Nara Pants for Fall (and a Giveaway!)
This past summer, when I was in Denver, I stopped into Fancy Tiger Crafts, “just for a minute”. My minute turned out to be longer (and more expensive) than I expected, because I got a chance to chat with a real sewing celebrity (read the full story here!), and managed to find quite a bit of fabric that I “needed” desperately. It was Fancy Tiger y’all- how could I possibly resist?
One of the fabrics I picked up was this gorgeous lightweight scuba knit that had just hit the shop. I hadn’t the slightest idea what I would do with it, but the combination of rich colors and fall foliage had me dreaming of sipping of hot cocoa while the kids ran through the neighbor’s leaf pile, and I couldn’t put it down (despite the hefty price tag!). Two yards landed on the cutting table, and when we arrived home it sat front and center until last week, begging me to become a project. Turning it into something was trickier than it seemed, however- the fabric was lightweight, with minimal stretch, and really needed a pattern that was meant for woven fabrics, despite its knit heritage.
When I saw the new Nara pants from Coffee and Thread, I knew the time had come to grab it off the shelf. I tend to go to extremes in my pants- either I want something 100% fitted, like a pair of leggings or skinny jeans (see my post on sewing the Closet Case Files Ginger Jeans here), or I want something so loose in the legs I could stuff a dozen turkeys up there, and still have room to move (like the Samara pants, here). These pants fall into the latter category, and though they aren’t quite as wide legged as the Samara pants, they do flow nicely and pair perfectly with fitted tops or loose cardigans (or both!).
The Nara pants also feature handy scoop pockets, a flat front or fully gathered elastic waistband, and an optional belt or front tie.
I did a mashup of the two views, cutting the waistband in two pieces (for the flat front option), but wove my elastic all the way through the waistband, stitching through it in the back for the gathered look, but leaving it un-stitched in the front.
My original intention was to have a plain flat front (like in view A), but I ended up needing to tighten the elastic beyond what the width of the back could accommodate without creating too much puffiness, so I decided to pass the elastic all the way through. I also shortened them 2″ at the lengthen shorten line, and another 1″ at the hem- the straight cut makes it easy to make last minute adjustments after a final try-on before hemming.
I ran out of fabric for cutting the ties (that’s what I get for purchasing something without a project in mind), but a cute belt will go just as well when I wear them with a fitted top. I also left off the belt loops, but I’m regretting that now, so I may go back and add them- they don’t take much time, and lend a more professional and finished look.
Overall, despite my impromptu adjustments and omissions, I love these pants, and find them extremely comfortable (and perfect for those big holiday meals, where the elastic waist will come in handy!). They’re also a really satisfying quick sew, since they don’t have any darts or zippers- just grab some elastic, thread and fabric, and you’ll have your own pair whipped up for the fall festivities in no time!
Andddd….I just so happen to have a copy to give away! To enter, please leave a blog or Instagram comment- I’ll be choosing a winner Friday- in plenty of time for you to get started on your own pair in time for Thanksgiving (or Halloween- I’m almost more tempted by my kids’ leftover candy than I am that turkey stuffing!). If you want to catch the pattern on sale for release, you can find it here!
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I love your site. What a marvelous pair of pants, your fabric choice, awesome! You are an inspiration, thank you for your blog and videos, I am back to sewing and all those knits, yum! I learned knit necklines with your video, thank you!
Thank you Tracie! Your comment made my day!
Your pants are super cute Sarah! The fabric really does make them look like autumn.
Love your new pants. The fabric you selected is beautiful and works well with the flowing/loose style of the pant legs. I think your new pants would look amazing combined with a jean jacket (perhaps cropped style).
BTW – I would love to enter my name for the draw/contest for pattern you use to make the pants you featured in this post.
These are beautiful! This pattern wasn’t on my radar but now I think I might need it…
I love how free flowing and professional these look!
These are so gorgeous!! I love the paperbag sytle waistband too!–with belt loops and tie and ankle length! They look dreamy!
These pants look amazing!
I like the pants version without the tie!! Very cute!
Love how yours turned out! I’d love to try them full length with the flat front, but I love the belted view too!
Great pants! They look so comfortable. Thanks for sharing the alteration details.
These are my favourite pair that I’ve seen! Love the colors.
I love these!
I just love these!
Beautiful!! That fabric is everything!
I definitely need this pattern for work pants !! I love them
Dreamy fabric! I love the pants, but your whole outfit is super cute.
Love the Nara pants! The scuba fabric is gorgeous. Scuba is on my list of fabrics to find and seems to be a for the first time.
They look super comfy! I am always partial to shorts, so I think I like that view best! lol
That fabric is the reason I took a second look. It’s beautiful. The made up wonderfully with this pattern. I would love to try the flat front and agree that belt loops “finish” the look.
These look so amazing! Wide legged pants are really growing on me, its time to put those skinny jeans on the sideline for a bit
I love the fabric choice with these pants. They look so Autumn Cozy! 🙂
I absolutely love everything about thise pants and you’re entire outfit! I’m always leery about wide legs pants because I’m in the shorter side but these look great on you!! Maybe I should try them too! Beautiful fabric!
You can totally rock them!
I love the wide leg, comfy style. The fabric you chose is beautiful!
I love the colors in your new pants – they are the perfect reminder of the autumn weather about to come!
These look amazing! And I love wide legs and find them to be so cozy. They layered look in the last photo is perfect for fall, and ties everything together so well!
Thank you Stef! Please check your email!
I love the flowy pant trend, and this is beautiful in the scuba!
The pants look awesome on you. Live the simplicity. Did a good job with fabric too
Thank you Brenda!
Wow! I love the colors. The match and blend perfectly. I love the idea of using knit fabrics without the stretch for a woven pattern. Best of both worlds. I find scuba to be like that. I think it’s going to be a 4 way stretch and it turns out to have very little either way. Enjoy this outfit and have a wonderful holiday
Thank you Lesley!
Love the fabric and they look so comfy.
I like the ones without the bow. I don’t need any extra at my tummy. Love your version!
So cute! I love your styling too!
They look so comfy
Those look super comfy! Love the fabric choice
They are very elegant looking in the fabric you chose! I like View A best in long length.
Looks like something you’ll get a lot of use out of this Fall! I also like view A long.
Hi Sarah you’re pants look gorgeous, just wondering how much puff they have at the back?I too have no butt and find elastic waist pants make me look puffy and I find them unflattering. Yours look unpuffy, which is awesome.
They don’t have much puff because I ran the elastic all the way through. You could narrow them at the top, at the side seams, if you wanted them a bit flatter. Hope that helps!
These look like the type of pant I have been looking for because I have very sensitive scars and nerve damage. I hope the light and loose fit will work.
They would be nice and flowy, especially in a soft fabric like rayon! Hope you’re able to give them a try!
These are really cute! Love the fabric and style. I hadn’t heard of this pattern-maker before!!
Ooh, those are lovely! As a petite & curvy person I usually shy away from wide leg pants – but this makes me want to give them a try. They look great on you, and very comfortable without looking sloppy. And your sweater in the last photo looks perfect with it – so cozy! Is that something you made too?
They look lovely on you, i probably prefer view b
Pants look amazing. Love who comfy they look.
Hi, I love what you made, and would love some just like yours ❤️. Lloove pockets
Beautiful as always!
Beautiful.
This fabric looks really great as pants
Hear are great, looking for a dressier pair of pants as I’m a legging girl 99% of the time.
I’m the same way! Its great to have both as an option!
These look amazing!
Very cute!
Love your pants! So perfect for fall!
Your fabric is fabulous, and I love that you turned it into pants. I need to do a better job at considering prints for pants. The pattern looks very interesting, but I couldn’t find a sizing chart on the site. Any ideas what the upper end of the sizing is or where a chart could be located?
Gosh- you’re correct that its missing on the site! The size 24 has a waist of 46.5 and hips 56.5. I hope that helps!
I love the view you’ve made! I don’t like ties as they tend to draw attention to my non existent waist . I generally always wear tops over the waistband for a clean silhouette and these will work prefectly!
It’s nice to have the option- I tend to prefer my tops untucked as well.
Subscribed already to the blog! About to go follow your IG!
Thank you so much for subscribing and following!
Very cute! I like view A with the flat front, and probably without the ties for me because I don’t have a naturally flat front and don’t want to draw more attention lol…
I think the flat front is really flattering too!
Oh I do love these! I need more pant patterns in my life as I’ve been wearing only leggings for too long now!
I love me some leggings, but having some fancier pants is a good option too!
These look like just what I want in my wardrobe out of some linen! I always appreciate hearing how you modify your patterns for your height. I make you look tall, but your steps get me started!
Thank you! I’m glad sharing the mods is helpful!
So gorgeous!!!!!
I love those pants and the fabric. I also love your blog. So many cute clothes with hack ideas like the waistband one here. Thanks for all you do.
Thank you!
love the fabric! they look perfect on you!
Thank you!
These look so comfy, perfect for change of season.
Thank you Beck!