Sewing silk velvet can be a beast. The one garment that has been in my winter/holiday wardrobe for the past 30 years (in various iterations), is a pair of silk velvet pants, usually black. Take a look at the video to see the easy technique for pleating. I love these soft loose fitting pants; they are comfortable, warm in the cold, cool in an overheated house, I can cook in them, sit on the floor, wear them to a casual family gathering or to an evening event. The pant I am using now I got from Eileen Fisher a few years ago, but you could easily make them. The secret is to allow a bit of extra ease in the pant as the pleating takes up some space, and you want the pant to hang with fluidity.
Pattern Suggestions
On Vogue 9193, I'd eliminate the drop pocket and make the yoke from a soft knit.
Vogue 8499 is has a full cut, do a tissue fitting and/or, make a pre-test to be sure the silhouette is right for you. If the pant is too full, you could go down a size or take it in at the back leg seam.
Vogue 9228 with a soft line and origami hem detail is another design that could take well to pleating.
Hi sewing and designing friends! Welcome to our monthly celebration of creativity! Each month, we get to showcase the incredible talent and unique designs of our subscribers. From stunning dresses to cozy sweaters, we’re always amazed by the skill and passion you pour into your handmade garments. I’ll be sharing some of my absolute favorite pieces that have been submitted this month. These creations not only reflect beautiful craftsmanship, but they also embody the spirit of our community. Let’s dive in and get inspired by these fabulous, one-of-a-kind garments!
Butterick 6520 in a Danish Cotton Fleece knit.
When travelling to Minnesota over the holidays, staying warm is key. I wanted a new warm tunic top and needed some color in my wardrobe. A version of B6520 in Copen Blue Cotton Fleece Knit fit the bill. Super cozy and comfy. Easy to cut and easy to sew kept things simple.
The fabric was washed on ’normal' and dried in the dryer. It came out looking exactly the same.
Cut as shown on the pattern, except for the collar as noted below.
The curved seams on the right lower front and back were adjusted to overlap.
The seam was pressed up, stitched in place, and trimmed.
I decided on no ties.
A second pocket was added to the lower left front.
On both pockets, I lined up the stitching for a continuous line.
The collar was cut narrower than shown and randomly stitched with tucks to narrow it further.
Re-introducing Marcy’s design, V9140, aka the “Cozy Coat,” designed for both comfort and elegance. This versatile piece wraps effortlessly around your body, keeping you snug and warm, while also flowing gracefully when worn open. Featuring an elegant hood that can be styled up for extra warmth but lies in flat folds when worn down.While originally designed for knit fabrics, it has enough ease to be made from a woven. A soft drape is important. Consider that the wrong side will show. If you choose a woven, consider sizing up to accommodate layering over other garments. Fabrics shown on the pattern envelope are wool knits.Shown here in a mid-weight ottoman-like ribbed double knit that worked perfectly in the design. Other fabric options range from lighter-weight knits to beefy boiled wool. Would be sumptuous in mohair or cashmere, but could also work for warmer weather in a linen knit or stable jersey. Depending on the fabric, this could be worn outdoors or in, and makes a perfect toss-on top layer for everyday or for a special occasion.Sewing and fitting this coat is a breeze. The original pattern had a slightly narrow wrist opening, so we made a small adjustment: we altered it to finish at 5 inches to accommodate garments layered underneath. When making the welt pocket, be sure to position the welt so the pocket opens in the right direction! If you are new to making welt pockets, make a test sample first. Another option is to substitute patch pockets instead.
Vogue 9140 in a cozy ribbed double knit.