As part of the Curvy Year of Sewing, I decided to make the Forsythe trousers to fit the pants/trousers theme for Jan/Feb. I made Blank Slate Patterns Forsythe Trousers, an elastic waist trouser with front pockets and back welt pockets. The trousers can either be full length or capri length. The Forsythe Trousers go up to a 55″ hip. It’s not an amazing size range: my 55″ hips just make it into the pattern’s 3XL size. I have a double belly, big booty and a waist that is about 7 inches smaller then my full hips. I haven’t done a lot of pants fitting and have only just begun with it, but this pattern is great for beginners. They are like secret pjs and are so so sooooo comfortable to wear.
The first version I made was with a lightweight denim with deers and stars on it. I made the capri length in anticipation of wearing the pants for a trip over the holidays to Cuba. The fit wasn’t perfect. I did my usual adjustments before this pair by adding to the back rise (big booty adjustment) and scooping out the front crotch. The back fits pretty close to perfect for my first version, but the front crotch definitely needed more scooped out of it as there is some pooling of fabric in that area.
I forgot to mention in my CSC post that I changed the waistband so it was 1 inch elastic. That, of course, means only skinnier belts can go through the loops. It does also bring the rise down a bit more. I prefer rises to hit under my belly button.
My second version is made using a lightweight stretch suiting material with stripes throughout. For this version, I scooped out more in the front and actually lowered the rise a bit at the center back. There is maybe a few more tweaks that could be made, but overall they fit pretty well and I really love them. You’ll notice in both versions I left the back pockets out. I am not a fan of back pockets in general. I have them on a few other pants I made, but I just don’t like them. I never use them and find that they don’t really add any benefits for me. I do, however love the front pockets and think they are a great size. My phone fits in them so that makes me happy.
I took about 4-5 inches off the hem to get them to fit correctly. I didn’t go for the cuffed hem, but instead made a 2 inch deep hem.
Blank Slate Patterns always has great instructions that are easy to follow. I also find that their patterns are pretty standard and I can make the same adjustments. I actually used my Barton shorts pattern to help me get a good fit with my first pair by comparing the pattern pieces to make my adjustments.
I’m a big fan of how the pattern looks on me and I am definitely going to make it again.
It’ll be a great addition to my work wardrobe.
TL:DR Review
- Pattern: Blank Slate Patterns Forsythe Trousers
- Pros: Simple pattern. Great for beginners with great instructions. Fits well with minor adjustments.
- Cons: Size range could be a bit better, but I do fit into the size range so that is something.
- Make again?: Absolutely after a couple more adjustments. Destined to become a TNT pattern.
- Rating:
4.5/5 stars
Andie Wells Studio 
The capri length pants are so cute Andie! That print is so fun and it looks great with the pink. I can see the suiting version being great for work–the front fit especially turned out really nice!
Thanks so much, Elizabeth! 🙂 ❤
Both great trousers Andie, but the best bit (especially in striped ones) is seeing you look so good in yourself. You really look happier/healthier a positive bloom, hope it’s a reality & that you are feeling good. Thinking of you. Lucy
Thanks, Lucy! Hope you are well. ❤
These look so great on you! I really struggle to find good pants for my bigger bottom half
Thank you so much. I have struggled with fit for pants for a while. I’m still figuring it out, but definitely getting better and better at it. 🙂