This Is How You Make Sweatpants Acceptable for Thanksgiving
Nov 20, 2017
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Thanksgiving dinner while wearing a semi-fancy ensemble is the worst! We don't want to feel guilty for indulging in all of our Thanksgiving favorites, but the waistbands digging into our tummies are not making that easy. This year we're leaning allllll the way in and dressing in sweatpants minus the shame. After all, these aren't your average sweats. These cozy and adorable pants not only have leather detailing, but also boast a combination of elastic and drawstring so you — and your Thanksgiving food baby — will be perfectly comfortable, regardless of how many helpings you have.
Materials and Tools:
two yards of cotton fleece material (this made a women's medium)
1/4 yard leather
2 yards sparkly piping cord
1 yard cord
cord toggle
1 yard of 1/2-inch elastic Fabric Tacmeasuring tapesewing pinsfabric scissorsmarkersewing machine
Grab a pair of pants to use as a guide in creating your sweatpants. Fold over your fabric and match up the folded edge of the fabric with the edge of the pants. Trace around the pants, adding a two-inch seam allowance. Create and cut out two matching pant legs.
Pin the inner seam together and sew. Complete for both legs of the pants.
Turn one of the pant legs right side out and slide into the other pant leg. Match up the curve of the crotch seam, pin and sew.
Fold over the top edge of the sweatpants, pin and sew to create a waistband.
The key to these sweatpants is that they are half elastic and half drawstring. This will allow all of the food consumption and none of the discomfort.
Cut a piece of elastic that is two inches smaller than half of your waist measurement. Attach cording to both sides and sew together to create one long band.
Cut two small holes in the front of the sweatpants and snake the cording through.
This is the semi-tricky part. Find the right and left side of the sweatpants and pin the elastic to hit on each of these sides. This will scrunch up the backside of the sweatpants — allowing for maximum room to stretch and expand. Sew a perpendicular line on this edge of the sweatpant to hold the elastic in its proper place.
The front side of the sweatpants is cinched with a drawstring and cord toggle. Push the toggle down and slide the end of the cord through the holes. Once you release the toggle, it will clamp on the string, allowing the pants to stay at the proper tension.
Final sewing step: Hem the bottom edge of the pant leg. Sew simple!
Take these sweatpants to the next level with fancy detailing. Use leather to create a stripe down the leg and cording to create fake pockets. Attach with Fabric Tac.
Time to indulge in every savory and sweet item on the menu.
Sweatpants approved for Thanksgiving and (let's be honest) any other cold day of the year.
Show us your latest project by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!
Show us your latest project by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!
DIY Production and Styling: Kelly Bryden
Modeling: Emelyn Baker
Photography: Brittany Griffin
Show us your latest project by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!
Show us your latest project by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!
DIY Production and Styling: Kelly Bryden
Modeling: Emelyn Baker
Photography: Brittany Griffin
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