Wide leg pants are a timeless wardrobe staple that combine effortless style with all-day comfort. Their relaxed silhouette offers ease of movement while creating a flattering, modern look that's suitable for casual outings, workwear, and everyday dressing. They're also an enjoyable sewing project that introduces practical techniques such as patch pockets, elastic waistbands, and topstitching, making them a rewarding project for beginner and intermediate sewists.
The Winslet's Ella Wide Leg Pants Sewing Pattern is a wonderful choice for creating comfortable yet polished trousers. Featuring a wide-leg silhouette, an elastic waistband, slant patch pockets, a back patch pocket, and decorative belt loops, this easy sewing pattern combines everyday comfort with thoughtful design details for a professional-looking finish.
Why Sew Wide Leg Pants?
Wide leg pants are a versatile garment that can be dressed up or down while remaining comfortable throughout the day.
- Relaxed wide-leg silhouette provides comfort and freedom of movement.
- Elastic waistband offers an easy, comfortable fit.
- Slant front patch pockets and back patch pocket add everyday functionality.
- Decorative belt loops create a polished, ready-to-wear appearance.
- Suitable for a variety of lightweight woven fabrics.
- A beginner-friendly project that introduces patch pockets, elastic waistband construction, belt loops, and decorative topstitching.
Why Choose the Winslet's Ella Wide Leg Pants Sewing Pattern?
The Ella Wide Leg Pants are designed for sewists who want to create comfortable, stylish trousers with practical features and a clean, modern finish.
Skill Level: Easy
Key Features
- Wide-leg silhouette.
- Elastic waistband.
- Slant patch pockets.
- Back patch pocket.
- Decorative belt loops.
Available Sizes: US 02 - US 32 | UK 06 - UK 36 | EU 36 - EU 64
Supplies & Notions
Prepare the following before you begin sewing:
- Main fabric
- 3-ply polyester thread
- Sewing machine
- Tape measure
- Fabric shears
- Pins
- Sewing needles
- Iron
- Chalk
- Thread cutter
- Elastic band
Fabric Recommendations
This pattern is designed for light to medium-weight woven fabrics.
Recommended fabrics include:
- Cotton
- Polyester
- Viscose
Sample Fabric Used
The sample pants shown in the sewing guide are made from cotton chambray, which is recommended because it is:
- Lightweight.
- Soft against the skin.
- Durable.
- Breathable.
Size Charts
Check the size charts and measure yourself to select the correct size, using the garment and body measurement tables in the guide.
Verify how much fabric you need by referencing the fabric yield table in the guide.
Pattern Inventory: What Pieces to Prepare
Prepare the following pattern pieces before cutting your fabric.
- A. Front – Cut 2 fabric
- B. Back – Cut 2 fabric
- C. Waistband – Cut 1 fabric
- D. Side Patch Pocket – Cut 2 fabric
- E. Back Pocket Facing – Cut 1 fabric
- F. Back Patch Pocket – Cut 1 fabric
- G. Belt Loop – Cut 1 fabric
If you're printing at home, use the A4/US Letter pattern.
If you're using a copy shop, use the A0 pattern.
Pattern Marking
Before cutting your fabric, familiarize yourself with the markings shown on each pattern piece.
The pattern includes markings for:
- Grainline
- Waistline
- Seam allowance
- Slant pocket line
- Slant pocket marking
- Waist pocket notch
- Side seam pocket notch
- Side seam
- Side seam notches
- Inseam
- Crotch
- Crotch notch
- Back pocket marking
- Fold line
- Hemline
Understanding these markings before sewing will help you align the pieces accurately and achieve a professional finish.
Cutting Layout
Arrange your pattern pieces according to the cutting layout provided for your chosen fabric width.
Keep these guidelines in mind:
- Position every pattern piece so the grainline arrow runs parallel to the fabric selvage.
- Pin the pattern pieces securely before cutting for greater accuracy.
- The layouts shown are intended for non-directional fabrics.
- Purchase additional fabric if you're using fabrics with a nap or directional prints.
- The cutting layouts shown use the medium size for illustration.
- Separate cutting layouts are provided for 45-inch and 60-inch fabric widths.
Fabric Cutting and Preparation
Preparing your fabric before sewing helps ensure accurate cutting and professional-looking results.
Lay Out Your Pattern Pieces
Arrange the pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams, ensuring each grainline arrow runs parallel to the fabric selvage.
Cut Your Fabric
If you're using fabric shears, trace around the pattern pieces before cutting. Remove any pen, pencil, or chalk lines as you cut, and remember to clip all notches, as these markings help align the pieces accurately during assembly.
Transfer Pattern Markings
Transfer all markings, including circles, buttonholes, and fold lines, onto the wrong side of the fabric using chalk or another suitable marking tool. Mark the center front of pieces cut on the fold to help align the garment accurately during sewing.
Seam Allowance
Use the seam allowances marked on each pattern piece. These are provided specifically for accurate construction.
This pattern uses a 1 cm (0.5 inch) seam allowance all around, a 1.5 cm (0.63 inch) seam allowance at the slant pocket line, and a 7.6 cm (3 inch) seam allowance at the hem. The back patch pocket uses a 1 cm seam allowance at the top edge and a 1.5 cm seam allowance on the remaining three edges.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
1. Attach the Slant Patch Pockets
Fold the seam allowance along the slant pocket line on each Front (Pattern A) piece toward the wrong side.
Sew along the folded edge to enclose the raw edge, then sew a second row of stitching 0.5 cm away from the first for a decorative finish.
2. Attach the Side Patch Pockets
Place the right side of each Side Patch Pocket (Pattern D) against the wrong side of the corresponding front piece.
Align the waist pocket notch with the waist edge and the side seam pocket notch with the end of the slant pocket opening.
Sew around the pocket as you would a patch pocket, leaving the slant opening unstitched.
Finish by sewing two decorative stitch lines along the slant pocket opening for a neat, ready-to-wear appearance.
3. Prepare and Attach the Back Patch Pocket
3a.
Place the Back Pocket Facing (Pattern E) onto the Back Patch Pocket (Pattern F) with the right sides together.
Sew only along the top edge of the pocket.
3b.
Turn the facing toward the wrong side and press.
Fold the remaining three pocket seam allowances toward the wrong side and press neatly.
3c.
Position the prepared back patch pocket on the Back (Pattern B), aligning it with the pocket markings.
Sew along both sides and the bottom edge close to the pocket edge.
Add a second decorative stitch line 0.75 cm away from the first stitching line for a professional finish.
4. Sew the Front and Back Crotch Seams
Place the two Back pieces with their right sides together.
Pin and sew along the back crotch seam.
Repeat the same process for the two Front pieces, sewing the front crotch seam.
5. Sew the Side Seams
Place one front and one back pant panel with their right sides together.
Align the side seams, pin, and sew both side seams.
Repeat for the opposite leg.
6. Sew the Inseams
Align the inseams of each pant leg with the right sides together.
Pin from one hem through the crotch and down to the opposite hem.
Sew continuously along the inseam to join both pant legs.
7. Prepare the Waistband
Fold the Waistband (Pattern C) in half widthwise with the right sides together.
Sew the short ends together to form a continuous waistband.
8. Prepare the Elastic Waistband
8a.
Cut a 1.75-inch-wide elastic band.
Use a length that is approximately 2–4 inches shorter than your waist circumference, depending on your preferred fit.
8b.
Join the elastic ends using one of the following methods:
- Method 1: Place a 1.5-inch-long muslin strip beneath the overlapping elastic ends and secure them together using a zigzag stitch.
- Method 2: Overlap the elastic ends by 1 cm and secure them with a zigzag stitch. This method may create extra bulk when using thicker elastic.
8c.
Place the joined elastic against the wrong side of the waistband.
8d.
Fold the waistband lengthwise with the elastic enclosed between the layers.
9. Optional: Stabilize the Waistband
For a steadier and more structured waistband, sew one row of stitching approximately 1 cm below the top edge while stretching the elastic evenly as you sew.
Sew a second row approximately 2 cm below the first row, again stretching the elastic evenly throughout the stitching.
10. Make the Belt Loops
Fold both long edges of the Belt Loop (Pattern G) inward.
Fold the strip in half again to enclose the raw edges and press all folds.
Topstitch along both long edges.
Cut the finished strip into five belt loops, each measuring 7.5 cm long.
11. Attach the Waistband and Belt Loops
11a.
Position one end of each belt loop along the waistline.
Place:
- One belt loop at the center back.
- One at each side seam.
- One at the center of each front panel.
Pin all belt loops in place.
11b.
Stretch the prepared waistband to match the waist opening.
Align the waistband seam allowance with the waistline and sew the waistband to the pants.
11c.
Fold the waistband upward.
Press thoroughly and stitch along the waist seam to secure the waistband neatly in place.
12. Secure the Belt Loops
Fold approximately 1 cm of each belt loop toward the waistband.
Pin the folded end in place and stitch across the folded edge to secure it.
Repeat for all remaining belt loops.
13. Finish the Hem
Fold the hem twice.
First fold 0.25 inches toward the wrong side to conceal the raw edge.
Fold again along the hemline toward the wrong side.
Sew close to the folded edge to secure the hem.
Add a second decorative stitch line 0.5 inches away from the first for a professional finish.
14. Add Decorative Topstitching
Sew two decorative stitch lines along both side seams and the back crotch seam to complete the signature ready-to-wear finish of the Ella Wide Leg Pants.
Ready to Sew Your Own Wide Leg Pants?
A handmade pair of wide leg pants is a wardrobe essential that combines comfort, practicality, and timeless style. The Ella Wide Leg Pants feature a relaxed silhouette, an elastic waistband for all-day comfort, functional slant patch pockets, a back patch pocket, and decorative belt loops that give them a polished ready-to-wear look.
Whether you choose breathable cotton, soft viscose, polyester blends, or lightweight chambray, this easy sewing pattern is enjoyable for both beginner and intermediate sewists. Follow the step-by-step instructions, take your time with each stage, and you'll create a versatile pair of pants you'll enjoy wearing season after season.
Ready to start sewing? Pick up the Ella Wide Leg Pants Sewing Pattern and create a comfortable, stylish pair of handmade trousers with thoughtful finishing details.
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Join the Community & Get Support
Share your finished Ella Wide Leg Pants on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com.
