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When they finally appeared, many people thought they were unnecessary, impractical and even scandalous
Grab your favourite pair of jeans as a template for your measurements and some stretch fabric, and whip up your very own pair of harem pants in a few hours. We’ll talk you through how it’s done with our free harem trousers pattern, step by step.
Harem trousers pattern – step by step
You will need:
- Fabric (Stretch fabric – 1.5m (13/4yds))
- A pair of jeans
- Elastic (7.5cm (3in) wide, for the waist)
- Elastic (12mm (½in) wide, for the ankles)
- Basic sewing kit
New to sewing? Take a look at our how to use a sewing machine guide and beginner’s guide to sewing.
How to sew harem pants
Step 1
Fold the fabric right sides (RS) together as shown, to make two equal halves.
Step 2
To make your own harem pants pattern, lay your jeans over one section, folded along the folded edge of the fabric.
Step 3
Trace around but drop the gusset and extend the waist by 15-20cm (6-8in). Add 2.5cm (1in) to the leg length for a hem.
Step 4
Repeat this process to trace and extend the other leg.
Step 5
Cut out along the drawn lines.
Stitching the legs
Step 1
Sew the inner leg seam for each leg, leaving the gusset unstitched.
Step 2
Put one leg into the other with RS facing and pin then sew the gusset closed.
Making the waistband
Step 1
Measure your waist and cut the elastic to size, adding a seam allowance.
Step 2
Cut a strip of fabric 20cm (8in) deep and 2cm (¾in) longer than the elastic.
Step 3
Join the short ends of the elastic together then repeat with the fabric.
Step 4
Place the elastic inside the fabric loop and fold it over wrong sides together.
Step 5
Sew the open raw edges closed to complete the waistband. 
Attaching the waistband
Step 1
Create a box pleat at the front of your trousers at the centre of one leg then repeat on the other leg. Make sure the pleats are evenly gathered and spaced and fit across the front half of the waistband.
Step 2
Gather the fabric evenly at the back of the trousers to fit the back of the waistband.
Step 3
Place the trousers RS together with the raw edges of the waistband then stitch. 
Hemming the legs
Step 1
Measure your ankle. Cut the elastic to this length, adding a seam allowance.
Step 2
Join the short ends together.
Step 3
Fold then stitch the bottom of one leg over twice with the loop of elastic inside.
Step 4
Repeat this for the other leg. Harem pants complete!
Stay cool and comfy with our harem pants sewing pattern
Harem pants are a summer day staple! Cool and comfortable, they’re the ultimate airport and holiday piece. Share our harem pants pattern with your friends and whip up a bunch just in time for summer.
Want to make a matching pair of harem pants for your baby?
Try our baby harem pants pattern.
