SHIRRED PANTS & SHORTS

Instructions

1. Choose a wide leg elastic waistband pants/shorts pattern. Cut out paper pattern. Measure down on the pattern how far down you would like the shirring waistband. Add 1.5cm for seam allowance to this measurement. Mark on pattern. Fold down on this measurement, ensuring the back and front pieces all line up along any markings. Cut out and make the pants as per the pattern's instructions, omitting the waistband instructions.
2. To add on a shirred waistband, measure the shirred edge of the fabric to be 7-10cm less than your lower waist/hip measurement. Adjust measurement to suit how tight you would like the shirring waistband. Cut the shirring fabric to these width measurements adding on 1.5cm at each side for seam allowance by the desired height of the waistband plus 1.5cm seam allowance.
3. With right sides together, sew the two cut side edges together, making a cylinder piece of fabric. Overlock or zigzag seam to neaten and to also further secure the elastic in the shirring within the stitching. This seam will be at the back center of the waistband.
4. With right sides together, pin the base raw edge of the waistband to the top of the pants. If there is too much fabric in the pants to fit the waistband, run a gather stitch along top of pants and gather pants to fit. Sew waistband in place with 1.5cm seam, stretching the shirring waistband to fit the pants. Overlock or zigzag seam to neaten.