Sizes XS-3XL

The emergence of pants as acceptable public attire for women began in the early 1930s, largely due to the enormous influence of the movies and the high-profile movie stars.

Folkwear offers this sewing pattern for three history-makers: Knickers, Trousers and Shorts. The Knickers (c. 1931) feature a button-front fly closure and side pockets. They are pleated below the knee into shaped cuffs with button closures.

The straight silhouette of the Trousers (c. 1940) is created by a high, wide waistband, back darts and front pleats. They have a zipper closure on the left side and an on-seam pocket on the right. Trousers fall gracefully straight from the fullest part on the hip to ankle-length.

Our Shorts (c. 1940) have a back zipper closure and inverted box pleats at the front and back for a smooth fit through the hip, releasing to add comfortable and flattering fullness at the legs. 

Suggested fabrics: For the Knickers, choose medium to heavyweight fabrics such as cotton, linen, wool or blends in broadcloth, homespun, or twill; also napped fabrics such as corduroy and velveteen. For the Trousers, choose medium-weight, soft fabrics with drape such as wool gabardine or challis; also cotton or corduroy. For the Shorts, choose soft or slightly crisp, medium-weight fabrics such as wool challis, cotton, linen, rayon, or blends.

Correction to paper pattern - If you are making the shorts, note the following error:  The Waistband T piece does not include the 1-inch (2.5cm) underlap referred to in the instructions.  Therefore, be sure to cut Piece T longer at the button end and move the button marking 1 inch (2.5cm) toward the end.

This pattern is available as a paper pattern and a PDF pattern.  Choose the option you want in the drop down menu.  The PDF pattern has several files: instructions, copy shop (36" and A0) for each pants, and print at home. 

LEARN MORE: 

• .  This also shows how she made the pockets larger.
• .  This also shows how she modified the front fly to be a zipper rather than buttoned fly.