Is there anything better than the feeling of finishing a sewing project that you know you’re going to live in? I’m talking about that “secret pajamas” level of comfort. If you have been looking to refresh your handmade wardrobe, you need to sew wide leg pants.
They are the undisputed champions of comfort and style. Whether you are working from home, running errands, or heading out for a dinner date, a pair of flowy, elastic-waist trousers is always the right answer. Plus, they’re an absolute dream to make. Generally forgiving on fit, quick to sew, and the perfect canvas for those beautiful linens and cotton prints sitting in your stash.
In this post, I’ve rounded up my favorite wide leg pants sewing patterns that are beginner-friendly, fun to construct, and designed for amazing drape.
Why You Should Sew Wide Leg Pants
If you are a beginner, trousers can feel intimidating. We hear horror stories about crotch curves and zipper flies. But here is the secret: when you sew wide leg pants with an elastic waistband, you bypass almost all of those headaches.
These patterns are essentially the instant gratification of the sewing world. Most of the options I’ve listed below can be whipped up in an afternoon – some in as little as two hours! Because the fit is loose and forgiving, you don’t need to spend days making muslins (test garments). You can often dive right into your fashion fabric.
Choosing the Right Fabric: It’s All About the Drape
Before we get to the patterns, let’s talk about the most critical element: fabric choice. The patterns below are designed to be flowy. If you use a fabric that is too stiff, you might end up looking a bit boxy.
To get that elegant, swooshing silhouette, look for:
- Linen and Linen Blends: Linen is the queen of wide-leg trousers. It breathes well and softens with every wash. A viscose-linen blend is even better if you want maximum drape.
- Cotton Lawn or Voile: Great for summer versions. They are lightweight and breezy.
- Rayon/Viscose Challis: If you want pants that feel like water against your skin, this is it. It can be slippery to sew, but the result is incredibly elegant.
- Double Gauze: For the ultimate loungewear but make it fashion look.
Styling Your Handmade Trousers for Any Season
One of the reasons I love these wide leg pants sewing patterns is their versatility. You might think of them as summer staples, but they are actually year-round workhorses.
- Summer Vibes: Pair your linen pants with a cropped tank top, a breezy blouse, and your favorite sandals. It’s an effortless, chic look that keeps you cool.
- Winter Cozy: Don’t pack them away when the temperature drops! These styles look amazing with a chunky, warm jumper or a fitted turtleneck. Since the legs are wide, you can easily wear tights or leggings underneath for an extra layer of warmth without adding bulk.
Tips for Sewing Elastic Waistbands
Since all the patterns in this roundup feature an elastic waist, here are a quick few tips to ensure a professional finish:
- Measure the Elastic on You: Don’t just cut the length the pattern suggests. Wrap the elastic around your waist where you want the pants to sit, pull it slightly snug (but comfortable), and cut there.
- Stitch in the Ditch: To stop your elastic from twisting inside the casing (which is universally annoying), sew a vertical line of stitching through the elastic and fabric at the side seams and center back once the waistband is finished.
- Safety Pin Strategy: When threading elastic through a casing, use a large safety pin or a bodkin. If you use a safety pin, tape the clasp shut so it doesn’t snag your fabric halfway through!
11 Wide Leg Pants Sewing Patterns You’ll Love
Ready to get sewing? I have scoured the internet to find the best patterns that combine comfort, style, and ease of construction. Here are the top picks to help you sew wide leg pants this weekend.
#1 Loose Loungewear / Lea Pants by TillysPatternStudio
If you are looking for a project that screams instant gratification, this is it. These pants are designed to be a staple in your wardrobe, transitioning seamlessly from sofa to street.
The Lea pants pattern is a beginner-friendly PDF sewing pattern, perfect for those new to sewing. These pants are designed for comfort, featuring a wide leg, loose fit, and an elastic waistband – ideal for everyday wear.
#2 Bree Wide Leg Pants by TianasClosetPatterns
This pattern is a fantastic budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on style. It is inclusive and incredibly versatile depending on the fabric you choose.
The Bree elastic waist wide leg pants pattern is a simple design suitable for both beginners and seasoned sewers. Main features include side pockets, a relaxed fit, and a wide size range from XXS to 5XL. Make yourself a pair to enjoy mixing or layering for great outfits!
#3 Elastic Wide Leg Pants by AuraPatterns
This pattern offers that classic linen trouser look that you see in high-end boutiques, but you can make it yourself for a fraction of the cost.
This elastic wide leg pant pattern is easy to construct and perfect for beginners! It features a drawstring waist with pockets and comes in sizes XS to XXXL. Recommended fabrics – lightweight linen, viscose, or cotton.
#4 Summer Elastic Waist Pants by StellaPattern
Sometimes you just want a pattern that holds your hand through the process. This one is known for its clear instructions and extensive size range.
This pattern comes with an illustrated sewing guide with step-by-step instructions, making it super easy to create your own garment. If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly project that will take 2 hours to make, this is perfect. It covers US Sizes 2 to 30 (XS to 4XL/5XL).
#5 Wide Leg Trousers / Skirt Pants by Yaffesews
If you love the volume of a maxi skirt but want the practicality of trousers, this “skirt pant” hybrid is a brilliant choice. It’s dramatic in the best way possible
These wide pants look like a pleated skirt – so cool and comfy. The pattern features a wide elasticated waist, side seam pockets, and includes sizes S-3XL. It comes with an easy-to-follow sewing tutorial. You will need 2–2.4 yards of lightweight fabric like silk, crepe, or viscose for the best flow.
#6 Amarilla Pants by MaryelStudioPatterns
For those who want a high-waisted look that elongates the legs, the Amarilla pants are a stunner. The size inclusivity here is also fantastic.
The Amarilla Pants are your new go-to for effortless style. These flowy trousers feature a relaxed silhouette, wide-leg drape, and a high-waisted elastic waistband with a functional drawstring. The beginner-friendly pattern ranges from XXS to 6XL and works beautifully with rayon challis, modal, or Tencel blends.
#7 Palazzo Pants by Sewingmachina
This sewing pattern is incredibly versatile, and ideal for beginners.
These trousers include an elasticated waistband, optional pockets, and an optional drawstring. You can choose from two rises (high or mid) and two leg styles: wide or narrow – though even the narrow leg remains quite roomy.
#8 Lacie Linen Pants by KimiLable
If you are strictly sewing with linen, this pattern is designed specifically to highlight the crisp yet soft nature of that fabric. It’s a classic essential.
The Lacie pants offer a nice relaxed fit with an elastic waist and pockets. This easy PDF sewing pattern covers sizes XS-XXL and includes step-by-step sewing instructions with photos and text. It is easy to follow and perfect for creating a staple pair of wide-leg linen trousers.
#9 Wide Leg Palazzo Pants by EveningSchool
Looking for drama? Palazzo pants are all about volume and movement. This pattern is great if you want to use a fabric with a bit of sheen, like satin, or a soft cotton.
This pattern offers an amazing fabulous drape and is beginner-level friendly. It covers sizes XS to 5XL and features pockets and an elastic waist. While soft cotton is the top suggestion, you can experiment with linen or satin. It’s a perfect lounge pant tutorial for women.
#10 Nikka Balloon Barrel Leg Pants by IsaInStitches
Wide leg doesn’t always have to mean straight leg. The “barrel” or “balloon” shape is very trendy right now. It gives a modern, architectural silhouette that looks high-fashion.
These oversize pants feature a trendy balloon shape, elasticated waist, side and back pockets, and lined ankle cuffs. The pattern ranges from XS to 4XL and is beginner-friendly. It works best with structured fabrics like stone-washed linen, lightweight denim, or gabardine to hold the unique shape.
#11 Summer Wide Leg Pants by Bernina Blog
Who doesn’t love a freebie? If you want to test the waters of trouser making without buying a pattern yet, this tutorial from Bernina is a generous and lovely resource.
This is a nice, comfy pant option for lightweight, breezy fabrics that even includes pockets. It is available as a free pattern with a tutorial on the Bernina blog. You can follow all the steps directly on their website – it’s a low-risk, high-reward project for summer sewing!
Get Stitching!
There you have it – a roundup of the best patterns to help you sew wide leg pants that fit your style and your body. Whether you choose the architectural shape of the Nikka pants or the classic flow of the Amarilla, you are going to love having these in your rotation.
Grab your fabric, check your elastic stash, and enjoy the process. These projects are quick, satisfying, and result in a garment you’ll actually want to wear every single day. Happy sewing!
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- Quick small gifts to sew: 15 useful and pretty projects
- Top 3 beginner-friendly sergers for easy, professional seams
- Easy cotton dress – free sewing pattern
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