Pattern Review: Free Range Slacks by Sew House 7

I’m so excited for the release of the Free Range Slacks pattern by Sew House 7. I’ve made both versions that I’ll share about with you today. I’ve been waiting for a pattern like this to come out, a high elastic waist pant with woven fabric. Version 1 is a tapered leg that you can roll and Version 2 is a cropped straight leg.

I wore both versions in the photos with the Montavilla Top. The cropped top goes really nicely with the high waisted pants.

Pattern Description:

     Slacks are defined as trousers for casual wear. While we don’t hear that term much these days, we think it is time to embrace it again. The Free Range Slacks pattern is as easy to wear as its name. You will feel free to roam in the comfort of a stylish, elastic high waist when you wear these pants. Although they were designed with linen in mind, these pants are so comfortable that we think you will want to make them in a multitude of fabrics and wear them all year long in any season.     

   There are two options – a tapered leg version and a straight, cropped version. Both have an elastic high waist, side panels, front pockets that are topstiched in place from behind, and an optional back patch pocket(s). The tapered legs look great rolled up so the finished garment measurements show rolled and unrolled measurements and the instructions include options for French and flat-fell leg seams.

Options & Features:

– high waist with wide elastic waistband

– front slash pockets

– side panels

– optional back pocket(s)

– tapered leg OR

– straight, cropped leg

This is an advanced beginner pattern.  

Pattern Sizing:

Sizes 00 – 20

I usually grade across multiple sizes but for this version I selected a size closest to my hip measurement. For Version 1 I sewed a straight 8 but I found them a bit snug. For Version 2 I sewed a straight 10. The waist measurement was a bit big on me with the 10 but the elastic waist offers easy adjustment in this area.

Did it look like the photo/drawing when you finished sewing? Yes

Were the instructions complete and easy to follow? Yes. I left the designs as is but if you want to modify the waist height (to lower the waistband), suggestions are included in the instructions for how to do so.

Fabric used (did you use the suggested fabrics in the pattern)? Bottom weight fabrics that aren’t too heavy such as linen, cotton/linen blends, cotton twill, rayon/linen blends, light to mid-weight denim, tencel twill, cotton poplin, wool gabardine.

For Version 1 I used a rayon challis. I wouldn’t recommend going this route as the result was a bit too drapey (but it was fun to give it a try). For Version 2 I used a rayon/linen from Robert Kaufman. They are comfortable but I have to say that I was surprised at the initial scratchiness that I felt with the fabric. I think the scratchy feel comes from the rayon content as I frequently enjoy working with linen fabrics (and I haven’t had this problem before). That said, I kept watching the pants and wearing them and the scratchiness is getting better over time. The design of the pattern is very comfortable and I LOVE the pockets and elastic waistband.Notions: 2”/40mmm wide elastic (length = your waist measurement + 1/2”/13mm).

Did you alter the pattern in any way? No, I made both versions as drafted.

Was there anything you disliked or would change? I thought I would enjoy shortening Version 2 but as I’ve been wearing them, I really like the length as is on me. The pants are really fun and comfortable to wear.

Would you sew it again? Yes! I’d love to sew a knee length pair of shorts with this pattern.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes! Both versions that I’ve made are very comfortable. I’ve gotten a few compliments when I’ve worn them out, which is always fun to hear from people that I don’t know.

Do you consider the pattern beginner/intermediate/advanced? Advanced beginner

Does the pattern include layers for easy printing? Yes

Seam allowances used in the pattern: 5/8″/16mm and 3/8″/10mm

Is the pattern cut or no cut pages? Cut pages

For Version 1, I enjoyed selecting a different fabric for the side panels for a sportier look. I also think it would be fun to pick monochromatic fabrics and highlight the side seams.

For Version 2, I included the optional back pockets.

I have enjoyed wearing these pants so much that it’s been hard not to wear them everyday. If you’ve never sewn yourself a pair of pants before, this would be a great pattern to jump in with.