Akram's Ideas
Sharing my thoughts on my summer culottes, I made using Simplicity 8605, featuring wide legs and a paper bag waist.

Paper Bag Waisted Culottes

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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.
I went with cool blue tones for this project

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.
These pants took no time to whip up

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
Date July 2018 Sharing my thoughts on my summer culottes, I made using Simplicity 8605, featuring wide legs and a paper bag waist.
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.
A good sun hat is a must with this outfit

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.
My hacked cropped SOI cami made a great pairing with these culottes

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. 

Did I mention these pants have pockets?

Love to hear in the comments below what your thoughts on paper bag waists are. Have you made this style? Do you like it?

Sharing my thoughts on my summer culottes, I made using Simplicity 8605, featuring wide legs and a paper bag waist.

 

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Akram Taghavi-Burris

designer, writer, educator, tech nerd, crafter, baker, sewer and vintage collector, who Brings Creative & Crazy Ides to Life.

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