I've been curious about the balloon pant trend this year and I decided I wanted to give it a try. I realized my Casey pant pattern would be the perfect base for this hack. You can learn more about my thought process here.
The plan was to sew up the Casey as is, omitting the faux fly for a more everyday pant look and then of course adding elastic to the ankles. I decided to go up two sides from my normal size in order to lean in to the volume, but use my normal elastic width at the waist.
As for fabric goes, I went pretty simple and used some black rayon crepe from my stash.
OK, let's get started.
Step 1 - Cut out and sew your Casey pants like normal. If you want, like me, you can shave off the faux fly and sew up the front like normal basic pull on pant.
Step 2 - I think this is actually the hardest part, but you need to decide how much (if any) length you need to trim off. Keep in mind you want them to hit around the ankle, have some extra length for the "ballooning" effect, plus 1/4" plus the width of your elastic for the elastic casing. I tried on my pants and wrapped the elastic around my ankle and then made my best guess. In the end I trimmed about 2" off, but keep in mind that I am only 5'3" so I always have to trim off length.
Step 3 - Next lets make the elastic casing. Fold the bottom edge up, wrong sides touching, by 1/4" and press.
Then press it up again, this time the width of your elastic plus about 1/8" for wiggle room. My ankle elastic is 3/4" so I pressed it up by 7/8".
Step 4 - Sew around the top folded edge to create the elastic casing, leaving an opening to insert the elastic.
Step 5 - Cut your elastic to your preferred length. I advise keeping it a bit loose, keeping in mind that there is a lot of gathering that is going to happen that you want to leave space for. Insert your elastic being careful not to twist it. Overlap the ends and sew securely.
Step 6 - Tuck the elastic all of the way into the casing and sew up the area you left open.
That is it! Give it a good press and it's ready to wear. I paired mine with a white Aster top and I love it.
