Knit a pair of pants

Jacklien Fernendus

Author for handknitty.com
I have worked in the knitting industry for the past 15 years. When I was a child, my grandma used to knit and enjoy spending time with them on an easy chair in the winter to keep them warm and occupied. Now that I work in the modern knitting & Fashion industry, I see the same fascination in my 4-year-old daughter’s eyes when seeing me working.

How Do You Knit a Pair of Pants?

Knitting a pair of pants can be quite a challenging project, as it involves shaping the fabric to fit the body and creating multiple sections for the waistband, legs, and crotch. Here are the general steps involved in knitting a pair of pants:

Materials:

  • Yarn of your choice
  • Knitting needles of appropriate size for your yarn
  • Measuring tape
  • Stitch markers
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Instructions:

Measure your waist, hips, and inseam to determine the appropriate size for your pants.

Cast on the number of stitches needed for the waistband, working in your chosen stitch pattern.

Work in the waistband until it reaches your desired length, and then place stitch markers at the sides of the pants.

Begin increasing stitches to create the first leg, shaping it to fit your body. You can do this by increasing stitches evenly along the leg or by working short rows to shape the curve of the leg.

Once you reach the desired length for the first leg, place those stitches on hold and repeat steps 2-4 to create the second leg.

Join the two legs together by knitting across the crotch, either by picking up stitches along the held stitches or by using a separate piece of yarn to join the two pieces together.

Continue knitting down the second leg until it reaches the desired length, again shaping it to fit your body.

Work a ribbed or other stretchy stitch pattern at the ankles to create a snug fit.

Weave in any remaining ends and block the pants to shape and size.

This is a very general overview of how to knit a pair of pants, and there are many different techniques and stitch patterns that can be used to create different styles and fits. Additionally, it’s important to note that knitting pants can be a complex and time-consuming project, so it’s important to have patience and be willing to rip out and redo sections if needed.

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How Do I Make Sure the Pants Fit?

Making sure the pants fit properly is important to ensure that you end up with a comfortable and wearable final product. Here are some tips to help you make sure the pants fit:

Take accurate measurements: It’s important to take accurate measurements of your waist, hips, and inseam to determine the appropriate size for your pants. Use a measuring tape and follow a sizing chart to ensure that you are measuring correctly.

Check your gauge: Before starting your project, knit a gauge swatch in the stitch pattern you plan to use and measure it to make sure you are matching the recommended gauge. This will help ensure that your pants will end up the correct size and fit.

Try on the pants as you go: Try on the pants periodically as you knit to make sure they are fitting properly. Pay attention to the waistband, hips, and crotch areas, as these are key areas for proper fit.

Adjust as needed: If the pants are too loose or too tight in certain areas, adjust the number of stitches you are knitting or the shaping of the fabric to ensure a better fit. You may need to rip out and redo sections to achieve the desired fit.

Block the pants: After finishing the pants, block them to shape and size to ensure that they fit properly. This can involve soaking them in water, reshaping them, and allowing them to dry.

Remember that every body is different, and it’s important to tailor the fit of the pants to your own body. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments and modifications to the pattern to ensure a comfortable and well-fitting final product.

What yarn should be preferred for pants?

When it comes to choosing yarn for knitting pants, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting yarn for pants:

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Durability: 

Pants are a garment that is subject to a lot of wear and tear, so it’s important to choose a yarn that is durable and can withstand frequent use. Look for yarns that are labeled as “machine washable” or “easy care” to ensure that they can be laundered easily.

Breathability: 

Since pants are worn close to the body, it’s important to choose a yarn that is breathable and won’t cause the wearer to overheat. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool can be good choices for pants since they are breathable and regulate temperature well.

Stretch: 

Pants need to be able to move and stretch with the body, so choosing a yarn with some stretch or elasticity can be helpful. Yarns that contain spandex or nylon can provide some stretch, or you can choose a yarn with a high wool content, which can naturally stretch and bounce back.

Drape:

 The drape of the yarn is also important when knitting pants. You want a yarn that will drape nicely and create a flattering silhouette. Yarns with a smooth, even texture and a moderate drape are a good choice for pants.

Color: 

Finally, consider the color of the yarn when knitting pants. Since pants are a staple garment, it’s a good idea to choose a color that is versatile and will go with many different outfits. Neutral colors like black, navy, and gray are classic choices, but you can also consider more adventurous colors like jewel tones or pastels if that’s more your style.

Overall, when selecting yarn for knitting pants, look for a durable, breathable, stretchy yarn with a nice drape and a versatile color.

What Things to keep in mind while Choosing Patterns for your pants

When choosing a pattern for knitting pants, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure that the final product fits well and looks great. Here are some factors to consider:

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Skill level:

 Make sure to choose a pattern that is appropriate for your skill level. If you’re new to knitting, look for a beginner-friendly pattern that uses simple stitch patterns and minimal shaping. If you’re more experienced, you may want to try a more complex pattern with more intricate stitch patterns and shaping.

Size range: 

Check the size range of the pattern to ensure that it will fit you properly. Make sure to take accurate measurements and compare them to the pattern’s sizing chart to ensure a good fit.

Style: 

Consider the style of pants you want to knit. Do you want a wide-legged or fitted style? High-waisted or low-rise? Make sure the pattern you choose matches your desired style.

Stitch pattern: 

Consider the stitch pattern used in the pattern. Some stitch patterns may be more stretchy or drapey than others, which can affect the fit of the final product. Make sure to choose a stitch pattern that works well for the type of yarn you’re using and the style of pants you want to knit.

Construction: 

Look at the construction of the pants in the pattern to ensure that it matches your skill level and preferences. Some patterns may involve knitting the pants in pieces and then seaming them together, while others may be knit in the round. Make sure to choose a construction method that you are comfortable with.

Reviews:

 Finally, read reviews of the pattern online to see what other knitters have said about it. This can give you valuable insight into any potential issues or modifications you may need to make to ensure a good fit.

Overall, when choosing a pattern for knitting pants, consider your skill level, size, style preferences, stitch pattern, construction method, and reviews to ensure a successful project.

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