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We can all agree that velvet is the most luxe part of winter style, right? Cozy knits are great, but velvet has the unique ability to turn any outfit into a statement. This year, we're DIY-ing our favorite holiday party outfit — and it's surprisingly really simple. Want to know our secret? Use a pair of pants that already fit you perfectly as your template. We promise it's easy, and you'll be instantly party-ready. Swipe right to follow along, and let's get this party started.
The key to this project is to try on whatever garment you're sewing as you go along through the steps. This will help you catch any wrong moves or marks before it's too late. Our go-to outfit when sewing is a pair of leggings and a tight-fitting shirt so we can easily slip things on over our clothes to make sure everything will fit just right.
Materials + Tools: velvet — we used two yards to create a size small pant
10-inch zippermeasuring tapesewing pinsfabric scissorsmarkersewing machine
Search through your closet to find a pair of non-stretchy pants that fit well at the waist and hips. Fold one leg inside the other and use as a pattern for your wide-legged pants.
Fold your velvet in half and lay down your pair of pants at the fold of the fabric. Add a one-inch buffer for seam allowance while you trace around the pants. Once you get to the curve of the crotch seam, simply follow that line straight down to the bottom of the fabric to create a wide-leg trouser.
After you've traced the pant leg, cut out your pattern.
When creating pants, it's important to make a front and back pattern — you never want to neglect your backside!
Fold the velvet over and lay your cutout pant leg on top. Trace with a three-inch seam allowance to create room for your booty. Once traced, cut using fabric scissors.
Pin the front pant pattern to itself and then sew the crotch line. Do the same for the back pant pattern. Sew simple.
Grab your fabric scissors and cut down the folded edge of both the front and back pant pattern.
Lay the front pant pattern on top of the back pattern with velvet sides facing inward. Pin the inner hem together and then sew.
Pin the outer right edge of the pants and sew together.
Time to create the waistband: Cut a strip of velvet that's five inches wide and three inches longer than your waist measurement.
Fold the velvet waistband in half and pin to the top edge of the pants. Once pinned in place, sew.
Pin and sew the zipper into the top of the left side of the pants.
Once the zipper is in place, pin and sew the rest of the left side pant leg closed. Notice that we started to sew a little above the end of the zipper — this will help hide the bottom edge of the zipper and make everything lay more smoothly on your hip.
Finally, pin and sew the hem on the bottom of the pants. You'll want it to be even and the proper length for your body.
Take your new pants out for a spin paired with a simple crop top and shimmery heels.
Feel all the feels, dance all the dances, and get ready to celebrate the end of 2017 and the new beginnings of 2018.
Happy holidays, y'all!
Show us your DIY holiday outfit by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!
Show us your DIY holiday outfit by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!
DIY Production and Styling: Kelly Bryden
Photography: Brittany Griffin
Show us your DIY holiday outfit by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!
Show us your DIY holiday outfit by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!
DIY Production and Styling: Kelly Bryden
Photography: Brittany Griffin
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