Back in September I got part way through a comparison of walking trouser patterns which I neither finished nor blogged.
I had a large length of olive green bengaline, ordered online, which was not really my colour once it arrived. There was enough to cut three pairs of trousers for a comparison.
The three patterns were
Itch to Stitch Mountain View Pull on Jeans
I've made this pattern lots of times before. It's designed for stretch woven fabrics with more stretch than I had in this bengaline. good fit but a bit tight on the thighs in this fabric. Additional zipped side pocket of my own invention is too low down on the leg and not very practical.
Style Arc Delta Cargo Pants
These are very straight cut on the sides, which makes putting the cargo pockets on very easy, but doesn't work particularly well for me as I'm curved at the side hip as well as the derriere. They are simple to sew up with good pockets.
Love Notions Meadowlark Pants
I finally finished these today, very comfortable with loads of pockets. Flat front with mock fly and sewn down button. Back elastic quite tricky to sew. Lots of great pockets, knee darts and an activewear fit.
Summary
For all 3 I have adapted the crutch curve shape and length to suit my body but otherwise gone for the size which matches my measurements, and because of this all 3 pairs are wearable.
The Style Arc Delta Cargo pants don't stay up very well once anything is put into the pockets, so I think I'll add belt loops to make them more practical. Future versions are going to need a curve in the side seam :-)
The side zipped pocket on the Mountain View pants is not useable in reality, so I think I'll remove it.
The Meadowlark Pants work quite well, but next time I'd simplify the waistband and add a little bit of width at the knees.
I have a lovely piece of 4 way stretch activewear fabric, so I can now decide what pattern to use to make those up, probably the Meadowlarks with some tweaks.
