Made: pants from Start Walking, toddler book
Project Notes: This is the second pattern I’ve made from my Start Walking (translation) Japanese pattern book. The pattern used a technique I’d hitherto not seen for making the casing. Essentially, you leave a space on the side seam, sew a securing rectangle around the gap, and fold over the top, and sew that down. It means the hole for the casing is not cut edges, and is additionally strengthened by the stitching around it. I really like the technique, although I botched it a bit this first time. I’ve used it since, and figured out that the trick was to sew the securing rectangle a small space after the gap. 
I also altered the pattern by adding an inch or so of length, after consulting a current pair of my son’s pants & guessing they would be too short. In fact these pants are now a tad short on him. Otherwise the fit seems right though.
Mistakes/Complications: The fabric I used was a very thick, wide wale cord. It was a total nightmare in terms of slippage. Really horrifying. Such an unpleasant experience that afterwards I sought advice and got a walking foot for my machine. Even the foot doesn’t keep it from becoming at least a little unaligned. This cord is tough stuff! Other than the casing not being quite right as I described above, this pattern was a breeze.
Notes for Next Time: I used a fabric that was at least part linen for the pocket. The flaps of the pocket, upon being washed, got really wrinkly every time and wouldn’t lie flat. I ended up taking them off. I’d skip them altogether next time, or sew them down, if I bother to add them.
Tags: boy's clothes, pants