Capri pants are pants that are shorter than trousers but longer than shorts. They are also popularly known as Clam-diggers or crop pants. Essentially, they are three-quarter pants that end between the ankle and the calf. Most people use the term Capri to refer to any cropped slim pants that end at the ankle bone. They can be worn by both men and women and they look attractive on both kids and adults. The pants have a casual look and are usually made with stretchy fabric. Making the Capri pants pattern is not rocket science. With keen adherence to the right guidelines, anyone can do it. All you need is the right set of tools and materials to take accurate measurements, draft, cut, and sew the pattern. In this article, we will take you through a straightforward step by step process of sewing Capri pants pattern.
You need the right set of tools to get the pattern right. If you usually sew, then you mightn’t need to add anything to your sewing tool kit. If you are sewing for the first time, then here is a list of the key tools you need for this project:
Here is a step by step guide on how to sew Capri pants:
Start by laying the pattern sheet on a flat surface then fold it into 2. Fold a pair of your favorite fitting pants and lay it on the pattern sheet for measurements reference. Ensure you leave an allowance of 0.5 inches along the width of the pants you lay on the sheet. Once you are sure of the measurements, draw the pattern. Mark the length of the pants points A to B. Measure 1 inch from point A along the line AB and mark it point C. Measure 1.5 inches from point A along the pants’ waistline and mark it point F. Measure the same length from point C and mark point D just below point F. Draw a straight line from D to the other edge of the sheet fold to mark point E. Join E and F with a smooth curve. Measure 1 inch from point F and mark it point N the join A to N with a straight line. Draw a vertical line in the middle of points AF, CD to the bottom edge of the pants and mark it point M. Measure 4.5 inches from point M on both directions and mar points K and J. Join point K to and J to E. At this point you should have the front shape of the pants. Repeat to get the back shape.
Pin the front leg pieces with the right sides together then sew along the crotch line. Do the same for the back leg pieces ten sew along the crotch line. The four leg pieces you had before should be 2 by now: the front and back pieces.
Pin them with the right sides together. Ensure the sides are aligned then stitch as you remove the pins. Stitch the insides of the pants as well.
Turn the pants right side out then prepare the waistband and the ankle bands. Cut out 3 inches wide fabric pieces from your stretchy fabric. The length should be equal to the measurement of your waist plus 2 inches. Cut out at elastic that is ¾ inch or ½ inch of your waist’s measurement. Sew the end edges of the waist fabric pieces together. Do the same for the elastic then insert it in the waist band. Baste stitch along the raw edges. Here is some more information on how to create a waist band for pants.
Pleat the pants to fit the waistband you have made then stitch the waistband to the pant piece top edge together. Repeat the same procedure to make the ankle bands using the measurements for the ankles.
Capri pants are a casual vibe that never grows old. They are super-comfortable and can be worn by anyone regardless of their body size, shape or age. The pants are pretty easy to make provided you have all the tools required and you follow the sewing instructions provided on this post. You can use your favorite fitting Capri pants to derive the correct measurements when making the Capri pants pattern. You can also adjust the measurements according to your preference. If you like loose fitting pants you can increase the width. If you like them to be shorter or longer, you can play with the length to get your most preferred size. Just ensure you use a stretchy fabric to make the waistband and the ankle/leg bands.
