Palazzo pants are a revolutionary fashion trend, known for their chic cut that makes any outfit look classy while ensuring great comfort and easy mobility. We love a versatile clothing item and palazzo pants are the definition of versatile. You can wear them with a peplum, a tank, and even a button-down, working the same pair of flowy pants for casual to semi-casual looks! Fashion brands will charge you an arm and a leg for a good pair of palazzo pants, so why buy a pair when you can stitch your own? This article will show you how to make an easy palazzo pant pattern like a pro. This step-by-step guide will teach you all you need to know, from the materials required, to the final touches in making a palazzo pant pattern.
Palazzo pants are nothing without a good fit. We understand that loose garments have their own charm, but even a flowy pair of palazzo pants require some definition that shows that the pants were made just for you! When it comes to making a palazzo pant pattern, the first thing you need is accurate measurements.
Most people think that since the airy style looks either straight or slightly bell-bottom shaped, they can just wing the measurements. Wrong. You need to carefully measure the high hip, hip, and hem area to ensure your pants look professionally sewn.
The measurements you take for each area, especially the hem, will depend on the kind of fit you are looking for. We will do a wide-leg palazzo pant pattern, so our measurements will look something like the chart below.
Size | High Hips | Hips | Hem Width |
6 (XXS) | 31 inches | 52 inches | 58 inches |
8 (XS) | 32 inches | 53 inches | 59 inches |
10 (M) | 34 inches | 54 inches | 61 inches |
12 (ML) | 35.5 inches | 55.5 inches | 62.5 inches |
14 (L) | 37 inches | 57 inches | 64 inches |
16 (XL) | 38.5 inches | 58.5 inches | 65.5 inches |
18 (XXL) | 40 inches | 60 inches | 70 inches |
20 (XXXL) | 42 inches | 62 inches | 72 inches |
Making palazzo pants is not as daunting as it sounds. In fact, palazzo pant patterns are among one of the easiest and beginner-friendly sewing projects. The pattern that we have selected can be easily followed by a beginner, if they follow each step carefully and precisely, however it is one that is usually taught at the intermediate level.
Before you start any project, it is best to gather all the items that you will require beforehand. For making a palazzo pant pattern you will require some materials that will be used in the pattern, as well as some tools that will be used to make the pattern. Consult the list below to gather all the items you will require.
Fabric: The best fabrics for making palazzo pants are usually stretchy ones, because they fit snugly on your upper body, while flowing nicely at the bottom. You can use knit clothes, like a jacquard or double-knit fabric, or even a bamboo, linen and cotton knit fabric. For the pattern we are making, you will require 2 to 2 ½ yards of 60-inch fabric.
Elastic or Belt: To give your pants a professional look and achieve a good fit in the waist area, you will need an adjustable belt. You can use elastic to make the waist band, or stitch a belt or button and hoops, with at least 3 waist size options. The good thing about elastic bands is that they accommodate several sizes, so you can wear your pants even if you gain or lose some weight.
Threads: Threads are a must-have for any stitching or sewing project. You can get threads that match your fabric for a seamless looking stitch, or even different colored threads to achieve a combination look. You have complete freedom over the color of your thread, but make sure to use a good quality and sturdy cotton thread.
Pattern: If you are a beginner, we suggest downloading a palazzo pant pattern online and manipulate the measurements according to your size. This pattern will essentially serve as a blueprint for your palazzo pant pattern.
A Ballpoint Needle: These needles are always good to have before starting a knitting or sewing project. They help you separate fabric threads smoothly, without ripping or fraying the cloth.
Scissors or Cutter: Again, scissors or other cutting tools are essential for both pattern-making and actually stitching the garment. It is recommended that you get tailoring scissors for clean cuts and the best results. We also recommend you get good-quality seam rippers because thread removal is a common part of sewing. However, undoing seams can result in a disaster, so it is best to get good seam rippers that will guarantee a clean-cut, without any nasty rips. You can consider buying a seam ripper set for all your pattern-making needs.
Sewing Pins: Even a non-stitcher would know that sewing pins are an essential item for any sewing-related project. However, most people fall prey to poor quality and cheap sewing pins that prove to be a hassle. We recommend getting the best sewing pin sets for all your DIY projects, including palazzo pant patterns.
Sewing Clips: These are small steel clips that help you measure and prepare your fabric for stitching, allowing a smooth and wrinkle-free stitch. We will need sewing clips for measuring and stitching the hem of the palazzo pants. You can get the Set of 20 Stainless Steel Hemming Clips for a great grip.
Sewing Machine: Coming on to our final tool for making a palazzo pant pattern, a sewing machine. Most stitching experts and enthusiasts know that a good quality sewing machine will not only make their life easier but also translate into perfection in their final looks.
If you are a beginner, you can buy an automatic sewing machine, preferably one with versatile options like zigzag stitching. You can also find a model you like among the best Serger sewing machines for beginners.
Follow every step closely to make a palazzo pant pattern and achieve the perfect pair of palazzo pants.
The first step is to cut the right pattern for the palazzo pants. For this step, you will require taking two pieces of your stretchable fabric. Remember that the length of the fabric must be sufficient, so take the length you want for your pants to be and add 4 inches to it. Ensure that you keep the right sides of the fabric together.
Next, mark on the fabric according to the following guidelines:
The next step is sewing the leg inseams. Start with one leg piece and sew the inseams together on the inner right sides. Repeat this for the other leg as well.
Next, put the two leg pieces together, such that the crotch seam can be joined together, and sew it. To ensure the stitching does not open, make two stitching lines.
Now, we sew two darts on each leg piece. For this, you will first have to mark the darts. The width of the dart is taken by subtracting half the measurement of your waist from half the measurement of the circumference of the top of your pants. Divide the number obtained by 4, and that will be the width of each of your darts. The length of the darts is 8 inches, which are then sewn from the inside in a tapered pattern. Tie the thread at the end to secure it carefully. Once done, press the darts on the right side.
The final step of making your palazzo pants pattern is to make the waistband. We will be making an elastic waistband because it is convenient and easy.
Palazzo pants are a piece of clothing that never goes out of fashion. We are observing a comeback of the 90’s bell-bottom palazzo pants again and we are loving it. Now that you know how to make a palazzo pant pattern, you can experiment with different fabrics to make different kinds of palazzo pants. The stretchy fabric will give your pants a flowy, skirt-like summer look, while a sturdier jacquard or pique fabric will give a more formal, tailored look. We love learning more and getting new ideas, so if you have any suggestions or personal takes on palazzo pant patterns, let us know!