Replies

1. 
   ElonaM | May 24, 2003 02:31am | #1

   First, get yourself a nice, new Burda pattern in the style you like (elastic waist, classic pleats, whatever). One reason to do this is that Burda has the best crotch curve you are ever likely to see, with less baggy-butt than you'd get with other brands. Another reason is that Burda has many, many sizes in one envelope, and the gradations between the sizes are very subtle and delicate, rather than being just bigger all over. True, you do have the task of tracing your pattern off, but that gives you the opportunity to customize, since you are not limited to one size. If your waist is, let's say, a European 38, but your hips are bigger, you just smoothly trace from the smaller waist out to the proper hip size lines.

   You will need to take accurage measurements before tracing off your pattern, and Burda shows you how to do this on the instruction sheet. One measurement they may or may not tell you to take, but which is important, is the "stride." If you pin a piece of elastic around your waist, the stride is the distance from your center front waist, between your legs, up to your center back waist. You take this measurement holding the tape measure as close to your body as you want your new pants to ride. You may or may not have to change the length of the crotch seams to match your personal preference.

1. 
   chrissie211 | May 27, 2003 11:40pm | #2

   Thanks so much for your reply, your suggestions have been duly noted and I shall be going shopping on Thursday to buy that Burda pattern - I will let you know in due course how I get on

2. 
   chrissie211 | Jun 11, 2003 10:15am | #3

   Well Elona I have purchased siad burda patterns and have since made about four pairs of trousers - all fitting beautifully - many many thanks for your tip - it has also spurred me on to get back into making my own clothes again.