I have been wanting to release this hack since I launched the Patti Pocket Skirt three years ago! I am so excited to offer this hack as an exclusive bonus to my subscribers. With some simple drafting you can make the Patti Pocket Skirt into a chic pair of culottes ready to take on anything the day throws at you!
Let’s get started!
For this tutorial, I will be illustrating with the midi view (B), but you absolutely could make culottes out of the shorter length view (A). You will only need the center front (D) and center back (A) pattern pieces for the hack.
1. Find your crotch height measurement.
Sit on a hard chair or stool & measure the distance from the surface of the chair to your waistline. For best results, use a straight (hard) ruler held perpendicular to the seat of the chair.
2. Mark the crotch depth
Measure down from the waistline and mark the length of the crotch depth plus 3/4″ on the center front and center back fold line.
3. Extend the crotch line
On center front: square out a line at crotch depth line that is 1/10th hip measurement + 1″. Square down to hemline.
On center back: square out a line at crotch depth line that is 2/10 hip measurement – 1″. Square down to hemline.
4. Draw in crotch curve
Draw a curved line connecting the new crotch line to the center front and center back lines.
5. Add seam allowance
Add 1/2″ seam allowance to center front, center back, and hemlines.
You will also need to add 1/2″ seam allowance to the side front and side back pieces.
Sewing Notes
- For this hack, you will not need to cut out the hem facing pieces (E & F)
- Center front and Center back pieces will now each be cut 2 instead of cut 1 on fold.
- Before beginning any other construction, sew together center front crotch line & center back crotch lines right sides together & serge. (You are sewing center front to center front and center back to center back).
- The rest of construction will be as instructed in the skirt instructions. Skip any steps involving the hem facings, and stitch up the inseam when you stitch up the side seams in step 13.
- For the hem, serge the raw edge of the hem opening, press up to wrong side of garment 1″ and topstitch in place.
Congratulations! You’ve made culottes!
If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to comment below or shoot me an email.
For more photos of my culottes, see this post!
Happy Culotte Sewing!
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