This pattern for culottes/palazzo pants is my absolute favorite and a staple in my sewing collection. I love circle skirts so much, but sometimes you just need pants. Designed to give women the flexibility to participate in active pursuits like horse riding, biking, sports, or in my case, riding roller coasters, culottes cleverly create the illusion of a skirt while providing the comfort and freedom of pants. It’s no wonder that this timeless style remains a popular choice in contemporary fashion. Are culottes easy to make? Yes, and you can create a personalized pattern as well by following this tutorial.
Materials
- Measuring tape
- Ruler
- Pattern paper or gift bag tissue paper
- Pencil or pen
- French curve (optional, but helpful)
- 3 yards double knit stretch fabric (Spandex, Jersey, and Sport Lyrcra have worked best for me)
- Elastic waistband (I have found that 1.5″ works best with this pattern)
Instructions
These instructions on how to make a culottes pattern are based on using stretchy knit fabric. If you intend to use a fabric without any stretch, you might need to adjust.
Take your measurements
You will need to start by creating your personalized pattern. I usually make it out of tissue paper/pattern paper, then trace the pattern onto my fabric. Measure everything before cutting!
You will need to measure your waist (W) and the length (L) from your waist to your feet. Make sure to write these measurements down.
Create your Personalized Pattern
Go to this Circle Skirt Calculator, select a Half circle, maxi skirt, and input your waist measurement (W) and get your waist radius (WR)
From here calculate your additional seam (S) by taking your WR/2 and rounding down to next integer (for me 10.5/2 is 5.25 so 5″). Add this additional seam length to your pattern on each side of the leg.
From here calculate your rise (R). I do 1.5 x (WR) and round up. (ie 1.5*10.5=15.75 so 16″)
Now, it’s time to move on to the next step: rounding the rise at the crotch seam. This important adjustment will ensure a comfortable and flattering fit for your culottes, a seamless transition from the front to the back of the garment, resulting in a beautifully tailored pair of culottes that you’ll love to wear.
Now, let’s take a look at the finalized pattern for each leg. Make sure your pattern resembles the one shown below.
Begin Cutting and Sewing
Remember, you’ll need to cut two pieces of the above pattern from your chosen fabric. Make sure to arrange the pattern pieces on the fabric to that you have enough for each leg.
If you are like me, you also always need pockets. Cut and attach two pockets according to this simple tutorial.
To create the waistband for your culottes, you’ll need a rectangular piece of fabric with specific dimensions. The width of the waistband should match your hip measurement to ensure it can comfortably fit over your hips. Additionally, the length of the waistband should be twice the measurement of your elastic waistband, with an additional 1.5 inches added to account for seam allowance.
Now, to bring your culottes to life, start by sewing all the pant legs together. This will create the foundation of your garment. Once the legs are securely stitched, it’s time to move on to the waistband. Attach the waistband to the top of the pants, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit.
Of course, you may need to make adjustments based on your individual body shape and preferences. For any non-stretchy fabrics, it’s a good idea to make a test garment first to check the fit and make any necessary changes before cutting into your final fabric.
How do they look?!?
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewist, I hope this guide helped you along the way. Remember to take accurate measurements, follow the pattern instructions carefully, and make any necessary adjustments to achieve the perfect fit. With a little creativity and sewing skills, you’ll be able to showcase your unique fashion sense and enjoy wearing your handmade culottes or palazzo pants with confidence. Happy sewing!
FAQ about Culottes/ Palazzo Pants
- How much fabric do I need for culottes or palazzo pants? My long culottes generally use 3 yards of fabric.
- What kind of fabric do you use for culottes? I use either sport lycra or any double knit stretch fabric, it flows and drapes beautifully like a skirt.
- How to make a culottes pattern? See the instructions above 🙂
- What is the best fabric for summer culottes? Knit fabric is so stretchy and breathable and dries quickly in the summer heat, I love using it for my long and short culottes. But any lightweight and breathable fabrics are your best choice. You could try fabrics like linen, cotton voile, chambray, or rayon challis, as they offer comfort and allow air circulation to keep you cool during hot weather. These fabrics have a nice drape and provide the perfect balance of comfort and style for your summer culottes.
- What is the best length for culottes? I love mine down to my ankle (maxi dress length) to give the impression of a long dress, but have also made cocktail length (midi) versions as well.
- What is the difference between culottes and palazzo? Palazzo pants feature long, wide-legged designs, while culottes, a similar style, are typically cropped anywhere between above the ankles and below the knees.
- Are culottes in style? Are culottes in or out? Culottes have been making a fashion comeback in recent years and continue to be in style. They offer a chic and versatile alternative to skirts and trousers, combining the comfort of shorts with the elegance of a skirt. Culottes can be found in various lengths, patterns, and fabrics, allowing for endless styling possibilities. Whether dressed up with heels or worn casually with sneakers, culottes remain a fashionable choice for those seeking a contemporary and trendy look. They are in for me, I own 6 and I’m sure I’ll add more to my closet this summer.
- What length should you wear culottes? The most flattering culottes are those that end at the skinniest part of your leg, typically right above the ankle. Once you find a pair that hits that spot, you’ll achieve the perfect look with your culottes, whether you choose to wear heels or flats.
- What top to wear with wide culottes? How to style culottes? Consider pairing them with a fitted or tucked-in top, such as a cropped blouse, a tailored shirt, or a fitted tank top. This creates a balanced and proportionate look by defining your waistline and showcasing the flowy nature of the culottes. You can also opt for a boxy or oversized top for a more relaxed and effortless vibe. Experiment with different lengths and styles to find the combination that suits your personal style and the occasion.
- Why do people wear culottes? Culottes were designed to provide women with the freedom to engage in various activities such as horse riding, biking, and sports while giving the appearance of a skirt when standing. This innovative style, offering both comfort and versatility, continues to be embraced and worn today.
- What are full length culottes called? While the terms culottes and gauchos are often used interchangeably due to their striking similarity in design, there is a subtle distinction between the two. Gauchos lean more towards a cropped pant style, lacking the same level of fullness as culottes.
- What is the difference between wide leg pants and culottes? Wide leg pants are characterized by their relaxed fit throughout the leg, maintaining a consistent width from the hip to the hem. On the other hand, culottes are typically shorter in length and have a wider, flared shape that resembles a skirt. Culottes often feature a high waist and can provide the illusion of a skirt while offering the practicality and freedom of pants.
- Where do you wear culottes? I wear them anytime that I want to look like I’m wearing a dress, but want pants. I have loved using them for costumes like the ones I wear to Uncelebration each year.
