Replies

1. 
   ixs | Nov 17, 2005 07:02am | #1

   Hi, That is a big job. I would rather sew something new than alter it. But I would think you might want to only take the front apart (oh, not sure of myself here) and see if you can put darts in that won't interfere with the pockets. Then you'll have to decide what to do with the lining, depending on how that was done. Maybe you can work on the cheapest pair first, in case you ruin them. I would think you would have to take the front waistband apart.

   How about it everybody? What do you think?

2. 
   Elisabeth | Nov 17, 2005 04:31pm | #2

   The main pleats are giant unsewn darts that either "end" at the hem or at the knee. If there is a smaller pleat close to the pocket it is a regular type dart of only a few inches. To keep the straight grain down the front of the pants, along the crease, the fronts would need to be completely resewn since fabric would need to be taken off the center front and the sides. You can see how a pleated pants pattern is created from flat front in an article by Judy Barlup here http://uniquetechniques.com/Tips_Tech/tips_tech.html

1. 
   Sew Biz | Nov 18, 2005 02:32am | #3

   Thanks for the info.  It does sound like a big job.  Good idea to try it on the least favorite, cheapest pair.  Since I don't wear them that much anyway, I might as well!  At worst, I can learn how they were put together.

    

1. 
   LindaG | Nov 20, 2005 03:33pm | #4

   Hello,

   Here is a link that explains the drafting difference between pleated and darted pants.  It helped me understand that the width added for the pleat actually goes to the hemline and why just eliminating the pleat on a pattern left me with some baggieness in the thigh and knee area.

   Linda

   http://www.silhouettepatterns.com/newfeat/pleatpant/index.htm