My second pair of pants for Lisann—this time a different pattern

Hi everyone,

After the first pair of pants (see here) turned out so well, and because of Petra’s request and Nina’s tips, I sewed another pair of pants today. This time, the pattern consisted of just two pieces. The pattern (size 50) was available online for free. I think that, both visually and in terms of measurements, the pants look more suitable for a baby wearing a diaper. I’d probably use the other pattern from the other day for older children who no longer wear diapers. I simply have to see it in real life. In any case, I now have two pairs of pants in two different versions.



Since I had two fewer seams than with the previous model, this one was naturally easier to sew. I immediately put what I’d learned from the previous thread into practice while it was still fresh. So today it only took one afternoon to finish the pants. I also got on better with the stitch types because I had already tried them out yesterday.

The rosewood-colored cuff fabric that I didn’t end up using the other day went very well with the patterned fabric.

But because the cuff fabric is a bit thicker, I didn’t like the seams as much. Especially when sewing the cuff to the pants, you have to sew over three layers of seam there (2 x cuff, 1 x pants), and I didn’t really like that. I’ll have to see whether I can find a thinner cuff fabric online. Then the seams will be thinner too.







Best regards from Ina, a sewing enthusiast

Great job, Ina—you’re doing great! :-))

Hugs, Inge

Ina, I’m impressed. The print looks better with this pattern too. It really does look like there’s more room for the diaper. Awesome!!!!

The cuff goes well with the fabric.

There’s plenty of room for a diaper 😊
And they’ll grow with her nicely.
I really like them because there’s no “broken” pattern right in the middle.

They turned out really nice!

Super cute pants! You’re inspiring me to give it a try too—I’ve got the perfect fabric for it now!

Wow, Ina, you always manage to pull this off so well. Great job. It looks fantastic, and the colors all go together perfectly.
I have a sewing machine too, but it’s mostly for personal use—I rarely sew anything because it acts up with the bobbin every now and then.

You’re going to become a sewing pro. Thanks for the tips—if I ever do sew something, I’ll know what to do.

Have fun, everyone!

Andrea, if your bobbin is *acting up*, check how tight the little spring on the bobbin is, or whether it might be too loose, because there’s a tiny screw on it that lets you adjust the thread tension on the bobbin case.
I have several bobbin cases for my old Pfaff 1467 because I occasionally use this machine to sew leather, and for that, the thread tension in that particular case needs to be much looser than with regular sewing thread. And so I don’t always have to readjust it, I’ve set up one case so that it lets this strong thread, the kind you also use for sewing jeans, run through easily and without any problems, just as I also have a case set up for very fine silk threads.
Another thing that’s really good for the machine is to clean out the lint and dust every now and then; cleaning is the be-all and end-all so that a machine sews well and reliably. If necessary, give it a little oil too; so the machine doesn’t drown in oil, put a bit on a cotton swab and use it to lubricate the joints and moving parts of the machine. It’s good for it.

Best regards, Inge

The pants turned out great, Ina. Especially with small baby sizes, it’s great when the pattern isn’t ruined by the seams.

Another great thing to sew for babies is little hats. They really need them in the early days because their heads get cold quickly. And a reversible beanie like this can be sewn quickly from jersey scraps, and babies don’t outgrow a hat like that so fast.

I have a question for the “pros” here.
With pants like these, shouldn’t it be possible to sew all the seams with the serger?

Sure, something like that is done in no time with the overlocker.

Best regards, Inge

Hi Inge, I guess it looks neat on the inside, too.
But I guess only you can get things done in a flash 😀
I think I’ll go ahead and buy one after all.
Seeing Ina’s beautiful pants is making me itch to get started. 

@alle
Thank you so much for your encouraging praise :-) and your suggestions. Yes Ruth, a little hat will certainly have its turn soon too. But I’m still busy with the pants.

@Akela
Dear Inge, thank you for your explanations about the thread tension, which you can adjust by setting the little spring on the bobbin looser or tighter. I think that is really important information. I had never looked at the bobbin that closely before, let alone had any idea that you could adjust something with a screw. As a beginner, you just don’t know that.

The tip that you should dust and oil your sewing machine every now and then is also very important. It’s like maintaining the dishwasher by unscrewing and cleaning the spray arms and so on. Everyone uses it, but nobody wants to maintain it. Recently, when my sewing machine ate the beginning of the fabric and nothing worked anymore, I unscrewed the cover plate on top for the very first time to free the fabric. And yes, there they were, the accumulated little bits of dust—I dutifully brushed them right out. It still smelled oily, so I didn’t need to oil anything. But without that mishap with the fabric, I probably wouldn’t have removed the dust.

So—and now it’s happened! Now everyone here has been constantly raving about an overlock sewing machine . I only have a regular one. I’m seriously considering buying one for my birthday (in May). But until then I still have to think it over carefully.

When I bought my sewing machine, I simply wanted to have a “sewing machine.” Now I’m asking myself, what can an overlock do that a regular sewing machine can’t? I’ll open a new thread about that, otherwise this important question will get lost here in the thread.

Best wishes, Ina

Ina, the second pair of pants turned out great! Your enthusiasm is really contagious. I bought two patterns for kids’ clothes here today and will start sewing again soon.

I’m so glad to hear that, dear Moni. Sewing is truly an enrichment for us creative types. We’ve already done so much with wool, knitting needles, and crochet hooks—and we’ll continue to do so. But the world of fabrics simply opens up whole new horizons. Your granddaughters will be thrilled and will soon let you know what they’d like. It’s great that there are authors here on CP who write sewing patterns. That way, we don’t have to figure it all out ourselves. With the right pattern in the right size, you’re already off to a great start.

You mentioned elsewhere that you want to repurpose some of your old clothes. That’s a great idea. I was down in the basement today, too, going through my old T-shirts. And I found a few things I can now use to sew something new. I also love all the new things there are to learn. I feel really excited about all the new possibilities.

Today I learned that not all jersey is the same. “French terry” is a summer jersey that’s thinner than regular jersey. So when you’re sewing summer clothes, you need to use summer jersey or French terry.

Here in the sewing forum, you can ask all your questions. The new sewing buddies are all very helpful and know a lot. I’m glad you’re sewing now too, and I’m looking forward to seeing your creations.

Best regards, Ina