip insertion, which I have found a bit hard to follow from the illustration on my current pair, where I decided to follow the instructions rather than doing it the way I always do it).  I like that there is a smaller envelope in the pattern envelope to keep the pattern pieces in, separate from the instructions.  Definitely a ten from me.

This is my third pair. It’s a really understated pattern. It hits that sweet spot of casual or smart- a rare thing. The other pairs are dark colours and almost impossible to photograph. This was taken after a day at work. Sorry about the wrinkles. I used Ramie and it behaves like linen.

I made the size according to my measurements with minor adjustments to front and back crotch length as is normal for me.

A great pattern.

Everybody needs a pair of Eve trousers in their wardrobe.  I absolutely love this pattern.  They are such a flattering shape - they are easy to make coming together really quickly and are even easier to wear.  I graded between a 12 waist (slightly big for me but my waist measurement falls exactly between a size 10 and 12 waist and I loathe a tight waistband!) and 8 at the hips.  I also took in the inside leg seams from both front and back legs by 1/2" which are all fairly usual alterations in trouser patterns for me not being blessed with decent thighs.  I wore them immediately and have done several times since and I have some navy Ramie waiting in my linen cupboard for a second pair.  I just need to get round to sewing them before the end of the summer!!