How to Make a Draft for Custom Tailored Pants
- 1). Take measurement for the waist of the pants using a flexible tape measure. For the measurements, you might need some help. There are several measurements to take to make your draft. The waist measurement should be where you want your tailored pants to sit, such as just below your belly button or down further on your hips.
- 2). Measure the area from the waist of the pants to where the crotch of the pants will begin.
- 3). Measure the legs of the pants. This measurement starts where the crotch of the pants will begin and goes down to just above the knees. Then, take a measurement from above your knees to just below your ankles. If you plan to wear heels with the pants, be sure you have them on when you take the leg measurement.
- 4). Place the tape measure around your legs to get measurements for the circumference. Take a measurement for the upper thigh and the thigh just above the knee. For a more relaxed fit, add a few inches to this measurement.
- 5). Add ½ an inch to the top and bottom pant's measurement to account for the hem. Add an inch to each leg circumference measurement to account for a ½ inch seam on either side. Also, assume the piece for the crotch width will be about ½ to ¾ an inch.
- 6). Trace your pants design onto a sheet of tracing paper using the measurements. Be sure to account for the style, such as adding a flair to the bottom of the pants. Each leg should be identical but mirrored so you only have to trace it once.
- 7). Cut out the pieces you traced on the paper. Hold them up to your body for a preliminary fit. If you're satisfied, trace the pattern onto fabric and cut it out.
- 8). Pin together the fabric to create the draft. Put the pants together on your body to test the fit. Remember to assume a ½ inch hem on the top and bottom, as well as a ½ an inch for each seam on either side of the legs. Once you're satisfied with the fabric pieces, you can use them as the draft for your custom tailored pants.
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