Closet Core Patterns Pietra Pants and Shorts

I have always been wary of making trousers because of getting the correct the fit and a neat finish but saw this pattern and thought I'd have a go as so many good reviews and the finished items looked great.

I bought a cheap stretchy denim so if it all went wrong, no matter.  There are lots of notches on the pattern so rather than cut too deeply into seam allowance, I made a short strong line of tailors chalk to mark the notches as well making them easier to see.  I also reinforced the inside top of the pocket with a narrow strip of cotton tape to prevent bagging out too much as fabric rather stretchy.   Had to recut down 2 sizes as original size swamped me as pattern does come up a bit larger than measurements.

The notches all fitted beautifully together and after a bit of head scratching the pockets went well.  Just make sure they face the right way!  The front panel is a great way of keeping stomachs in!

After finishing and trying on I found the front crotch too low and baggy and can pick up a handful of loose material.  Also being a "bigger bottom" person the centre back rides down so back pattern needs rising as elastic pulls it down even more.

This is such a well drafted pattern but I think this pattern is more suited to someone with a slim build but if I make again will have to make adjustments before cutting out but it has put me off making more trousers of any kind.

I love this pattern and I've made several pairs of Pietra Pants now, including one made from curtains and one from recycled jeans.  I feel bad that this photo also includes the smudges on my mirror - I've cleaned it now!

I have made one pair of Pietra Pants with a wide leg, and will be making more.  However, I keep craving more of the cropped, tapered leg style, as I really love how the high waist looks with these elements.

In the picture I'm wearing the curtain pair.  I find that I get the best results with a heavier fabric, and my favourite pair is made from a thick plaid twill.  For the curtain pair I used heavy-duty interfacing to keep the waist up, and I didn't use interfacing at all for the denim pair.

This is a satisfying pattern to sew up, particularly the elastic back waist, which is genius if you ask me.  You do need to be careful when  measuring the elastic, though, and it's worth pinning it into place and trying it, as the length you need can vary depending on the fabric you're using.  Don't neglect the lines of stitching across the elastic, either.

Pros:  Great to sew, don't have to pattern match although that is also satisfying.  Great deep pockets which are a cool feature and also add to the stability of the upper part of the trousers.  The waistband, as I've already mentioned.

Cons:  Probably none if you're not the same shape as me.  However, I find that when I wear tapered trousers the backside tends to bag out.  I suspect that if I widened the calf that wouldn't happen, but I have quite good legs and I like the narrow/cropped look.  I therefore wear long cardigans or kimono-style tops over them, which I think looks great with a high waist.

I can nearly make these without any instructions now - but make sure you label the front/side leg pieces and look carefully at the pocket diagram.  Also, cut all the notches.

This is SUCH a good trouser pattern! I've had the pattern for a while but I'm not a big trouser sewing fan, but the return to the office means I need work appropriate clothes, and so this was the first pattern I thought of! I had some deadstock tencel and so opted to go for it with a wearable toile.
I made the size 14, but with an adjustment. I’m always having issues with the rise of trousers, and my Carolyn PJ bottoms really ride up, so I lengthened the rise on both front and back by 1inch. The crotch is now a bit too low, so I think I’ll change that adjustment to half an inch and see how that goes for the next pair. They’re also a little tight on the tummy, so I might sew a smaller seam allowance at that point on my next pair.

The construction of the trousers is pretty quick and the instructions are great, as always with Closet Core. I’ve managed to put the pockets on with the diagonal in the wrong direction, but that was my mistake in cutting & marking my pieces.

I just love the pockets. They’re so big. They easily fit my hands and my phone. They’ll fit toddler snacks, maybe even a notepad…and still look professional.

There's more photos and more detail on my blog: http://sewslowsarah.com/2022/10/01/closet-core-patterns-pietra-pants/

I found this pattern from Closet Core and was drawn to the front which looks super sleek and cute and the elastic waist on the back which allow for room for food and ice creams. The instruction was very easy to follow and it was such an enjoyable sewing project. I decided to go for shorts first to test out the fabric and the fit. I am petite at just 5 foot. I went for the size 2 and it was the perfect the length of short, no need to lengthen or shorten at all. And the hip area was a perfect fit. I used a fine twill trousers fabric and it was perfect, just thick and stiff enough to showcase the front and soft enough for the elastic gather. I absolutely love it, with really pretty front waist, very cute pockets (and big enough for my phone) and super comfortable. I will be wearing them all the time this summer. I paired it with the Closet Core Cielo Top made with a linen gingham and it went really well with the shorts. The cropped top ends at the right length without any need for shortening the pattern. I think I will try make the longer trouser next with a more drapey or smart fabric.

I just love these pants! This is the third pair I have made! Great fit, elasticated back waist and fab pockets! This is the wide leg version. I made this outfit for my holiday in Sri Lanka. Cool and loose! Ideal for hot weather! No pattern alterations. The waist is high and some have lowered it but I love the interfaced inner panel that holds in the tummy! The top is the Ogden cami. Will review that too!