Pietra Pants & Shorts Pattern
Fabric and Supplies
SUGGESTED FABRIC
This pattern can be made with a variety of fabrics depending on the desired effect. For a more defined shape, use structured wovens such as linen, chambray, or lightweight denim or twill (heavyweight wovens may create too much volume at the elastic waist). For a swishy, glamorous look, use rayon challis, tencel, or silk.
YARDAGE REQUIREMENTS (45"/1.14M FABRIC)
View A - Full length pants
Sizes 0-20: 0-14 = 3.25yd / 3m, 16-20 = 3.5yd / 3.2m
Sizes 14-32: 14-22 = 3.5yd / 3.2m, 24-32 = 4yd / 3.7m
View A - Cropped pants
Sizes 0-20: 0-14 = 3yd / 2.75m, 16-20 = 3.25yd / 3m
Sizes 14-32: 14-22 = 3.25yd / 3m, 24-32 = 3.75yd / 3.5m
View B
Sizes 0-20: 0-8 = 2.5yd / 2.25m, 10-14 = 2.5yd / 2.25m, 16-20 = 3yd/2.75m
Sizes 14-32: 14-22 = 3.25yd / 3m, 24-32 = 3.5yd / 3.2m
View C
Sizes 0-20: 0-8 = 1.5yd / 1.4m, 10-20 = 1.75yd / 1.6m
Sizes 14-32: 14-22 = 1.5yd / 1.4m, 24-32 = 1.75yd / 1.6m
YARDAGE REQUIREMENTS (58"/1.5M FABRIC)
View A - Full length pants
Sizes 0-20: 0-14 = 2.5yd / 2.25m, 16-20 = 2.75 yd / 2.5m
Sizes 14-32: 14-22 = 3yd / 2.75m, 24-32 = 3.25yd / 3m
View A - Cropped pants
Sizes 0-20: 0-14 = 2.25yd / 2m, 16-20 = 2.5 yd / 2.25m
Sizes 14-32: 14-22 = 2.75yd 2.6m, 24-32 = 3yd / 2.75m
View B
Sizes 0-20: 0-8 = 2yd / 1.85m, 10-20 = 2.25yd / 2m
Sizes 14-32: 14-22 = 2.5yd / 2.25m, 24-32 = 2.75yd / 2.6m
View C
Sizes 0-20: All sizes = 1.25yd / 1.15m
Sizes 14-32: 14-22 = 1.5yd / 1.4m, 24-32 = 1.75yd / 1.6m
ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES
- 2” (50mm) wide elastic, knit or woven (1 yd / .9m)
- Lightweight non-stretch fusible interfacing (.25 yd / .25m)
- Polyester thread
- Marking tool
Details
Sewing level: Advanced beginner
Sizes: 0 - 20 and 14-32 (see our sizing chart here)
Finished measurements: Sizes 0-20 here and Sizes 14-32 here.
Instructions: English & French (French instructions available as PDF only)
Print at Home File (Letter & A4):
Sizes 0-20: View A - 35 pages, View B - 31 pages, View C - 20 pages, sizes are layered.
Sizes 14-32: View A - 42 pages, View B - 36 pages, View C - 24 pages, sizes are layered.
Copy Shop (36" x 48" / A0):
Sizes 0-20: View A - 2 pages, View B - 2 pages, View C - 1 page, sizes are layered.
Sizes 14-32: View A - 3 pages, View B - 2 pages, View C - 1.5 pages, sizes are layered.
Helpful Resources
Customer Reviews
I have made the Pietra shorts version so far and they are easily the most comfortable shorts I've ever owned!
Already planning the crop trousers next.
This pattern was good for me - I have only 3" difference between my hips and waist, so there isn't much bulk at the elasticated back. I wanted a shorts pattern with an elastic back waist for my big belly.
My first version, in linen, was far to big at the back, and I typically need a flat bum alteration, plus a vertical tuck in the back. The second pair I made was better, in a heavy cotton from Japan. I'm sure the third will be better yet.
I also lengthened the shorts an inch or two, which is kind of shame because they're so cute short, but I'm in my 60's and the look just wouldn't be quite right.
This pattern is easy and fun to whip up.
This is the first pair of pants I've sewn and the came out great. The instructions were very clear and easy to follow. I used a lightweight linen and they've been a dream to wear during our recent heatwave.
I'm disappointed in this pattern overall. The finished UNELASTICATED waist measurement is not included. This is especially important if you're between sizes for hip/waist measurements. The elasticated measurement is included. There is also a drafting issue with the back crotch curve. When the unmodified pattern is sewn together, it creates a point. It is easy to fix by trimming the point when you sew the back to the front legs, but I expected better from a professionally drafted pattern. If you don't trim it and use the pattern as drafted, it creates a "stabby crotch"/little pyramid of fabric in the crotch where the back and front legs meet. I would not use a Closet Core pants pattern again because I have heard reports from others that it shows up in the Morgan Jeans as well. Attached photo shows this point. This is on an unmodified version of the pattern and it was sewn exactly as instructed.
I think that this is a great pants pattern for confident beginners. It’s more stylish than most of the elastic waist trousers patterns out there but still loads comfortable. This is definitely something I can wear to work or dress up for formal occasions. The trickiest part for me was the stitching-in-the-ditch to enclose the elastic at the back of the waist, but the instructions are written very clearly so it all works out in the end. It’s a style that seems to fit most body types as I don’t see a lot of posts saying that they had to modify the rise/ crotch length. I’m definitely making these in all views!
I liked the pockets but not the elastic in the back. If I make it again I'd put in darts and a zip
