Simplicity 8655 - High Waisted Pants
Ok party people, let’s hop right into this review!
Pattern Description:
Misses' high-waisted pants with optional slim or bell bottom. Pattern also includes a summer-ready tie front blouse.
I made the slim pants.
Pattern Sizing:
Misses’ 16-24.
I made a size 20.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
For the most part. I chose the skinny leg version, but the legs don’t look skinny to me at all. They look straight. I still like the look though, so I left it alone. On my next version (and yes, there will be a next version) I will likely taper the legs in quite a bit more to get the skinny leg look.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
I followed Mimi G’s video tutorial so, yes, it was easy to follow. However, there were some steps she didn’t mention in the video that I think are important. For example, she shows you how to attach the facing to the waistline, but doesn’t mention anything about tacking it down so it doesn’t flip out when you’re wearing it. I opted to stitch in the ditch, but you could also hand sew it down. She also didn’t mention stay-stitching, but that was the first step in the paper instructions. I only skimmed the paper instructions, but I did notice they were a bit lacking. They don’t include any instructions for how to install the invisible zipper. It simply says to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. I definitely think a complete beginner would struggle with the paper instructions alone, but with a combo of the paper instructions and the video, I think you can get a good result.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the high waistline! As a petite pear (I’m 5”1), I find that high-waisted pants give me a really flattering look. I can’t ever seem to find any when shopping lately though. If I luck out and find a pair, then the fit on me is TERRIBLE!! If I find a pair that fits through the thighs and butt, then they are entirely too big at the waist and I get a ton of gaping in the back. We’re talking a gap so big I can stick my whole fist in it! It’s no fun at all. Making them myself allows me to tweak the fit so that it fits me at the hips AND at the waist.
Fabric Used:
I used a navy colored wool blend from my stash.
Muslin, worn inside out. You can see the wrinkles at the tummy and on the outside of my knees.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made a few fit alterations, starting with a full seat adjustment. I knew I would need that because aside from the “curvy fit” patterns, I haven’t come across a pants pattern yet where I didn’t need one. So I went ahead and did that first, then I sewed up a muslin (see photo above). When I looked in the mirror, I saw wrinkles in the tummy area and around the outside of my knees. My first thought about the tummy wrinkles was that I must need a full tummy adjustment, but it honestly didn’t feel all that snug in the tummy area, so I consulted my fit books and learned that the wrinkles could be caused by not having enough room in the thighs. That seemed more plausible because they DID feel tight at the inner thigh. The wrinkles outside my knees were an indication that I needed a knock knee adjustment, which I learned how to do by consulting the Pants Fitting Adjustments guide from Closet Core Patterns. It’s a great reference that can be used for fitting pretty much any pants pattern. So in summary, the alterations I made were 1) a full seat adjustment, 2) a full thigh adjustment, and 3) a knock knee adjustment. I do still have a tiny bit of gaping in the back of the pants (not nearly as bad as with ready to wear and my belt covers it anyway) but to fix that on the next version I will raise the back just a little bit and either widen the darts or take in the center back seam a bit at the waist.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I will definitely sew this pattern again. I’m already eyeing fabric in my stash that I want to make into my next pair of these pants. They pair well with cropped jackets and shirts, and like I said, I just think they are so flattering. I feel confident when I wear them. I’m also interested in trying the top. I’ve seen some cute versions here on pattern review and on instagram, so I may give it a try.
Conclusion:
The instructions could have been better, but the pattern itself is a definite winner in my book!
Styling:
I really like how these look with the waist accentuated with a belt. I tried them on with two different tops. The light gray top is New Look 6301 in a sweater knit. The navy top (for the monochromatic look) is Vogue 9109 in a polyester crepe.
