Slim High-waisted Pants: Simplicity 8655

I don’t make many pants…unless you count jumpsuits LOL. Y’all know I prefer the ease of one pieces but recently I have decided that I need more separates in my wardrobe. Nine separates were included in my summer sewing plans and Simplicity 8655 actually made the list twice in two different prints. Mimi’s pants tend to fit me well, I’ve had success with S1019 (which is OOP) and S8093. She obviously designs her patterns with the curvy in mind as I never have to lengthen back crotch.

Before I started sewing I was unsure about this fabric/pattern pairing, but I had been eyeing this navy brushstrokes stretch twill and it was on sale so I decided to give it a try.  (*Enabler alert* this and other twills are still on sale for just $4.99/yd). I mention in the summer plans post that I was working on my second pair, because the first was too small (my error-I overestimated the amount of stretch). I realized this right before installing the zipper but I went ahead and finished them (they are going to go to my very lucky sister.) While sewing it I realized I really liked the fabric as pants, so much so that I rushed back to Joann to grab more. Fortunately it hadn’t sold out!

These pants are a simple sew, so I wasn’t to upset about having to remake them. The trickiest step is hiding the darts in the pintucks. Pintucks that don’t show because my fabric is so busy, but trust me they are there.

I graded from a 20 at the waist and hip to a 18 in the leg and removed an inch or so rom the hem. They look more tapered to me, if I truly wanted a skinny look I would go down to a 16 in the leg. I also think I’ll remove about 3/4″ from the front crotch next time. I’m a little concerned with the waist “growing” with wear so I’m considering adding elastic at the waist somehow? or maybe I’ll add belt loops? any other ideas?

If you couldn’t tell, I’m quite pleased with these, though I’m unsure how often I will wear them. High-waisted pants make me feel like I have to suck my tummy in all day, like I was in these photos. I’m tempted to hack these to make a mid-rise version, but I’m sure I could just use another pants pattern.

Pattern: Simplicity 8655

Pattern Description:high-waisted pants with optional slim or bell bottom. Also includes a summer-ready tie front blouse.

Sizing: 6-14, 16-24 I sewed a 18 leg to 20 hip and waist

Difficulty: 2/easy

Fabric Used: Navy brushstrokes stretch twill from Joann

Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very

Likes:  Easy pants pattern. high-waist is very on trend

Dislikes: None

Pattern alterations or any design changes made: None! Mimi’s pants patterns tend to fit me well.

Would I sew it again? Yes, I also bought this gingham stretch twill to make another pair.

Would I recommend it to others?  Yes

Conclusion: Cute, on-trend easy to sew high-waist pants.