My favorite make of the summer- Emerson Crop Pants from True Bias!
Earlier this summer during my getaway to Sisters, Oregon I found the most amazing rayon pants in a local boutique. They were the perfect “secret pajamas” that we all want and hope for in our wardrobe. While I rarely buy any ready-made garments these days, that occasional perfect piece is just too good to pass up. Once home, my dream was to find a pattern and create more versions of these dreamy pants.
Kelli from True Bias must have been on the same wavelength because not two weeks later she released her Emerson Crop Pants pattern! Almost exactly like my boutique find but even better. I of course ordered the pattern right away and immediately started planning sewing up my own versions.
I played with a few fabric options but continued to come back to one of our most popular fabrics in the shop these days, the shibori double border rayon. This fabric is incredibly soft, has amazing drape and still has enough body and weight to make it acceptable for pants- I knew it would be an amazing choice for this pattern.
Time to sew! Due to the relaxed fit and elastic waistband, I decided to skip making a muslin. Normally for pants I wouldn’t skip this step but the forgiving nature of this pattern saved me some time! I went with a size 10 based on the measurements in the pattern.
The pattern took no time at all to cut out, although I did take some time to plan out how I wanted the border designs to appear and to match up elements as best I could at the seams. It also took only a couple hours to sew start to finish. I sewed up the pockets and body of the pants in one evening and then finished up the waistband and hems the next afternoon. Hint: I recently tried out a new tool from Clover and I am a complete convert! No more safety pins for me! Pair it with their new elastic lock for a match made in sewing heaven.
Overall, the pattern was short, sweet and easy to follow. You will also love the waistband detail with the flat front and elastic back! I was a little unsure about the four pleats across the front but they also proved to be a great detail and when paired with the flat panel waist, actually have a nice slimming effect. The fit was perfect- I did adjust the waistband just the way I wanted it before sewing it in place. I love how fitted they are while still being very relaxed and comfy! Perfect for work or just hanging out around the house.
Styled with a white tank and a linen shirt I am ready for a day out and about! Did I mention I love how comfortable these are, oh, and they have pockets! Now I am dreaming of more versions and how I can transition this pattern to fall. I’m thinking maybe a fun suiting or light weight wool- a bit more structure and warmth perfect for fall in the Northwest!
Definitely a pattern that I will revisit! Thanks Kelli for reading my mind/releasing this pattern at the perfect moment!
~Michelle
Love these cropped pants in this fabric!! I just purchased this fabric from Stylemaker Fabrics. The fabric looks great as cropped pants, I am leaning toward making a top from it.
I just finished a shift dress (from Sew Over It) in this Shibori rayon fabric. I did a little hacking to the pattern to create a back yoke so I could have a “border yoke and hem” plus then the horizontal pattern could match. The fabric is wonderful to work with. I originally put in a back zip, but took it out because the zip was a bit to heavy for the fabric and I wanted a blouson affect on top. I even have enough for a tank top if I do a bit of creative adjusting and maybe turn the back panel 90 degrees.
Awesome Carolyn! We’d love to see it!
~Michelle