Untitled Thoughts Chandler Trousers & Shorts

This is my third pair of Chandlers and my first version that are shorts. I had to make several edits as they are drafted for someone who it 5'6" and I'm 5'2" I also have a short torso and they are drafted for a long torso!

I needed to move the hip up, which was achieved by taking 3.5cm out of the rise. I also shortened the legs by 2.5cm and, due to personal preference removed about 0.75cm. I also pivoted 3.5cm out of the back side seam but not the rise.

I didn't have the issue of notches not matching up which have been mentioned in another review but they have made the darted version and I made the pleated, so potentially if you are looking to make the darted version 'walk the pieces together'

I have been on multiple adventures in my three versions and I recommend them for comfortable every day wear that helps you to look and feel put together even if inside, you do not feel any of these things.

I have put more details and views of multiple pairs on my blog, please feel free to give it a read!

This is such a well written pattern. Everything was so clear, it took me very little time to put these together (I would judge myself a confident beginner), and the end result is a pair of trousers I refuse to take off at the moment! I made them in Japanese linen which worked very well for the beautiful pleating details and general comfort. Can’t recommend this pattern enough!

A great pair of trousers that will see a lot of wear while working from home. Nicely comfortable yet smart enough for work wear.

I used a mid-weight cotton herringbone twill from Fabworks that I’ve had in my stash for ages. It creases as you can see from the picture below but I think this adds to the character of the trousers.

The trousers are great and have come together well but the pattern drafting isn’t particularly accurate.

Pocket pieces - The cut mark on the pocket pieces for the no faux fly version is 1/4 inch too short. It should be closer to the faux fly flap. Also, the grain line is incorrect. It is on a slight angle but tilts the wrong way. I’ve remarked the straight grain and the pattern match grain for future pairs.

Front leg - The notches on the trouser front are too low on the side seam. The pocket notch should be about 1/2 inch higher and the side seam notches should be around 1/4 inch higher.

Other alterations I’ll need to make on any future pairs is to lengthen the front dart by around 1 inch as the current length ends at a strange place on my body.

These are described as “perfect for those just delving into the world of sewing trousers” but they’d be a lovely quick sew for a more experienced sewist.

As with all of Untitled Thought’s patterns, there’s lot of You can choose from a darted or pleated front, shorts or trousers and optional belt loops and/or a faux fly. I went for the pleated front, full-length and no belt loops or faux fly. I did actually cut the belt loops but my sewing machine was having none of it!

I made a size 4 as per my measurements and they were spot on. The only adjustment I made was to slightly shorten the height of the back waistband piece to fit the elastic I had in my stash. (EDIT: A month or so after I made them I realised that the side seam was not running straight down the side of my hip and I should perhaps have sized down. As they're elasticated, it doesn't stop me wearing these, although I would size down next time. I also retrospectively tapered the legs a little more, and would do this again on my next pair)

These were an enjoyable and simple sew and would be a great first trouser project. I love the way the pleats are topstitched - it gives a really clean finish and helps “boingier” fabrics stay in place! The way the elastic waistband is encased in the front waistband facing is also very pleasing.

I absolutely love these and know I’ll get a lot of wear out of them. They’re the perfect combination of stylish and comfy and could be dressed up or down.

My amazing leopard print crepe fabric was from Sew Me Sunshine. You can read more details in my full blog post here.

I was excited to sew my first trousers and picked those based on the elasticated waistband for an easy fit. I am several months post-partum, I figured they would also be a good fit for a body still changing. I took my measurements and even looked at Untitled Thoughts' own instructions for doing so; I was exactly between a 7 and an 8, so I went with the 7. Well I should have gone with a 5. These are the largest trousers I have ever tried on; I do not have pyjama pants this baggy. It looks like a tent, with very nice pleats - the picture shows the pants at the waistband fitting, so the waistband is not finished. Now I need to de-stitch everything, have another printout of the pdf, re-cut all the fabric and re-do everything. Maybe people with more of a pear-shape will not face this issue, but if you are more apple-shaped or have a tummy, I strongly suggest going 1 or 2 sizes down from what the pattern tells you and just cut the elastic very long. You will be able to easily adjust the waistband and the trosuers will fit your legs, without having to re-do everything. Ugh, so disappointed.

(I know I could have made a toile, but with 2 kids I get sewing done here and there, and did not want to spend a full month on a toile).