A tutorial for an elastic back version of the
Winslow Culottes has been requested by many of you since I began this hacking series. I totally understand why! Elastic backs are much more comfortable for sitting, and it is nice to maintain the pleats in the front for a more elevated style. It can also be frustrating to make a pair of pants with a very fitted waistband because if your weight fluctuates, those pants won't fit the same.
Question: Can I take an already made pair of Winslows and do this hack? YES! You have to unpick the waistband, back pleats, and zipper, and you will need to have fabric on hand to cut a new waistband. This is a great way to save a too-small pair of Winslows from the donation bin. If you don't have extra fabric on hand, one option would be to piece together a new waistband using the old waistband and some fabric cut off the bottom of your existing Winslows. Perhaps those palazzos become culottes or those culottes become cute shorts! Another option is to do a contrasting waistband in a new fabric.
I also made angled pockets instead of inseam pockets for this pair of Winslows, and the tutorial for that will be on the blog next week!
Let's get started.
You will need the front and back leg pieces, and the pockets (optional). We will cut a new waistband to size once we have sewn up the pants.
The extra two inches is so that the interfacing extends just a bit onto the back waistband area. When we secure the elastic in place at the end, this will also secure the interfacing. We are not interfacing the back waistband because it will add too much bulk to an already bunched up area.
I like to finish the waistband seam with my serger before inserting the elastic because I find it is much easier than doing it after when the fabric is all bunched up. I serge closed the two holes at the very end.
Once you have secured the elastic, you can close the two holes in your waistband to complete this hack.
I also made angled pockets instead of inseam pockets for this pair of Winslows, and the tutorial for that will be on the blog next week!
I hope you liked this Winslow Culottes hack. Let me know if you have any questions and I look forward to sharing my next hack with you soon!
