I have had this Simplicity 2860 Amazing Fit pants pattern for a while.  I don’t like how most pants fit my body.  I have a belly and most waistband sit on the biggest part of my belly.  (I remember when waistlines were actually AT the waist line.)   So I thought it would be fun to sew a pair of pants for myself.

I received the impetus I needed to get started when I began working on a pair of custom pants at the boutique at which I sew.  The reviews on Pattern Review for these pants were generally very good, so I felt confident I would succeed.

I picked up some bottom weight fabric at JoAnn and sewed away.  I completed the pants in a weekend!  Here’s the review I have posted on Pattern Review.

Pattern Description:  Pants with individual pattern pieces given for slim, average and curvy fit….includes customized fitting instructions.

Pattern Sizing: 8 – 16

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes.  I typically do not like commercial patterns.  The instructions are hard to follow….the diagrams are not easy to read.  Perhaps because there are not many pieces in pants, but I found these instructions straightforward and easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  The BEST part about this pattern is the ability to customize it to your personal fit.  In essence, it is teaching you how to be a tailor.

Fabric Used:  A bottom weight from JoAnn.  I believe it is a cotton/polyester blend that is supposed to be wrinkle free.  It has a little give to it and wrinkles quite easily.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  The pattern steps you through the construction process in such a way so that you can try them on and make fit adjustments.  It’s completely logical!  I did not make belt loops and I did not use the twill tape.  Instead of the tape I simply serged the edge.

I share my back view with you.  When I first completed them there was some puckering below the rear.  I wasn’t sure if that was normal.  There are all kinds of different levels of fit.  Then I was at church and was looking at everyone’s behinds and how their pants fit (I know…sinner!)  I observed that most pants had these wrinkles.  (If you have suggestions, though, I welcome them!)

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I would sew pants again.  I would like to try a nice wool or wool blend – something with a little more body.  I also would like to raise the waistband up higher.

Conclusion:  I am very excited to complete my first pair of pants.  They are not perfect, but the process is not intimidating, especially with the “Amazing Fit” pattern.  I have several other “Amazing Fit” patterns and look forward to trying those.