Fancy Pants - McCall 6515

This is one of two pairs of "Fancy" pants I've sewn in the past few weeks.  The first pair were made using Simplicity 2369, which I will review along with the dress, view B.

In the spring, I posted five trends for the coming seasons.  One of the trends is "Standout" pants.  Later I decided I liked Rhonda's description better:  "Fancy" pants.

The daring side of me thought, I would make a pair similar to the last pair of pants in Rhonda's post.  My first choice of fabric was a silky polyester big floral print, similar to the print in Rhonda's post.  Then the modest side of me thought, it reminded me, too much, of pajama pants.  So I decided not to take the risk of a total fashion disaster.  So I opt for this lime and white floral cotton sateen from Jo Ann's Fabrics.

I decided to use this McCall's (6515) pattern because it is simple and has clean lines that would work well with a bold print or texture fabric.

Pattern Description:   MISSES' PANTS: Pants have contour waistband, side zipper, narrow hem and width variations. A: boot-legged, carriers and top stitching. B: straight-legged. C: slightly flared. A, B and C: semi-fitted. D: flared, loose-fitting, front/back pleats. Designed for medium weight wovens.


Pattern Sizing: 6 to 22.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  When I went to the McCall's website to copy the description, I noticed they had linked the wrong technical drawing to the pants.  The drawings look like boot or shoe dressings.  Hopefully, they will correct it soon.

Anyway, my pants look like view A on the guide sheet.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Typical construction for simple pants.  Very easy and no problems understanding them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I have a few likes and dislikes:

Likes -
 - Simple flat front pants - perfect for a bold print.
 - Contour waistband - much better fit than the flat, straight waistband.
 - Slightly flared pants - Opportunity for creating a better silhouette for my shape.

Dislikes -

 - I hate easing more than an inch across the front.
 - Side zippers on pants aren't my favorite, but I went ahead with this method of installation.

Fabric Used:  (Stretch Woven) Cotton Sateen

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:


Pattern alterations:
My usual crotch adjustments; shorten and scoop out the center back seam about 5/8" and add that amount to the side seam.
Moved back dart 5/8" toward the side seams.
 -  Made darts instead of easing the full amount of excess on the front.
 - Lengthen pants 2" where indicated on the pattern and added 2"  at the hem.

Design/construction changes:
 -  Installed a lapped zipper.
 -  Made a deeper hem.
 -  Replaced the small hook and eye with larger ones.
 - Attached belt loops to the waist of the pant and then to the top of the waistband before top stitching.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  Yes,  I plan to make one of the other views.

Conclusion:   Nice and easy pattern to sew.