Sabrina Slims Pants – Love Notions Sewing Patterns
La Bella Donna dolman top
I’m so excited about this post!
A little while ago I was invited to join a few fellow sewing bloggers on a new and fun thing: The Fitting Experiment. A bunch of sewists of different sizes and body shapes sewing the same pattern to show you the fit across the board.
Such a great idea! I’m super happy to be able to do this with some of my favorite sewists of all time!
For this first experiment, we were lucky to be sponsored by Love Notions and chose the Sabrina Slims. Why not start with a bang by sewing some pants, right? 😉
The Sabrina Slims pattern has been around for a while and got an update not too long ago.
The main selling point of this pattern, for me, is that it can be made with both knit and stretchy wovens. I LOVE that! It also gets bonus points for the number of options it has.
Another great thing about the Sabrina is the fitting guide it comes with. It’s such a great help!
I chose to work with a stretch woven (Bengaline) and opted for the simpler silhouette with front pockets only and split hem.
Fitting pants may sound a bit daunting and intimidating at first, but once you get to know your body and learn how to identify the adjustments needed, you realize that it’s not that difficult.
Let me take you through my fitting process.
To give you an idea, and for reference, I’m 5’10” and at the time of this experiment my measurements were waist 28″ and hip 46″.
That put me on sizes 8 for waist and 16/18 for hips on the pattern size chart. I decided to go up one size for the waist, just to make sure I would be able to pull up the pants around and past my hips, something I always have to do when working with woven bottoms. I went with size 16 for the hips because I wanted the pants to be fitted.
So, besides grading between sizes, what other adjustments do I usually need to make when sewing pants?
ADD LENGTH
Even though I’m tall, my legs aren’t very long. Most of my height is in the lower torso and that’s where the extra length is needed, the rise.
ROUND PUBIS ADJUSTMENT
That’s another pretty common adjustment for me. I usually combine that one with the grading and just use the scoop curve of the waist size and crotch length of the hip size.
FULL SEAT/BUTT ADJUSTMENT
Sometimes I do need to alter the pattern to accommodate the booty. But not always. This is an adjustment that I decide on only after I’ve sewn a muslin without it.
Sometimes fitting a pattern just goes like a dream. This was the case with this Sabrinas for me. I just did my regular grading process and got the fit I wanted right off the bat! FANTASTIC!
They are so comfortable! It’s like wearing dressy leggings.
I love the split hem detail!
The top I’m wearing on the photos is also from Love Notions. It’s a hacked La Bella Donna Dolman.
I cut a wider neckline, cut the sleeves between the short and 3/4 options and added a regular cuff to it.
As you know, I’m a bit off the shoulder obsessed and can’t help myself hacking a pattern. haha
A special thank you to Love Notions for sponsoring The Fitting Experiment bloggers with patterns so that we can share our thoughts with you. Love Notions has kindly provided a 20% off shop discount code for all our readers. Please use this code at checkout: FittingEXPSabrinas
In addition, Love Notions has given us TWO copies of Sabrina Slims to giveaway. For a chance to win, comment below. For more chances to win, comment on the other blogs too! You can check out their posts below:
- bigflynotions
- Diskordia’s Curvy Sewing
- SequoiaLynn Sews
- Petite Font
- Liviality
- Jong Design
- Jot Designs
- Stitched by Jennie
Pattern (aff)Links:
SABRINA SLIMS
LA BELLA DONNA
xxx
Livia
*this post contains affiliate links
Thank you for describing the adjustments you made. I find pants to be a bit more intimidating, but appreciate learning how and what adjustments others make. I always love to see what you’ve made!
Hi Stefanie!
You’re very welcome. Pants can be intimidating, but it’s actually way less difficult than we think. 😉
Such a beautiful pair of pants! I love your La Bella Donna hack as well. Thank you. I’m enjoying these The Fitting Experiment blog posts.
Thank you so much!
We’re so happy that the experiment is being well recieved!
Thanks for sharing! It’s clear you’re an accomplished sewist. You’ve done an amazing job!
I am a beginner sewer and this post us great. It helps to see the process of finding the best fit for your own body shape. I always thought that sewing a garment was quick and easy but there’s a lot of work that goes into creating beautiful things.
Thank you so much for this post! I’m newer to sewing, but hoping to try “real pants” (ie not leggings) soon, and this gives me confidence I can do it!
Ah, you’re very welcome!
You can do it for sure! <3
Great job Olivia! I adore your sewing machine hacked top too!!
<3 <3 <3
The machine was a pain to weed, but worth the work ;)
I love The Fitting Experiment. It is nice to see how the same pattern can be made for different bodies. I was a bit afraid of the Sabrina Slims because I didn’t think it would look that great on my body, but after reading through all the blogs, the fear is gone and I will give it a try.
I like the split hem detail. I’ll definitely try that.
Yay!!
Yes, go for it and show us the results! 😉
These look just phenomenal! <3 Beautiful fabric choice!
Thank you so much!
Ooh your Sabrina Slims look gorgeous! I have always been nervous about sewing pants but this may just give me enough motivation to try!
Yay!! <3
Very nice, I will check out the others to get some more fit tips
<3
Loving the comparisons between the different sewists!
Livia — This is an incredible testament to your professionalism and skills – plus obviously a fantastic pattern!!! I’m convinced. You rock!!
Ah, wow! Thank you so much!
I really need to give these a go! Thanks for the inspiration
Great post! Thank you so much for outlining the steps you took to get a great fit.
Love the look! Thanks for sharing how you did your adjustments!
The pants look amazing! It was interesting to hear how you judged what adjustments to make, the process did sound easier than I expected. I definitely want to try these pants.
Wow! Those look fantastic on you! I need to give these a try, but intimidated by making adjustments. I guess I need to just try!!!
What a great idea! Sabrina Slims is one of the few Love Notions patterns I don’t own. Super keen to try them with a Melody Dolman ❤️
Prachtig livia.😉🤓👍🏼👌
Just what I need. A beautiful pattern for work days.
I like the fitting project and ga have a look at the other blogs to see if there someone with a small posture just like me.
Thanx for the beautiful blog!
I have been on the fence about whether to buy the pattern, but this is a nice nudge. I live the slit ankle so much!
Perhaps now is the time to conquer my fear of making trousers!!
Love it Livia. This would be a perfect pattern for me. My adjustment would be waist 42 and hipp 38 (European size). Would love to have a panty’s that fits perfectly.. This Bengaline fitts you perfectly and I love the Fabric
I love these! You did such a great job fitting them! I really want to try this pattern sometime.
Thank you for doing this!
Wow you look amazing in your pants.
This could be the perfect pants for my crAZy shaped body. Since I had my kids and struggle with hormones since my uterus and ovaries where removed. My body changed so much nothing seems to fit nice.
I will put this on my wish list.
Thank you for showing us.
Thank you for this blog it’s very informative
Beautiful! I would like to make the welt pockets for the first time.
I love the specifics that are being shared about fitting. I have never heard of that one adjustment you did. I will have to look that up!
You look great in these! Love your top decal!
These pants and teh top hugs you.
I love this pattern but i have a fear of making trousers. After reading all of your blogs, maybe i have to give it a try.
Wat een mooie broek/patroon! Dank voor je uitgebreide beschrijving, hoe je de aanpassingen hebt gemaakt. Heel inspirerend. Ik zou deze broek ook graag eens willen maken. Een mooie uitdaging…
I love this pattern. My problem is also the hip and the waist so thanks for the explanation how to work.
This is such a great experiment! It’s live to see more like this, thank you for blogging!
I’m afraid because I am shaped differently that I will never get as awesome a fit as you. These look beautiful!!
Love it. Ur booty looks hot in this
Thank you for sharing your artistry! I love the split hem with your shoe styling! It’s everything!
I’m beginning to wonder if more sewists than not need to do a round pubis adjustment. I know I do, and so often it’s the alteration that’s needed on so many modeled shots as well. It’s such an easy alteration that can be made after the garment is sewn up and all is not lost! Thank you for bringing attention to it once again!
Sewing pants is on my challenge list for 2020,and seeing the same pattern on all of the different body types is very helpful. Also, thanks for being open about your sizes and alterations. I have been self conscious about grading between large size differences due to my body shape and this really helps me trust my measurements rather than some ideal.
YAY!
I know what you mean… it took me quite a while to be comfortable enough to share measurements, totally understand.
But the truth is : there are no ideals, we are all beautiful! 😉
A round pubis adjustment! That’s what I need!! You get a great fit. I need to pay attention. thanks
It’s a simple adjustment that can even be made after the pants are done. An easy fix to an annoying problem 😉
I know we’re talking about pants, but now I need this shirt hack in my life too!
Hihi
I love a good off the shoulder!
Sew cute… what a great idea to collaborate… can’t wait to see everybody else’s results…
We’re so happy that the Fitting Experiment is being well received! <3
Erg mooi en goed beschreven dank je wel hiervoor. Iedere keer weer verras jij ons met de mooie creaties
<3<3<3
Your adjustment information was super helpful. Knowing your height and measurements made it easy for me to understand and know what I would need to do to make the pattern work for me. Thank you for a great post.
Ah, I’m so glad to hear! <3
You're very much welcome
Wow this are fab on you and Ive never made pants before though 🙈
Your entire outfit is amazing!!! I always love your style, and you are so inspiring! 🖤
You’re too sweet!
Right back at you! <3
I’ve been looking at this pattern for weeks and I am admittedly scared of doing pants but everyone’s look so good and this fabric is amazing!!
Don’t be scared!
Just go for it and reach out if you need any help 😉
I love how these look! Hoping to be able to tackle work pants this year!
Yes!
The Sabrina is a good place to start. The fitting guide is very helpful! 😉
Absolutely loving this ..been following your blogging I love love this pants
Ah thanks! <3
top notch…as always from you! love the tee shirt graphics too!!!!
Thank you so much!
I still have a lot to learn about fitting but it’s nice to see a body shaped like mine and know the adjustments you had to make. The end result is great. Maybe I’ll have to tackle some pants now!
Yay!
Yes, definitely give it a go. If I can help in any way, give me a shout! 😉
You are always beautiful in all your makes.
Ah, you’re too sweet. Thank you!
Oooh my totally love your whole outfit.. still looking for pants that fit like these!! Love love love it! And the print on your shirt aswell!
Ah, thanks!
I just got a cricut and am having fun decorating everything haha
Love your pants – they fit just beautifully 🙂 Thank you for describing your adjustments. As I have still to figure out my pants adjustments for my body, I am always on the lookout for fitting advice/options & I never considered blending between the crotch depth from one size & the curve from another… definitely something for me to look into – thx again…
Thank you so much!<3
What a great idea!
Thank you!
They look fantastic! The fit is amazing, do you have any problems getting them over your hips? I’m similar with short legs, long torso and a large hip to waist ratio (except I’m 5’ 2 1/2” 😂) and generally need to insert a zip to accommodate.
I don’t have a problem with this pair. Minimal wiggling necessary 😉
It will come down to the amount of stretch your fabric has…
Wow you look fantastic in these Sabrina’s! Tou make it sound so simple too…. lol I’m loving the fitting experiment
Thank you!
The work is figuring out the needed adjustments.
But once you have that down, it becomes quite simple 😉
Definitely want to try this pattern. Yours look great!
Looks great! Very tempting to make me one myself.
Deze is echt prachtig!!
Deze broek staat je geweldig en zit je als gegoten. Ik heb ongeveer hetzelfde ‘brede heupen ding’ als jij, dus ik vind het erg dapper dat je een ‘pull-up’ broek aandurfde😄. Of zit er stiekem toch ergens een onzichtbare rits in?
Off shoulder staat jou ook erg goed. En dan die print op dat shirt… kwijl kwijl😉🤤
Way back Tessa told me I couldn’t grade between these sizes as it was too much so I-really appreciate this blog and will definitely dig out my sabrinas to give it a go!
I’m so glad it helped you!
Grading through so many sizes is always an adventure lol