Adjusting pattern sizing question

Yes! I do this all the time, for both myself and customers. Make it a nice smooth curve.

And check the rise measurement - but it should be OK.

The one for the hip size you choose. But check it!

to make the waist

Nah... They tend to hang off line if you do that for a whole size, because the balance is wrong.

Thank you so much Kate! I was getting all antsy wanting to make my pants but too nervous to do the wrong thing.

Got any pants that fit you well? If so, put one leg inside the other, as if you were going to sew the crotch seam from front to back. Trace off the "right hip size" pattern, remove the seam allowances from it, and lay the pattern pieces over your pants that fit. The crotch curve shape and depth and width, along with total hip circumference, are the hard parts to fit for pants. The rest can be finagled -- so check to see if that area is correct for you first.

Kay

Dear Sara,

When commercial companies draft pants, they use the hip to begin the draft. Use a larger size, and take in the waist. In any case, when you use a new pattern, you need to make a muslin first before using your good fabric. You may need to alter the crotch length or depth. Make all the alterations by basting the muslin together, and then fit it and use the muslin for your final pattern.

Teri