How to DIY Cute and Flowy Ruffle Pants

Quiana Unique
by Quiana Unique
9 Materials
$15
4 Hours
Easy

I've made wrap pants before but this time I wanted to do something different and make ruffle pants.


You don't need a wrap pants sewing pattern because nearly all the sections are straight pieces of fabric. The measurements given are for a 42 inch hip and I'm 5 ft 3 inches tall.


Please bear that in mind when calculating how much fabric you need!

Tools and materials:

  • 2 yards fabric 48 inches wide
  • 3/8 " elastic
  • Tape measure
  • Ruler
  • Tailor's chalk or fabric marker
  • Rotary cutter or scissors
  • Pins
  • Safety pin
  • Sewing machine with zigzag stitch or serger
Taking measurements

1. Take your measurements

Measure the length of your pants from the waist and add 2 inches for a hem and waistband.


Measure your crotch seam from front to back and add 2 inches to that for the waistband. Then measure around the widest part of your hips.

Measuring fabric

2. Measure and cut the fabric

Fold the fabric in half with the raw edges together and measure off the pants length from one end.


Draw a straight line across the fabric and cut it.

Cutting fabric

Fold one piece of the fabric in half and mark half your crotch measurement down from the top and a quarter of your crotch measurement across the top from the fold.


Join these two points with a curved line for the crotch seam and cut along the curve. Use that piece as a template to cut the second piece of fabric.

Cutting fabric

3. Sew crotch seam

Open up the two pieces and place them right sides together. Pin and sew the crotch seam.


This fabric frays easily, so I'm sewing all seams with a straight stitch and then finishing the raw edges with a zigzag stitch.

Fitting

4. Fitting

Try on the pants by pinning the top of the crotch seam to the front and back of your clothing.


Working on one leg at a time, wrap the back piece at the waist over the front piece and pin it closed. 

Fitting

Leave enough room for you to pull the pants on and off. Make a couple of stitches where the pins are to hold the pants legs in place.

Measuring

5. Cut side panels

From the remaining fabric, cut two pieces each 36 inches long by 10 inches wide at the widest point.


This is for the outer panels and I made mine longer than the wrap pants leg, but you can cut them to the same length if you prefer. 


Taper the pieces from 10 inches at the hem down to 5 inches at the waist. I didn't do this at first and had to do it later. Cut along the fold to separate the pieces.

Attaching side panels

6. Attach side panels

Pin and sew the panels to the outer back sections of the pants, with the narrowest part of the panel at the waistband.

Making ruffle

7. Make ruffle

I had a 6 inch strip of fabric left, so I cut it in half lengthways to make two 3 inch ruffles.


Turn in both long edges and sew them.

Making ruffle

Sew two rows of long gathering stitches with a loose tension along one long edge, leaving the ends free.


Carefully pull on the ends to gather the length of the ruffle.

Attaching ruffle

8. Attach ruffle

Curve the lower edge of the side panels.

Attaching ruffle

Pin the ruffles to the lower and outer edges of the panels, with right sides together.


Leave a section at the top of the panels without a ruffle, for the ties.

Making ties

9. Make ties

Use one of the curved sections cut out from the crotch. Cut along the folded edge and separate the pieces. 

Making ties

Fold the curved edge to the straight edge lengthways and cut along the curve.


Sew along the curved edge and turn the ties inside out.

Elasticated waist

10. Elasticated waist

Measure the elastic to fit around your waist with a small gap.


Turn in a hem around the waist of the pants and sew along the raw edge, leaving a small opening to insert the elastic. Leave the side panels free.


Thread the elastic through the casing and secure the ends. Stitch the opening closed.

Attaching ties

11. Attach ties and finishing

Make a narrow hem at the top and side of the side panels and pin the straight edge of the ties to the panel above the ruffle.


Turn in a double hem along the sides and lower edges of the front legs. 

Finishing DIY ruffle pants


Completed DIY ruffle pants

DIY ruffle pants

I'm very happy I chose this lightweight gauzy fabric, although it did fray easily. My ruffle pants move beautifully and feel great, and I can dress them up or down in so many different ways.


I would love to know in the comments if you make these pants and how they turn out!

Suggested materials:
  • 2 yards fabric 48 inches wide
  • 3/8 " elastic
  • Tape measure
See all materials

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