Sunday 18 November 2012

3/4 Pants with Pleated Cuffs...



The last 3/4 pants I made were a great fit and well received, so I've made another two pairs using Butterick B5019. This time, I've shortened the pants and added pleated cuffs; an easy way to pretty up some otherwise plain fabric.

Tutorial to make pleated cuffs...

  • Cut the cuff wider than the leg of the pants. How much wider depends on how many pleats you want to add.
  • Join and neaten the short ends of the band, to form a tube.
  • Place the tube over the leg of the otherwise finished pants, right sides together.
  • Pin the seam of the cuff and the inner leg seam.
  • Pin the rest of the cuff and the leg, leaving a gap at the outside leg seam.

  • Fold the cuff fabric to form pleats and pin. I just eyeballed and didn't measure the pleats. The photo below shows how the fabric is folded. 

  • With needle and thread, sew the cuff to the pants, with long stitches (hand basting or tacking).
  • Remove pins.
  • Machine sew the cuff to the pants and neaten edges.
  • Remove basting thread.
  • Press the seam away from the cuff and towards the pants.
  • Set machine stitch slightly longer than normal. My topstitching is 2.8.
  • On the right side of the pants, sew a row of stitching about 1/8" from the seam. 
  • The topstitching will hold the seam in place and gives a nice finish.


Not only can pleated cuffs add interest to plain fabric, they are also a great way to add length to a pair of pants for a growing child.

Once again, I've only used B5019 for the pattern pieces, so I can't comment on the instructions that come with the pattern. The same as the last pair, I've made these pants a size smaller, as I find Butterick patterns to be on the large size.

A quick and easy project!!! 

I'm adding these pants to the Children's Pants Link Party, here on Threading My Way. If you are after ideas for children's pants, head on over and have a look at the 41 projects linked up, or maybe add a pair you have made.

... Pam

13 comments:

  1. Darling! Love the pleats on the sides.

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  2. Those pants are adorable! Love the pleats too!

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  3. Love the pleats. Great addition!

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  4. Very cute. The pleats are a nice bit of extra detail.

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  5. Pleats at the side are such a nice little touch...

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    Replies
    1. It's amazing the difference a couple of pleats can make.

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  6. What a great suggestion for lengthening kids pants that get too short! These are very cute Pam!

    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  7. Pam, these are great! I also like to use the same technique on a sleeve to give the pleated look instead of gathering. Have a great Tjhanksgiving week!
    Donna @onceuponsasewingmachine.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Donna. I've never thought of doing this on a sleeve, but it would look cute.

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  8. Pam, those pants are so cute, I love them!
    Marisa-

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  9. So sweet Pam, the pleats are such a great finishing touch.

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  10. What a great tutorial! I love the fabric band and that their pleated!
    Thanks for linking up!

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