Advanced Guide to Sewing & Fitting Trousers

Learn to sew two pairs of chic, smart, perfectly-fitting trousers in our Advanced Guide to Sewing & Fitting Trousers course.

Part 1 – Nina Trousers

The Nina Trousers are a beautifully classic pair of wide-legged trousers. With their high, fitted waist they have a slight vintage feel, but made in a bold, swishy fabric they are equally on-trend and contemporary. Whether you’re working hard at the office, or relaxing on a summery city break, the Nina Trousers are versatile, fun to style and a true wardrobe workhorse.

Designed to sit on the natural waist, the Nina Trousers feature a straight waistband with a zip fly opening. The waist is shaped with pleats at the front, and double darts at the back. They have in-seam pockets and belt loops along the waistband. The legs fall from the hip for a lovely wide, floaty feel.

Part 2 – Cigarette Pants

Inspired by the iconic wardrobe of Audrey Hepburn, the Cigarette Pants are a chic, sleek pair of trousers. Perfect for the office, they are smart and sophisticated, looking great paired with your collection of handmade blouses or breton tops.

The Cigarette Pants feature a zip fly, with a flat front and slanted pockets. Sitting on the high hip, they have a curved waistband and are fitted at the back with darts. The leg is gently tapered, finishing at the ankle for that classic Audrey look.

Who is the class for?

Designed for intermediate sewers looking to build their technical skills, our Advanced Guide to Sewing & Fitting Trousers will introduce you to zip fly closures, welt pockets and curved waistbands  – and show you how to get flawless results every time. We recommend you’ve had a go at a simple pair of trousers before and are able to insert a zip.

What is included?

• downloadable PDF patterns (in both tiled and copyshop formats)
• start to finish step-by-step video tutorials taught by Lisa Comfort
• written instructions to accompany the videos
• a series of written PDF guides on fitting and alterations
• size charts, layplans, supplies list

What you will learn

What will you learn?

In the first segment of the course, we’ll be making the Nina Trousers. You will learn:

• how to measure yourself and choose the correct size for your body
• choosing the appropriate fabric
• how to assemble your PDF pattern and cut it out
• how to prepare and cut your fabric
• how to stitch pleats
• how to sew darts
• how to sew a fly zip
• how to insert in-seam pockets
• how to create welt pockets (optional)
• how to attach a waistband
• the best ways to finish the raw edges of your seam allowances
• how to hand hem your trousers

We’ll then move onto the Cigarette Pants. You will learn:

• how to sew in the darts
• how to construct slanted front pockets
• how to create welt pockets (optional)
• how to sew a fly
• how to attach a curved waistband
• how to construct the leg and crotch seams
• how to hem your trousers

Our specially created written fitting guides cover diagnosing and adjusting for the following fit issues:

• full tummy adjustment
• full thigh adjustment
• thin thigh adjustment
• full calf adjustment
• full seat adjustment
• flat seat adjustment
• low seat adjustment
• shortening the crotch
• lengthening the crotch
• gaping at the lower back
• gaping at the waistband

Sizing & Notions Requirements

Both the Nina Trousers and Cigarette Pants are available in UK sizes 8-20.

See the sizing charts (pictured) for measurements, plus details of fabric and notion requirements.

Fabric suggestions
For both the Nina Trousers and Cigarette Pants, we recommend using a medium weight woven fabric with drape. Our rio and triple crepes are perfect if you want a plain pair of trousers, but you can also branch out into suitings and lightweight wools. For the Nina Trousers you have the option of using a lighter weight crepe to give you swishy, floatier feel.