Monday, October 17, 2011

Men's Shirt Re-Do # 2: Boy's Pants

Ltcpants 5words

I showed you last month how I made one of my husband's old shirts into this sweet little vest applique.

Picnik collages

There was still lots of fabric left over so I decided to make something for my son. It was the perfect opportunity to try out this kid pants pattern by Dana at Made.

Shirt 2

I laid my pattern pieces out on the shirt to make sure there was enough material. Then I traced around the edges with a fabric marker and cut out my pieces.

Shirt 3

Did you notice that the shirt had a front pocket? I decided that I wanted to use that on my pants. I couldn't just leave it on the fabric where it was, otherwise the pocket would be in the crotch area of the pants. Not good. I used a fabric ripper to carefully remove the pocket, still intact, and then ironed over the spot where the pocket had been to remove the evidence.

(The above picture is pre-ironing.)

Shirt 6

I sewed the left and right back sides together so that I could get an idea about how to center the pocket and left a 1/4" seam allowance. I pinned the pocket down and straight stitched around the edges with a gray thread.

Shirt 5

Once the pocket was attached, I sewed the front and back pieces of the pants together, hemmed the legs using some pants that fit my son as a guide, and finished the waistband with a flat front.

Shirt 7

They are perfect. Soft, lightweight and pretty darn inexpensive since I grabbed the shirt out of our "clothes to donate" bag!

Ltcpants 3

They have a flat front, so they could be worn with a shorter shirt and would still look spiffy.

Ltcpants 4

But they have an elastic band in the back, so they will stretch and grow a bit with my boy.

Ltcpants 8

When I hemmed the bottom I left about 1 1/2 extra inches, so in a few months when my son is taller, I'll just rip out the hem and sew it down at a longer length.

I'm still just getting into sewing clothes, so I need to make sure my efforts last a bit longer than just a few months.

Ltcpants 10

In hindsight, (or perhaps hind view?), I should have taken the pocket in to make it a little smaller. I think that taking about 1/2 inch off of each side and 1 inch off of the bottom would have made it the perfect size for his little booty. Maybe compare your men's shirt pocket to a pair of your son's pants to see if you need to make adjustments. Or if you're making a more casual pair of pants, you could make it a cool front pocket.

Picnik collagejump

Either way, prepare yourself for your boy to do some really cool, big, jumping in his new pants.

Picnik collagems

So rummage around in your guy's closet and grab a shirt that he never wears anymore. It's the perfect fabric for your boy projects!

I'm sure Pinterest has some good inspiration as well! Check it out and let me know what you make!

And while you're there, follow my pin boards here.

Have a great week!!

E1025F317CFB5B8E9E5C526E5CC0F475 copy

8 comments:

Patti @ Pandoras Box October 17, 2011 at 6:36 AM  

Very clever!

Lisa October 17, 2011 at 7:17 AM  

I think the pocket size is just right! They remind me of cargo pants. You could even use scraps to add more pockets, or knee reinforcements! Thanks for the idea and inspiration ~ I would have never thought to use a men's shirt in this way!

firsthousediary.blogspot.com

Tiffany October 17, 2011 at 11:24 AM  

What a fun idea! I love how these turned out. Jayce wears them well! So cute! : )

Lisa October 17, 2011 at 3:25 PM  

The pants turned out great.

You have just inspired me!

Unknown October 17, 2011 at 8:57 PM  

What a good idea. I've never gotten the hang of altering - I wish I had that skill! Tina

Each weekend I have a blog hop and giveaway linky - feel free to link up your fall crafts/recipes and family fun activities.
http://holidaygiftsandmore.blogspot.com

Thanks! Tina "The Book Lady"

Rachel October 21, 2011 at 7:47 PM  

I love dana :)...have been wanting to make these pants for a while. you did a superb job! you inspire me....maybe I'll get started. :)

Shop N Mom October 24, 2011 at 8:32 PM  

Great idea! I'm going to have to do this for my little boy.

Love your site! Found it on Blog It Forward Tuesday.

Hes my passion May 6, 2013 at 12:26 PM  

This is one of the cutest things I've ever seen. So creative. I love to just look at kids' clothes, so tiny and cute. I've learned a lot.

Related Posts with Thumbnails