Easy and Breezy Wide-Leg Pants

Tools and materials:

• Seam ripper
• Tailor's chalk
• Button-down shirt
• Pants
• Elastic
• Scissors
• Sewing machine

Cut out your fabric 

The first step is to use a seam ripper and remove the pocket from the chest. Once that’s done, fold the shirt in half (so the back collar is touching itself) and line up the seams. Measure 18 inches from the bottom and mark it off. Next, place a folded pair of pants on the shirt, lining up the crotch nook with the marking. Using tailor’s chalk, trace around the pants. Measure 14 inches wide mark off the top of the pants and cut your fabric out. 

Sew your pockets 

For your pocket, draw half an oval on the sleeves and cut it out. This should leave you with four pieces of half-oval-shaped fabric. Zigzag stitch the edges of the pockets to keep the fabric from fraying. Using your tailor’s chalk, mark off about an inch from the outer edge on the two inner layers of the fabric of your pants and cut. Open up the pants fabric and fold it inside out, right sides together. Mark off six inches from the top edge for the placement of your pockets. To attach them, pin one half-oval to each side of the fabric, right sides touching. Sew the fabric in place using a zigzag stitch. Next, lay your fabric folded right sides together again and sew the pants legs closed (this time, including the pocket). (For a clearer understanding of what to fold when, check out the video at 2:50). 

Build the pants 

Turn one leg right side out and slide the inside out leg inside of it so that the right sides are touching. Align the seams and pin them in place. Sew to secure using a zigzag stitch. Pull the second leg out from the first so the pants are complete, but inside out. 

Add the elastic 

Cut out an elastic that is the size of your waist, minus two inches. Sew the elastic together in the shape pictured below to keep it secure. Next, slip the elastic onto the waistband and pin it by all four corners. The space between each pin should be divided into four equal parts. Once that’s done zigzag stitch. Once that’s done, fold the elastic over twice so that it’s hidden beneath the fabric. Pin and sew (two lines across the elastic - one on top, one on the bottom - to keep it from twisting and bending). 

These pants are easy and breezy - literally! These DIY wide-leg pants keep you cool and comfy when the sun is beating down. Wear it to the beach, to the pool, or to just run errands, these pants are the perfect solution to a hot summer day.