Dino Pants for Oskar (98)

Hello everyone,

I recently told you that after making the harem pants for Lisann, I’d like to sew a pair of pants for her brother Oskar. He specifically asked for pants with dinosaurs. And his parents wanted them to be slim play pants because he has a slim build and so he can be more “agile.”

I’ve already found the stretchy, slightly heavier jersey fabric; there is really a lot going on and plenty to discover. The colors are also super pretty.



Oskar has, of course, not seen it yet. My plan is to sew him a pair of play pants and a T-shirt from it. I’ve already cut and sewn together the fabric for the pants.



During my sewing test, I found that I really like the “pseudo-overlock stitch.” That’s because when you turn the pants right side out, the seam is very fine (like with a straight stitch). I hadn’t cut off the seam allowance in the photo yet.



The next step is sewing on the waistband. Because Oskar is very active and likes to do gymnastics and romp around, I want to sew a wide elastic band (3 cm) into the pants waistband here. Since I didn’t have a matching one, I had to order it. So when it arrives, I’ll continue with the dino pants. The ankle cuffs should be made from regular cuff fabric.

Oskar is coming to visit us this weekend, so I’ll take his waist measurement right away, so the elastic won’t be too loose.

Question: Is this correct: waist measurement x 0.8 = elastic length (sewn together)?

Best regards and see you soon — Ina

Yes, exactly, about 20% less than the waist circumference.

Best regards, Inge

Thanks, Inge.

Well, I do things a little differently with the elastic.
I do a “gauge,” so to speak, because every elastic has a different level of stretch.
I take a ruler and pull the elastic taut to 10 cm.
I make a mark on the elastic (a small line), then let it go loose and measure it again. Then I know whether I need, say, 8 or just 7 cm for 10 cm. And then I calculate accordingly: x0.8 or 0.7. And since the elastic shouldn’t dig in, I add another 2 or 3 cm, depending on the situation.

I once had an elastic band that was soooo stretchy that 0.8 or 0.7 wasn’t enough. I actually had to cut it in half (0.5).

Thanks, Nina. Your method seems more precise to me. I found various elastic bands in my stash, and each one had a different level of stretch. I’ll do it the way you do.

Best regards, Ina

Thanks for these great sewing threads, Ina. And thanks also to everyone who shares tips here. I’m learning a lot. I’ll start sewing myself soon, but unfortunately I can’t clone myself yet, so it’ll have to wait.

Ina, you’re so incredibly hardworking. I’m amazed! And all such beautiful things!