As many of you undoubtedly know, this was trousers month on #sewmystyle, and we had grand plans of each making our own Chi-town Chinos to show off.
Alas, life got in the way and Katie was not able to finish her golden Chi-town Chino shorts (they WILL get done — do not doubt that!), but at least Mac has these gorgeous black linen Chi-towns!
Sew my Style this month was all about trousers (see our post here about choosing fabric for trousers), and the Chi-town Chinos really are a great option to make your first (or 10th) pair of trousers. They are a classic design, are well drafted, and have great instructions for beginners and advanced sewists alike.
Another thing we really love about this pattern is ALL the options included. Mac made full-length trousers, but the pattern and its expansion packs also include traditional chino shorts, a skirt, and Bermuda shorts. All of those options (with the pattern and its various expansion packs) means that after you fit the pattern to your body, those same fitting adjustments apply to four different garments. Definitely a win!
Katie will finish her Chi-town Chino shorts for summer, and we will be sure to share them with you here and over on Instagram! She has a gorgeous mustard Cone Mills denim for her shorts. Such a versatile fabric definitely has the potential to become a summer wardrobe staple!
Pattern Spotlight
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Pattern Description
The Chi-town Chinos are is mid-rise, easy-fitting, and straight through the hip and leg. The waistband is faced, maintaining a clean finish.
The pattern features four different back pocket options, a shorts pattern, a skirt pattern, and options to lengthen or shorten both, this pattern is a handmade summer wardrobe staple.
In addition to the main pattern, Alina has released two expansin packs for the Chi-town Chinos. The first expansion pack includes pieces for bermuda shorts, and the second includes pieces for full-length trousers
Pattern Alterations or Design Changes
None. Mac made the full-length trouser version from expansion pack #2 with only her standard fitting changes. These are a great pair of classic black pants.
Pattern Highlights:
Undoubtedly all the options are highlights, but we have to mention those pockets! The pattern includes several back pocket options, but we just loooove these angled patch pockets with the flap. They are a great feature and such a nice way to accentuate that backside!
Fabric
Mac used this beautiful black linen for her Chi-town Chinos.
Katie has a couple pairs of shorts planned, both with some lovely bottom weight fabrics from Imagine Gnats. If you’re struggling with fabric options for these pants, check out our fabric guide here.
Final Thoughts
We were happy to see this pattern as an April option for #sewmystyle and hope that you were too! When you’re talking about trousers, its hard to find a more versatile, classic option than the Chi-town Chinos.
