Sew House Seven Free Range Slacks

I made version 2 - the straight, cropped leg slacks. I had made a muslin of version 1 but they needed more ease in the calf area. They were fine when I was standing but when I sat down, they were a little too snug for me. I didn't feel like making any pattern adjustments so I decided to make version 2. Version 1 seemed to fit well everywhere else so I just decided to go for it.

I made size 14 and didn't make any adjustments - except in the construction. My linen was more on the lightweight side so I was worried that the linen might get worn out in the seat. To make them last a little longer, I decided to line my Free Range Slacks with Bemberg lining. You can read about how I lined them in this blog post.

Otherwise, I followed the instructions, which were very clear and included nice suggestions, such as sewing the center seam of the waistband first and then holding it up to the pants waistband to make sure it's the correct size. Then you can adjust if you happened to cut the wrong size. What a great tip!

I like the deep pockets. I can put my entire hand in them.

In this black linen, I can easily dress it up or down. They are definitely a wardrobe staple. I've already worn them multiple times. I'll be making another pair, maybe I'll lengthen them for a longer version.

They are very comfortable to wear. I'll probably make this pattern many times.

You can see more photos on my blog post about the finished Free Range Slacks.

I start sewing so I could make clothes that fit me. I wanted to make some trousers but after a couple of recent jumpsuit fails I was a bit nervous. I needn't have been - the instructions were so good with this pattern that I didn't unpick a single stitch, a first for me! I emailed Peggy about fit in advance and followed her guidance. and also used the tips in the pattern to adjust the rise (I took out 4cm) and used the small thigh/bum adjustment included in the pattern too.

I'm super pleased with these and am already ordering more fabric for my next pair!

These pants have an elasticated waistband, large front slant pockets with 2 additional pockets in the back. The special detail are the side panels and all the pockets are sewn into the seams of these panels. It makes a pair of elasticated pants look stylish. I like all the gut details of flat-felled seams and French seams. This pattern comes in 2 versions: wide-legged or tapered leg. A great pattern for a confident beginner. For more photos and details, please go to my blog at Geri In Stitches.

Have made these twice now, one of each version and they are very comfortable. Love the big pockets! The instructions are very clear and easy to follow. For Version 2, I used a Tencel twill and for Version 1 I used a Kobe Cotton Twill.

I'm 158cm so I adjusted the length by taking 2 cm off the rise and the same with the leg length. In hindsight I should taken more out of Version 2 because the waist still feel very high.

Highly recommend this pattern!

P.O.  This was intended to be a test pair before I cut into the good stuff. I was a bit apprehensive at first because of the pocket top stitching, but the designer has tips and tools to help, and the end result looks great.  The side insert is a nice touch. You get a tissue pattern and a detailed, well illustrated booklet with your purchase, and there is also a good online tutorial at the Sewhouse7 site.

Best in a lightweight, supple fabric to cut down on bulk around the waist.  My fabric is a lightweight linen/cotton blend from fabrics-store.com and it is a bit stiff.  I lost some weight (even during the pandemic) and could possibly have sized down to a 6 and just added 1/2 inch to the crotch depth.  That might happen on the pair I make with my  good Italian linen.  This would also be good in quilting weight cotton for warm weather.