RP Pattern Review - Jo Jeans

Click here to see the pattern on the website*.

I was initially a little apprehensive about making a pair of jeans. I've done a lot of interesting pieces, but this was a first. I found the overall pattern and size guide to be fairly easy to follow, and I was surprised by how well they fit in the end!

I was not impressed by the lack of notches in the pattern, which can be vital to keeping things accurate. This is not always needed, but I find I get better results when there are notches, plus this ensures that you are putting the right pieces together. The pattern may have been altered since I made it, so let me know if they updated the pattern. (I'll likely try it again in the future, so look out for a post update.)

I was a little disappointed by the lack of pictures for serging this garment. While I understand that most people who own a serger will be more advanced and can just read and follow the instructions, sometimes it does help to have a visual, especially when things get more complicated. I did find some of the instructions on serging to be a little unclear or confusing.

The last thing I noticed when making this garment was that there was a lot of extra bulk in places that there didn't need to be, if you adjust the construction method. While I'm all for that jean look and feel, it is really hard to stitch through 4+ layers of denim on a domestic machine. An industrial would go through like butter! The double folding on pockets was what got me...a serge or a zig zag stitch would suffice to cut down on the bulkiness and reduce the amount of layers instead of doing a double fold, but hey, I could just be picky...

The fit of the finished garment was quite lovely. The pattern does hug just right around the hips and natural waist, but the legs might need some adjusting, depending on how fitted you like your pants. While I would change my fabric choice to a much softer, and stretchier jean/jegging fabric, the final result of this pattern did make me feel both accomplished, and ready to take on making another pair in the near future!

Happy sewing!

Monaco

*If you purchase through this link, I will make a small commission.

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