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Paco: FreeSewing's Paco Pants

Designer Notes

I made these because I wanted trousers to wear that were comfortable yet still stylish.

They have pockets in the side seams, making this a relatively simple make for trousers.

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What You Need

To make Paco, you will need the following:

  • Basic sewing supplies
  • About 1.25 meters (1.4 yards) (depending on your height) of a suitable fabric (see Fabric options)
  • 30cm (12”) of lining for the pocket bags
  • A little bit of interfacing for the pocket welts (only needed if you opted for back pockets)
  • A drawstring and two eyelets (optional)
  • Enough wide flat elastic for your waist and cuffs

Fabric Options

These work best in a lighter fabric with relatively good drape.

A light cotton, or chambray are particularly well-suited. Rayon or jersey will work too, but will give it a more casual-look.

For the opposite effect, less casual and more style, you can consider a silk blend or light wool.

Some things to avoid

Resist the temptation to make these in linen. While linen is the go-to for hot summer days, I would not recommend it for these pants as they come with an elasticated waist/cuffs, which means wrinkle hell. Use one of out other designs with a fitted waist if you want linen pants.

Also avoid picking a fabric with a lot of stretch, for it will complicate matters when you’re installing the elastic.

Cutting Instructions

Cut out only what you need

Depending on the choices you made in your pattern, you may not need all parts. If a pattern part is not printed, it means you don’t need it.

  • From your main fabric:
    • 2x part 1: This is the back panel. Cut these from your main fabric with good sides together
    • 2x part 2: This is the front panel. Cut these from your main fabric with good sides together
    • 1x part 3: This is the waistband. Cut it from your main fabric
    • 2x part 4: This is the ankle cuff. Cut these, from your main fabric with good sides together (not needed if your chose not to have an elasticated hem)
    • 2x part 7: This is the back pocket welt. Cut 2 of these from your main fabric with good sides together
  • From your lining fabric:
    • 2x part 5: This is the front pocket bag. Cut these, from your lining fabric on the fold (not needed if you chose to not have front pockets)
    • 2x part 6: This is the back pocket bag. Cut 2 of these from your lining fabric on the fold
  • From interfacing:
    • 2x part 8: This is the back pocket welt interfacing. Cut 2 of these from interfacing
Caveats
  • There is no seam allowance on the interfacing
  • There is extra seam allowance on the waist band and hem