Everyday Pants: Designer Stitch Shaki
I said I was going to take a break from testing but I couldn't pass up these Shaki pants. I rationalized that they are a quick sew. The Shaki Jersey Pants* pattern includes four different legs (standard, bell, side ruched and drawstring), 3 waistbands (standard, yoga and side ruched) and optional pockets. I love jersey pants because they are so comfy and this pattern especially because of the yoga style waistbands. It's like wearing workout leggings but without the tightness. I could wear these every day!
I decided to keep it simple for my first pair and opted for the standard waistband and the standard leg with no pockets. As I've come to expect from Designer Stitch, Ann's directions are clear and easy to follow despite having four different views. Designer Stitch has their own sizing and I chose a 6 based on my measurements and my previous experience with the Eden Jumpsuit.
After comparing the patterns crotch depth against my own, I decided to add two inches to the top of the leg pieces. Once I had all but the waistband sewn, I slipped on the pants and could tell that without those 2" the pants would not have covered my behind. Possibly because of my rise adjustments, I had to remove about and inch from each side seam at the waist. This also resulted in my shaving off about an inch from the waistband.
I love the way that the standard waistband is wide for comfort and has hidden elastic for support. I've never attached elastic to a waistband in that manner, but the instructions walked me through each step and the finished product is my new favorite elastic waistband.
Overall I'm pleased with these pants. Although I did have to make rise and waist adjustments, they were fairly simple tweaks. I don't know how much wear I will get out of this pair just because of the boldness of the print (even though I loved it as a dress), but they are very comfy. It might be worth the effort to nail down the tweaks to waist and rise and make a few more. These would be my ideal weekend pants to wear to run errands and the kids' soccer games. My next version might be the yoga waistband with the bell leg and pockets.
Grab the Shaki pants now while they are on sale! Just $8!
Pattern: Designer Stitch: Shaki Jersey Pants*Pattern Description: relaxed fitting pull on knit pants with leg and waistband optionsSizing: 1-11 I sewed a 6Difficulty: 1/beginnerFabric Used: Mosiac Abstract ITY from Fabric Mart.Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? YesWere the instructions easy to follow? VeryLikes: Easy pull on pants pattern, waistbandDislikes: The short risePattern alterations or any design changes made: I added about 2" to the crotch length and shortened the hem by 1.5"Would I sew it again? Probably, they are so comfortableWould I recommend it to others? YesConclusion: Easy pants pattern that may need some tweaking* This is an affiliate link and I receive a small commission for any purchase made via this link. Thank you for your support!