Sew Fancy Pants Week 2: Fabric Inspiration (Beginner Edition)

#sewfancypants Week 2 has arrived and this week is all about that glorious fabric. Check out Loni’s post for a highlight of the brands helping us this week and a master list of discount codes just for you! The right fabric can make or break a project so we’re here to guide you through this all important decision. Over on Instagram we’ll be giving away fabric from SIX of our amazing sponsors so make sure you’re following each of us (Jen, Loni, Katie, and me) if you don’t want to miss out. I’m quite literally overflowing with ideas for fabric choices, and, as such, have decided to break down my fabric inspiration into a couple of posts. While today’s post will mainly focus on fabric for beginner level pant patterns, using some of these fabrics can also up the difficulty level so no need to click away if you’re looking for a challenge.

Fancy Pants: Loungewear Edition

Whether you want something cozy for lounging around the house, or something a little more special for going out, the jogger trend is one that seems here to stay (I’m certainly not ready to let it go). If you’re looking at pattern options, check out the Seamly No Sweat Pants, Named Ruri Sweatpants, or the wildly popular True Bias Hudson Pants. I personally own 4 pairs of Hudson Pants and wear them weekly. If you’re planning a special pair for lounging around the house, french terry is a good place to start. Look for something with a little bit of spandex so that your pants won’t be over-stretched after a day of wear. Ready to level up and get a little fancy? Try using stretch velvet for a pair of joggers you can wear at home and on a night out (quick tip: trying a pair of stretch velvet Hudson Pants? Size up at least one size). Below I’ve compiled some options that I’m loving at the moment. I may or may not be trying to stop myself from ordering 12 yards of fabric while writing this post.

1. Olive Soy Blend French Terry from Merritt Makes. This one is a little on the light side for pants, but I LOVE the feel of it and it would make the perfect pants for lounging around the house. This one seems especially suited for the Seamly No Sweat Pants.
2. Feeling a little less serious and a little more fun? Try out this Navy Blue Dinosaurs on Grey French Terry from Raspberry Creek Fabrics.
3. If you want to feel extra cozy and luxurious, you could spring for this Plum Lyocell Sweatshirt Fleece from Raspberry Creek Fabrics.
4. I made myself a pair of Hudson Pants in this Taupe Stretch Panne Velvet from StyleMaker Fabrics and, over the last year, they’ve become an unexpected wardrobe workhorse.
5. This is the fabric that I’m desperately trying (and likely failing) to convince myself I don’t need. Seriously though, wouldn’t a pair of joggers in this Romantic Rose Stretch Velvet from StyleMaker Fabrics be a dream?
6. This Gunmetal Stretch Velvet from Harts Fabric would be a great choice for a slightly more reserved pair of velvet joggers.

Fancy Pants: Knit Trouser Edition

Want the minimal fitting drama of knits, but something more work appropriate? Two options that I’m loving at the moment are the Friday Pattern Company Joan Trousers and the Ensemble Patterns Robinson Trousers. I haven’t made either of these patterns yet and seriously, why haven’t I? I’m thinking of making some of each for my baby sister who will soon be a special education teacher. Professional look with the comfort of pajamas? Just what every teacher needs in their wardrobe. Below I’ve compiled a list of my favorite ponte and scuba knits that I think would work great for either pattern.

1. Italian Designer Variegated Ponte Knit Navy/Black from StyleMaker Fabrics: Even the name of this one sounds fancy! I love that Ponte Dot in Black this fabric looks to have a subtle texture. It’s interesting enough to feel special, while still being sophisticated.
2. Charcoal and Cream Geometric Ponte from Raspberry Creek Fabrics: I’ve been obsessing over this print since seeing it used in this Fulton Sweater Blazer, and think it would make a crazy fun pair of pants.
3. Ponte De Roma Solid Spruce from LA Finch Fabrics: Cannot get enough of this deep green/blue and will forever want to buy any fabric in this color.
4. Ponte Rayon in Blush from IndieSew: Blush is having a moment right now and I really just want to enjoy it by seeing someone make a pair of blush Joan Trousers.
5. Bold Botanical Scuba Knit from La Mercerie: Fancy knit trouser dreams are made of this fabric, I’m sure of it.
6. Ponte Dot in Black from Harts Fabric: I love the idea of using this fabric to make a pair of trousers that look simple and chic from far away but, have a polka dot surprise up close.

Fancy Pants: Beginner Woven Edition

Are you looking for something simple, but not wanting to make loungewear? These beginner friendly patterns are a great way to try out pants making without too much fitting hassle and no closures. Try the Named Ninni Culottes, Sew House Seven Burnside Bibs, Sew Liberated Arenite Pants, True Bias Emerson Pants, or French Navy Now Calyer Pants. The fabrics below would work for almost any of these patterns.

1. Navy Constellation Rayon Crepe from Threadbare Fabrics: This would make a great lightweight pair of pants perfect for spring and summer.
2. Cedarwood Tencel Twill from Blackbird Fabrics: I cannot get this color out of my head. It’s pretty, sophisticated, and fun all at once.
3. Teal Green Silk Noil from Sewing Studio: The idea of pants from Silk Noil seems luxurious to me and this color would make a statement.
4. Posie Blue Viscose Dobby from Imagine Gnats: This Atelier Brunette fabric would be an adorable pair of Ninni Culottes.
5. Warm Stone Tencel Twill II from Blackbird Fabrics: I love this neutral grey/brown color. I think it would make a versatile pair of pants in any of the above styles.
6. Brussels Washer Linen in Denim from Imagine Gnats: A rayon/linen blend is a great way to try new styles and techniques. This fabric has a bit of drape, with enough sturdiness to make working with it a breeze. Besides, who doesn’t need a basic pair of light denim colored pants?
7. Vanilla/Black Grid Plaid Tencel from StyleMaker Fabrics: I have some of this fabric that I’m currently working to turn into a pair of high-waisted Emerson Crop Pants. When I’m nervous to try a style in a print, I always reach for a black and white print.
8. Checkers Linen/Tencel from D&H Fabrics: This is one that I just discovered while looking for inspiration and I think I might be in love. Wouldn’t this make a lovely pair of Calyer Pants or a striking pair of Burnside Bibs?
9. Mustard Avery Slub Linen Blend from La Mercerie: There are several colors of this linen blend available from La Mercerie. The variety means it would be easy to find a color that suits your personal style.

That’s all for today! I’ll be back later this week with fabric inspiration for your more advanced pants projects. See you then! Until then, be sure to check out our week 2 sponsors and follow along on Instagram where we’ll be sharing fabric inspiration and giveaways all week. Thanks for reading!