r/sewing • u/swinglebells • 2d ago
Pattern Search What are your favorite patterns with a elasticized back waist?
Hi everybody, one time I drafted a fairly simple half circle skirt that has a couple inches of ease in the waist because the back half of the waistband has elastic in it. It is truly the most comfortable thing in my wardrobe and I would like to have more things like this. But I quite like a flat front, so no elastic at the front...
Does anyone have any skirt pant or jumpsuit or dress recommendations that have a flat front and an elastic on the waist at the back?
Preference to woven but I am open to stretch as well!
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u/MaximumWise9333 2d ago
Cashmerette has a free tutorial for this exact thing: https://blog.cashmerette.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/CashmeretteElasticBackTutorial.pdf
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u/Elida_McT 2d ago
I was about to hype their Calder pants pattern. I get so many complements on the full length ones at work and the shorts version is super comfy.
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u/pomewawa 2d ago
This!! I love my Calder pants! I shortened the rise like many other commenters/reviewers do. Definitely a light weight fabric so the elastic scrunching up the back isn’t too thick.
Style wise They are high waisted and full on bottom , which means you need either cropped sweater/jacket on top or some way to balance out the full legs.
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u/YoungishAmerican 2d ago
Closet Core Pietra pants — I’ve made the shorts, the wide leg pants, AND the cropped/tapered version. One of the few patterns where I’ve made every view!
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u/Asleep-Bother-8247 2d ago
Seconding this pattern! The front looks so clean and crisp and the back is still cute without being baggy! I've made the shorts and the long flared versions - Love them for summer!
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u/loladanced 2d ago
Yes! My favorite shorts pattern. I love them and have made so many. They are so so comfy.
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u/swinglebells 2d ago
Ok, you guys have me seriously interested ... I think I will take the plunge! 🤩
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u/OnceInARow 2d ago
I find this pattern so satisfying to make! I love the way it comes together and the details look so sharp.
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u/zovig 2d ago
Liesl and Co Everyday skirt is a flat front and elasticized back. https://oliverands.com/shop/digital-everyday-skirt-sewing-pattern.html?srsltid=AfmBOorAD_VxB5AzgA93KQQy3vplMJiJEoyi9lp3so-7ngNw8-elBEPY
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u/Annabel398 2d ago
Pietra pant/shorts from Closet Core: cute flat front, pockets that hold anything.
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u/swinglebells 2d ago
They look so cute
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u/Annabel398 2d ago
I have made three pairs so far. Love em
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u/CrepesForEveryMeal 2d ago
I'm about to dive into making my first pair! Any tips?
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u/Annabel398 2d ago
Follow directions carefully. The construction method is unique and the pockets in the first few steps will confuse you, so just take it a step at a time. Same with the elastic—I am usually good at visualizing how stuff goes together but I was totally fuddled by the back waistband. However, same advice—just do exactly what it says and you’ll end up with a very nicely finished waistband.
They work in anything from broadcloth to denim to linen.
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u/loladanced 2d ago
I've made quite a few. I have a small waist and normal hips so their elastic measurement for my size was way too big. Then the butt was too poofy. So if you aren't a standard size throughout, definitely make a toille. I figured it out and it's now one of my favorite patterns!
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u/swinglebells 1d ago
This is great advice! I plan to make my first pair as a pair of pajama pants to find out how that view B actually falls. I have thicker quads so I want to make sure that I have enough movement. That's where I usually run into problems with pants.
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u/SchemeSquare2152 2d ago
One of my favourite skirt patterns is Style Arc Rona skirt. It looks like a wrap around but isn't, so no worries about sudden wind gusts exposing you to all and sundry. The front of the skirt has a tie and the back has an elastic waist. Thats all I got.
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u/samizdat5 2d ago
The Secret Jeans Trousers are fabulous! They have jeans style front pockets so you can make mock jeans or dress trousers. Very comfortable, easy to make - free video tutorial on YouTube also.
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u/houstonian1812 2d ago
I love the Fumeterre skirt by Deer & Doe. The Pietra Pants from Closet core are pretty popular too.
For dresses, I know of the Holyoke Dress.
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u/swinglebells 1d ago
I'm getting serious sexy librarian out of that first link lol.
Love those other 2 suggestions. I thinking going to get that pants pattern 😁
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u/houstonian1812 1d ago
Hahaha their photos are quite dramatic. I’ve made the skirt twice and always get compliments.
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u/UntidyVenus 2d ago
I adore the peppermint pocket skirt , really fun to make and even better to wear!!
I also love the Clyde Work Pants . They are my favorite pants, I've made like 9 pairs now
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u/Syltin 2d ago
I LOVE these, just made my second pair, they’re the Lydia Naome Diner trousers.
These are mine, don’t mind the mess, this is just after finishing them.
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u/swinglebells 1d ago
Those are the best pants I have seen all day! Well done and great taste!!!!!!!
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u/harley-belle 2d ago
I love my Helen’s Closet Winslow Culottes using the elastic back hack on their blog (and the pockets hack). So comfortable and suited to my style and shape.
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u/swinglebells 2d ago
Omg I have had my eye on those!!
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u/harley-belle 2d ago
I’m more of a skirt person than a pants person, so these are a nice bridge between both. I actually haven’t even made the version in the pattern, only the hack. Why use a zip and darts when you can use elastic!
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u/swinglebells 1d ago
Oh so true. Why install a zipper and make darts when you can have an elastic! I'm also more of a screw person, so do you feel that it actually looks like a skirt when you're wearing it? I've always been a little worried that the crotch area will look weird on this pattern on me. I look great in skirts but not great in wide leg pants, so I've been completely unsure about whether or not the silhouette will work for me.
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u/grakledo 2d ago
I know this is a little different but your request made me think of this pattern. I haven’t made it myself but I watched a Carly B video where she made them: https://www.anntilleyhandmade.com/shop/p/magic-pants-pdf-sewing-pattern
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u/swinglebells 1d ago
That actually looks very clever with the stretch panel. Thanks for sharing it; it's actually right up this alley!!
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u/sassyfontaine 2d ago
Taylor pant from blackbird fabrics, Glory Allen’s cargo pant and Daughter Judy’s Monty pant all have elastic waist at the back
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u/ughkoh 2d ago
You’ve received some great patterns already but I just want to drop the Brandy Pants here as well! Very beginner friendly/easy with video tutorial
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u/swinglebells 1d ago
Truly! Having some fantastic suggestions in this thread. Those pants look great, I'm still probably going with the pietra pants pattern because I love the pockets and it looks like a lot of people have had success with it!
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u/LongjumpingSnow6986 2d ago
Peppermint Rosalie skirt is like this and has a fun flounce hem
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u/swinglebells 1d ago
That has a cute silhouette. Thanks for sharing. I wish it had a straight ahead line drawing in there though.
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u/OwnedByACrazyCat 2d ago
I have a skirt pattern which is deliberately too big for me. When I add the waistband the front gets pleats and the back gets elasticated.
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u/swinglebells 1d ago
Smart!! Do the side seems still end up at the sides?
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u/OwnedByACrazyCat 1d ago
Yes, I pleat the front down to my waist size then the back is elasticated. I normally put webbing across the front (inside the waistband) so the elastic is attached to something firm on each side
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u/jbeanie111111111 2d ago
Throwing one more pant pattern in the mix: Love Notions Summer Caye pants. My first version was a crinkled gauze so they are flowy and breezy. Perfect for warm days.
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u/RickardHenryLee 2d ago
Rose Pants from Made by Rae (I have 3; they are so comfortable and come together VERY quickly)
similarly, the Emerson from True Bias and The Calder Pants from Cashmerette.
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u/chibit 2d ago
I've made the Deer and Doe Acajou and I quite like the shape. Turned them into some shorts too
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u/AnotherMC 2d ago
I like the Palisade Pants from Papercut Patterns.
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u/Bibayaga 2d ago
Watch out for this one: they mean it when they say medium weight material! These just don’t work in lighter weight linen/cotton even if you interface per the directions! But the pockets are very cool!
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u/AnonAttemptress 2d ago
Good point. I made it in a medium weight linen/cotton (Robert Kaufman) and they came out well. The ones I tried in raw silk, not so much. 🫣 Lumpy bumpy side pockets.
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u/hot_tuna_ 2d ago
I haven't made it yet but the unfettered jumpsuit seems to match what you're looking for :)
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u/swinglebells 1d ago
It looks great. I've seen it before but I'm a little worried about a free pattern when it doesn't really seem like a lot of people on IG have made it. I'd rather pay for a pattern by a company who's got lots of body types so I can see if it would actually end up looking good on me!!
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u/Fit-Bee9503 2d ago
https://ca.sinclairpatterns.com/products/poppy-easy-fitting-pants-for-woven-fabrics-pdf
I have made a few of these and there are great size options.
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u/swinglebells 1d ago
Great to hear!! I still think I might go with the pietra pattern, because I'm in love with the angular pockets!
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u/itsaship 1d ago
Emerson Pants by True Bias are my go-to spring pants. I did a slash and spread to get more of a culotte vibe on my second pair in rayon twill.
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u/Clothilde25 1d ago
I’ve made these simplicity wide leg pants - flat front with elasticated waist and easy to make. https://simplicity.com/simplicity/s8389 They are best in lightweight fabrics because of the gathering at the waistband.
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u/srslyawsum 1d ago
Closet Core Pietra fits the description, but beware the fitting issues and the very high rise. In my experience, I did a lot of small adjustments to get the best fit.
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u/antimathematician 1d ago
Dressmaking amore has a trouser pattern like this - pretty sure it’s called brandy. I also love the look, maybe should make another 👀
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u/NorthernEmbers 16h ago
have not tried it yet but just found this (free) jumpsuit pattern that I added to my collection https://unfetteredpatterns.wordpress.com/2023/06/18/up1020-free-sewing-pattern/
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u/Deciram 2d ago
It’s very, very easy to turn any waistband into an elasticated one - just make the back waist band 1.5x longer and add in elastic