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In my summer plans, I said that I wanted to make some culottes to take on vacation with me. As it would turn out I managed to make not one but two pairs!
Simplicity 8605
In early summer there was a $1 Simplicity pattern sale at Joann Fabrics. Knowing that I had been wanting to make a pair of culottes, I picked up Simplicity 8605.
![Sharing my thoughts on my summer culottes, I made using Simplicity 8605, featuring wide legs and a paper bag waist.](https://i0.wp.com/akramsideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/akrams-ideas-simplicity8605-blue-H-1024x536.jpg?resize=770%2C403)
This pattern featured a paper bag waist which seems to be rather popular at the moment. I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about the paper bag waist and worried it add more unwanted bulk to my waistline. Despite that, I thought I’d give it a go.
The Construction
The pattern construction is very easy and the pants come together in no time. In fact, feeding the elastic through the two castings was probably the most time-consuming part.
![Sharing my thoughts on my summer culottes, I made using Simplicity 8605, featuring wide legs and a paper bag waist.](https://i2.wp.com/akramsideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/akrams-ideas-culottes-blue-01-H-1024x536.jpg?resize=770%2C403)
For this project, I knew I wanted to use some lightweight chambray I had in my stash. If I had time I’d make another pair in a cotton navy featuring a white tropical print.
The only major change I made to this pattern was to shorten it by about 3″ in length. I’m 5’3″, so I guess that makes me short.
Sewing Summary | ||||||
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Date | July 2018 | ![]() |
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Pattern: | Simplicity 8605 | |||||
Version: | Version B | |||||
Size: | XL | |||||
Notes & Modification: | Shortened by 3 inches | |||||
Recommendations: | ||||||
Difficulty: | Easy | Rating: |
Overall Thoughts
My husband told me that they look like pajamas, which I guess they do. After all they are super comfy and I do find myself wearing them to lounge around the house.
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the paper bag waist on these pants, and I’m still not sure. Most of the tops I wear with them hang over the top of the pants, so you don’t notice it the paper bag detail.
![Sharing my thoughts on my summer culottes, I made using Simplicity 8605, featuring wide legs and a paper bag waist.](https://i1.wp.com/akramsideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/akrams-ideas-culottes-blue-03-1024x536.jpg?resize=770%2C403)
I will say that the navy pair is probably my fave because of the contrasting waistband I used on the pants. I also love the of the hacked cropped version of the Sew Over It silk Cami I made to go with it.
![Sharing my thoughts on my summer culottes, I made using Simplicity 8605, featuring wide legs and a paper bag waist.](https://i2.wp.com/akramsideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/akrams-ideas-culottes-navy-02-1024x536.jpg?resize=770%2C403)
The contrasting waistband highlights it as a feature and not bulk. The cropped top also sits right above the waist not creating any extra bulk in that area.
I think in the end I’m not one to make a paper bag waist again. I don’t think the style suits me.
![](https://i0.wp.com/akramsideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/akrams-ideas-culottes-navy-01-1024x536.jpg?resize=770%2C403)
Love to hear in the comments below what your thoughts on paper bag waists are. Have you made this style? Do you like it?
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