I know this has been asked before, but I'm hoping someone can post again. I am trying to figure out how to make reversible pants. You make two pairs normally (except for the elastic) right? I am not sure what to do after that. I think you sew the waists and ankles together, is that right? I just don't know how to stick them together before I sew them. :) And the waist elastic-do I put that in between the two fabrics and sew through both?

If anyone can help, I'd really appreciate it. :) I can *not* get store bought pants that fit Chloe right, and I'd love to make them both some reversible pants. Also, what is a good base pants pattern?

Thank you!

Well, as far as putting the 2 pairs together, you put one inside the other, right sides together, and sew the waist. You can sew the ankles together once you've turned them right sides out.

Hopefully someone else can explain the elastic. I'm terrible at that!

Another way to do it if you want the legs hems sewn from the inside for a cleaner look from the outside is:

If you already have 2 prs of pants...turn them both inside out and put them ankles together (making sure both prs of pants are front sides up (or down...just the same)) Push the hems together so the right side of the fabric is touching and pin. Sew/surge around each hem. THen fold in both waists. Stitch the bottom of the waist channel. Stitch the top of the channel leaving an opening to insert elastic, close the hole.

If you just have cut out pattern pieces it's even easier this way...lay out the pattern pieces in the same manner...hems touching. Sew/surge the hems first. Right/front of pants A to right/front of pants B, etc until all 4 legs pieces are attached at hems. Pin side seams and match center crotch seam hem seam on each pair of pants. Sew each side and sew around the big middle circle. Then finish waist.

I prefer the topstitching on the waistband where it will be covered by a shirt and blend into the elastic gathers. :)

I appreciate it. :)

I haven't even cut the pants yet, I still need to find a regular pants pattern. I'd love to do them with just the cut pattern pieces but I'll be honest. I don't really understand the instructions, lol. I think maybe when I'm doing it, they would make sense. And they probably make sense to everyone else, lol.

Thank you both *so* much for your help. I'm going to try these soon, I just need to find a pants pattern to start with. Thank you!

It's hard to explain it when talking about pieces.

Hmm...lemme see...if their were kids in the pants they would be laying feet together, heads in opposite directions. Actually, to do reversible pants you'd have to chop off their feet and squish their ankles together. Goodness, that's gross! But, it does give a clearer mental picture.

Sorry to be so graphic :)

Burda makes a good pants pattern for Cloth Diapered children. Just be sure to check the sizes! They are about a size up. So, if you want to make a 2t, you would make a size below. not sure of the pattern number, but the pattern is just a pair of pants, nothing else in the envelope.

Lol Dannielle!! I think I know what's confusing me. When I sew the hems together, will I just be sewing the flat pieces, then the sides, and then going around the hem in a circle? Does that make any sense at all? Am I just sewing the two flat hems together and then sewing the rest like a normal pair of pants? Sorry to sound like such an idiot, I just want to make sure I'm doing it right.

Okay, I think I get it. When I sew the sides and waist it will make the "circle" on the ankle hem, right? I think what else is confusing me (lol!) is I'm not "seeing" where I turn the pants right sides out. Do I do that before the waist?

I just need to try to sew a pair, lol. I'm usually fine once I start sewing but reading the pattern stresses me out. ;) Once I get going I can usually figure it out or the instructions magically make sense all of a sudden. Lmao.

Mary, thank you! I saw Burda patterns at Hancocks yesterday, and I thought those were the one's but I wasn't sure. I couldn't rememeber if it was Burda or Birch Street that a lot of people liked for pants. I'll go back after dh gets his check, thank you. Also, do I need to size down even if I need cloth diaper room? What about for a really tall child? Chloe is very tall and lanky and Lily is still in diapers. :)

Thank you both!

Yup, that's it...sew the ankles first, then side seams from the waist of one pair, past the joined ankles, to the waist of the other pair. THen the inside seams (this is a circle). Then fold one pair over the other as you turn one pair right side out...the other pair will tuck inside. THen the waists will both be at the top, together, and you can tuck both fabrics in and sew a casing.

I've had my coffee now so I'm probably clearer ;)

That's a VERY clear description! I may try this way next time I make a pair!

Originally posted by Dannielle
Yup, that's it...sew the ankles first, then side seams from the waist of one pair, past the joined ankles, to the waist of the other pair. THen the inside seams (this is a circle). Then fold one pair over the other as you turn one pair right side out...the other pair will tuck inside. THen the waists will both be at the top, together, and you can tuck both fabrics in and sew a casing.

I've had my coffee now so I'm probably clearer ;)

That makes *so* much sense. Thank you! I can really "see" it now. Thanks so much for taking the time to explain it over and over, lol. I was embarassed to admit I didn't really understand the 1st time but I'm glad I did. :) Thank you 3 mamas for your help!

thanks mamas, i might have a go too.

oh and this has become my fave forum! you ladies are such an inspiration.

bumping

Nevermind, Marion did it!:rolleyes:

"Nevermind, Marion did it!"

Ooooooooooooooh no you DIDN'T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!