Chelsea Pants Blog Tour: Skinnies!

Welcome to the Chelsea Pants Blog Tour! This is the first blog tour I’ve organized for Greenstyle Creations (or anyone, for that matter!), but I’m really excited, because it means that I get to keep sharing my new favorite Chelsea pants, and linking up to other awesome bloggers who will do the same!

This week has many exciting things in store for you, including a giveaway, so make sure to read all the way to the end (because who doesn’t like free fabric and patterns?!)

Of course, if you’ve been around my blog in the last week, you’re probably thinking….more Chelsea pants?! Doesn’t she have enough of those yet? Nope, nope, nope. And while last week’s pairs were all cut straight from the pattern (except for the usual grading/shortening), this week I get to go off the books, and share a little hack with you!

One thing about working with a pattern company, is that sometimes you test things that you aren’t initially sure you’re going to love (remember my Thong Plan?), but end up trying anyway, because it’s part of the “job” (it’s a tough gig, but someone’s got to do it!).

This forces me out of my comfort zone a little bit, and opens my wardrobe up to new styles and trends. The Chelsea pants were like that for me- I’ve never worn bell bottoms, because I’m too short for anything off the rack, and hemming them after construction means that they end up looking like boot-cut pants rather than bells. So I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved the dramatic flare of the Chelsea pants, and I’ve got several more in the works!

However, I’m a skinny jeans girl at heart, so I knew from the get-go that I would try to hack them into skinny pants, and that’s just what I did!

I used a black ponte from my stash that is super stretchy and has an awesome thickness and recovery- I wish I could remember where I purchased it, because it’s really high quality.

I started the hack by drawing a tapered line down from the knee point to the bottom of the pants from the inner leg seam and the center front seam on both the back and front pieces. I then sewed the center front seam of the pants using these pieces, but did not topstitch, instead using a basting stitch along the inner legs to test out whether they had achieved my desired “skinny-ness”. The amount you need to adjust is going to depend alot on your fabric- I would need to take less out of a stretch denim than I did with this super-stretchy ponte.

You want to make sure, as you’re basting and hacking away at the center front seam that you’re keeping the seam right down the front of your leg- too much off either side and you’ll end up with a twisted seam. I would serge some off, pin it around my leg, and then mark a new line to serge, etc. Keep track of all your adjustments so you can alter the second leg to match, and have a pattern piece for next time!

After I had gotten the legs the way I wanted them, I toptsitched the center front and went to work on the inner leg seam. The way the pattern instructions have you sew up the legs is helpful here, because you can make small adjustments to the inner leg seam as you go. Again, just be careful that the center front seam doesn’t get pulled toward the side.

The purple line in the photos shows how much I took these in, but again, your mileage may vary depending on your fabric and how much you want to narrow the pants. I’ve tried to provide some measurements here with the ruler, so you can see what I did- don’t mind the messy floor! Less time cleaning means more time sewing, right?

Pants Back Alterations:

Pants Front Alterations:

After I was finished with the legs, I added back pockets, using a more traditional “jeans” pocket shape and topstitching, to match my “jeggings” look. While the pockets included on the Chelsea pants are adorable, I needed something a little larger for my phone, and this fit the bill perfectly.

I also went with the high rise waistband, using a compression knit for the inner pieces to help hold everything in. This hits a couple inches above my belly button, in case you’re wondering.

I’m in love with my new pants, and hope this helps show the versatility of this pattern, if you’re willing to get a little creative! As a side note, I’m wearing my very favorite Slim Fit Raglan here- it happened to match perfectly!

Each day this week we will have one or more bloggers on the tour posting their Chelsea pants, tips, hacks and tricks, so stay tuned!

EDIT: I’ve now included a short video on how to adjust the flare and/or create a pair of Skinny Pants from your Chelsea pattern! Check it out below:

 

Would you like to win a pair of the Chelsea pants (or another Greenstyle pattern, if you’ve already purchased the Chelsea’s) for FREE? How about some awesome stretch denim from Aurora Fabrics to complete the package? Enter the giveaway below, and check out all the other bloggers on the tour! Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog, and follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss a post!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chelsea Pants Blog Tour

Monday, October 9, 2017
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Friday, October 13, 2017

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115 Comments

  1. Mable on October 9, 2017 at 4:53 am

    Loved the different looks you made from one pattern.

  2. Anna on October 9, 2017 at 5:25 am

    Love the little details of this pattern and would love a pair in the grey and ivory.

  3. Frances Gilbert on October 9, 2017 at 7:26 am

    I love the pockets on the Chelsea and this skinny cut hack! Love Auroras red & ivory stretch denim!

  4. Lisa on October 9, 2017 at 8:00 am

    I would love the high rise waist band and them in Navy

  5. Christina on October 9, 2017 at 9:14 am

    I was wondering how this pattern would look as a skinny jean. Thanks for waking us through your process!

    • Carol on September 4, 2019 at 4:36 pm

      I love this. I was wondering if I could make them without the flare. Yes I can. Thank you.

  6. Heather Augustyn on October 9, 2017 at 9:17 am

    Love the Chelsea pant pattern!

  7. Lisa on October 9, 2017 at 9:19 am

    This hack is exactly what I was looking for. I love a good skinny jeans, but was hoping I could figure out how to taper them in to be slim for wearing to work in a stretch corduroy. I love a good black denim, but the red and ivory is super unique and pretty.

  8. Jennifer Williams on October 9, 2017 at 9:19 am

    Super cute!! Can’t wait to try this pattern

  9. Angie Bennett on October 9, 2017 at 9:26 am

    This is awesome! I love your hack and the added value to the pattern… It is like 2 in 1! Perfect!

  10. Tracy on October 9, 2017 at 9:28 am

    Thanks for this hack, Sarah! I love the Chelseas, but I’m only 5’1, so really flared pants often look weird on me. Nice to have a guide for a skinnier option. The (new-to-me-fabric-company) Aurora Designs stretch denims are all tempting! Slate with shimmer and grey/ivory are at the top of my list.

  11. Amy on October 9, 2017 at 9:30 am

    Definitely the indigo denim.

  12. Shayna on October 9, 2017 at 9:33 am

    These make a great outfit!

  13. Melanie on October 9, 2017 at 9:39 am

    Love the Indigo. I’ve already purchased the pattern but haven’t tried it yet. I’m excited to try out the button hack.

    • Sarah on October 9, 2017 at 4:13 pm

      Yes- that’s a super fun one!

  14. Stacey on October 9, 2017 at 9:40 am

    Love these

  15. Wendy on October 9, 2017 at 9:42 am

    Great work!

  16. Carolyn on October 9, 2017 at 9:44 am

    I love what you created. What a versatile pattern.

    • Sarah on October 9, 2017 at 4:13 pm

      Thank you!

  17. Sarah on October 9, 2017 at 9:46 am

    I love the front seam details on the Chelsea pants. It’s stylish and keeps with the sportiness of greenstyle. Im also a huge fan of flares! Iwant a pair of these in every color!

  18. Sherry on October 9, 2017 at 9:48 am

    did you measure your legs first? I have big legs and always wonder if ‘skinny’ pants would work for me.

    • Sarah on October 9, 2017 at 4:12 pm

      If you mean width wise, no, I just started with a straight type cut and brought it in from there.

  19. Katelyn Allers on October 9, 2017 at 10:00 am

    These are SO lovely-I love the bells, but this makes them even more versatile. I’d love some skinnies like this in the Aurora black stretch denim-it would be very Audrey Hepburn.

  20. Danae Ethier on October 9, 2017 at 10:03 am

    I love the center seam down the middle. I would definitely get the black denim! Love this hack! Thank you for sharing!

    • Sarah on October 9, 2017 at 4:11 pm

      Thank you!

  21. Aundrea Gjorvad on October 9, 2017 at 10:04 am

    I like the dark indigo stretch denim for the Chelsea pants and my favorite feature is the bell bottom flare- I like the look of the flare and have been only really able to find leggings that are straight down or taper in and I have larger calves which make grading patterns a necessity, with these I think it will be much easier.

    • Sarah on October 9, 2017 at 4:11 pm

      Yes- you might not even have to make any modifications at all!

  22. Melissa Allan on October 9, 2017 at 10:14 am

    Oh my – that’s quite the transformation. I’ve made 5 pair of Chelsea pants with the flare. Its a great pattern.

  23. Tricia on October 9, 2017 at 10:15 am

    I’d love to use the indigo to make a pair

  24. Rebecca Munoz on October 9, 2017 at 10:20 am

    These pants will fit many body styles, and that is awesome.

  25. Heather McCauley on October 9, 2017 at 10:24 am

    These pants are awesome!

    • Sarah on October 9, 2017 at 4:11 pm

      Thanks!

  26. Beth on October 9, 2017 at 10:34 am

    I love the waist band and pockets. Wide leg or skinny….either would look awesome with the Aurora Dark Indigo.

  27. JOYCE DOBBYN on October 9, 2017 at 10:41 am

    I love bell bottoms, but have never tried to make them. Do believe that is going to change with the Chelsea pattern!

    • Sarah on October 9, 2017 at 4:10 pm

      I hadn’t either until now! You’re going to love them!

  28. Hannah Mallery on October 9, 2017 at 11:05 am

    I love your skinny leg hack! I’m super short, so even though I haven’t been sewing pants very long, I definitely see the benefit of being able to tailor length and proportion!

    • Sarah on October 9, 2017 at 4:12 pm

      I’m only 62″ tall so I know how that is- so freeing to be able to tailor our own wardrobe isn’t it?

  29. Jessica M on October 9, 2017 at 11:13 am

    I would love to use the slate with shimmer and do a skinny Chelsea!

  30. Trudy Lockhart on October 9, 2017 at 11:18 am

    As soon as I saw these pants, I oved them, but the flare is so not me! Love the straight legs though and I plan to use your hack for mine too! Thank you.

    • Sarah on October 9, 2017 at 4:10 pm

      I’m glad the hack helped inspire you! Please tag me when you’re done- id love to see them!

  31. Anne Stankovic on October 9, 2017 at 11:39 am

    Indigo Denim for me, too! I love the skinny pant hack!

  32. Alex Harman on October 9, 2017 at 12:20 pm

    I love how they look like “real” pants and are so flattering.

    I would use the slate with shimmer to make something fun!

  33. Karen on October 9, 2017 at 12:26 pm

    Looks great! I love the front seam detail feature of the Chelsea Pants and would love these in a navy stretch denim.

  34. Heather scales on October 9, 2017 at 12:28 pm

    I love these. They look like they fit perfectly! Id love a pair in black!

    • Sarah on October 9, 2017 at 4:09 pm

      It’s great being able to customize something to your body! Thank you!

  35. TERRI CHEVALIER on October 9, 2017 at 12:50 pm

    Can’t wait to try this pattern. Love the top if the oants and the seam down the front!!

  36. Sarah on October 9, 2017 at 12:57 pm

    I love the look of these!
    I’ve requested to join the fabric group, cannot see denim colours yet… I’m hoping for a purplish navy or sage green denim!!

  37. Ingrid Mohr on October 9, 2017 at 1:04 pm

    I love that there is a high rise option and the versatility of the pattern. They would be awesome in the slate with shimmer stretch denim.

  38. Jennifer on October 9, 2017 at 1:27 pm

    Great hack!

    • Sarah on October 9, 2017 at 4:08 pm

      Thank you!

  39. Jenna Hobbs on October 9, 2017 at 1:33 pm

    I love these! Thanks for the hack!!

    • Sarah on October 9, 2017 at 4:14 pm

      You’re welcome! Can’t wait to see your next pair!

  40. Rachel on October 9, 2017 at 2:02 pm

    Indigo! I love the versatility of this pattern!

  41. Susan Harris on October 9, 2017 at 2:07 pm

    One of my favorite things about the Chelsea pants pattern are the pockets and also the button hack option! So cute!! And the slate with shimmer stretch denim looks amazing!!

    • Sarah on October 9, 2017 at 4:08 pm

      Great plan!

  42. Shannon Sell on October 9, 2017 at 2:11 pm

    I plan on making a pair for my tall friend who wants flares but can never fit in them off the rack. I will likely try the skinny pant hack as well, as I love the center seam look but I am a little scared of the flare. Maybe in like…a lighter weight fabric for more of a flowy palazzo? 🙂 I look forward to playing around with this pattern!

  43. Tootie DeHof on October 9, 2017 at 2:15 pm

    I love the seam down the front!! I’d probably get the navy stretch denim!

  44. Jennifer Hortillano on October 9, 2017 at 2:32 pm

    Very Nice! I love the front seam detail of these pants and I would like to try them in slate. 🙂

    • Sarah on October 9, 2017 at 4:08 pm

      I like the slate too! And that front detail is so unique!

  45. Angela Halverson (Ang Hal) on October 9, 2017 at 2:52 pm

    I love the seam down the middle. It has a very slimming effect! And I would definitely pick the navy. Thanks for the giveaway!

  46. Katie on October 9, 2017 at 3:01 pm

    These look awesome!!!

    • Sarah on October 9, 2017 at 4:15 pm

      Thank you Katie!

  47. Amy on October 9, 2017 at 3:34 pm

    Those are amazing.

    • Sarah on October 9, 2017 at 4:15 pm

      Thanks Amy!

  48. MELISSA on October 9, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    These look so good on you!
    I really am loving the back you detail.

  49. Katie on October 9, 2017 at 4:00 pm

    Slate with shimmer could be fun! And I wasn’t convinced on the pattern with the bell bottom, but I love the skinny look.

    • Sarah on October 9, 2017 at 4:08 pm

      The shimmer would be very festive!

  50. Mary Cheddie on October 9, 2017 at 4:01 pm

    I love the transformation you made with the Chelsea’s! This is fabulous!!!!! I would use the black stretch denim: https://www.auroradesignfabrics.com/products/stretch-denim-flash-pre-order

    Can’t wait to get started!!! Thanks SEW much!!!

  51. Amanda deSerres on October 9, 2017 at 4:15 pm

    I LOVE the waistband! And that you made them skinnies! Awesome

  52. Angie Derr on October 9, 2017 at 4:22 pm

    Love the front seam! I’d make with Indigo denim

  53. Mary Kaye Cole on October 9, 2017 at 4:39 pm

    Fabulous hack Sarah! I’ll definitely be doing this! I’m a petite girl and I really like the way the seam down the front elongates our legs. I’d love to use the red with ivory or tan with ivory to make a pair of Chelsea skinnies!

  54. Ruth on October 9, 2017 at 5:10 pm

    Black stretch denim would look good. Slate would be great also. I like the seam down the front!

  55. Breana Mayfield on October 9, 2017 at 5:26 pm

    I love the high waist option! I’m a sucker for a high waist pant. I would use the navy.

  56. Crystal D-G on October 9, 2017 at 6:08 pm

    I love the front leg stitching and the button hack for the waistband. And the red and ivory is calling my name!

  57. Amanda on October 9, 2017 at 6:30 pm

    I love the Chelsea pants they look so comfy and dressy which would be nice to make- I’ve never made pants before! Not even leggings, so it would be interesting to try. I’m loving the black and slate with shimmer!! Too Cool.

  58. Carmel Steindam on October 9, 2017 at 6:32 pm

    These look like a great, versatile pattern. I thought I didn’t need another pants pattern, but now I am reconsidering!

  59. Allison P on October 9, 2017 at 6:36 pm

    Love the skinny leg hack! The center seam is a great detail. I love the indigo denim.

  60. Barb Jolly on October 9, 2017 at 7:17 pm

    Love these pants!

  61. Cristina on October 9, 2017 at 7:24 pm

    I love what you’ve done with these pants. It shows how’s versitile the pattern is and I think it will look great on every body style. I would love the seam down the middle, but not sure I’m confident enough to try that yet. I would love the slate and shimmer or black as they are both easy to dress up or stay casual.

  62. Carol on October 9, 2017 at 7:57 pm

    Amazeballs!! My question is… why didn’t you post the skinnies while the pattern was still on sale??

    • Sarah on November 1, 2017 at 9:30 pm

      I hadn’t hacked it yet! Lol!

  63. Sarah Strain on October 9, 2017 at 7:58 pm

    Can’t wait to try this for work pants!

  64. Greta B on October 9, 2017 at 8:26 pm

    Your navy corduroy version the other day and now your skinnies have me rethinking I could use this pattern even though initially the bell bottoms sent me scrolling right by the pattern announcement. I love them! Goes to show the versatility of the pattern.

  65. Brianne Haupert on October 9, 2017 at 8:27 pm

    Love the bell bottom part of the pants and would love a pair in gray stretch denim from Aurora Designs!

  66. Katie on October 9, 2017 at 8:34 pm

    Those pants are perfect! I’ll have to be brave and try!

  67. Jennifer on October 9, 2017 at 9:27 pm

    I love this look! Great job modifying for your body type and preferred style/fit!

  68. Michelle on October 9, 2017 at 9:50 pm

    I love the front center seam and the idea of tailoring paints to my own measurements from the start. The navy and the grey and ivory are both calling to me!

  69. Kirsten on October 9, 2017 at 10:38 pm

    Love this pattern!!

  70. Karen carlsen on October 9, 2017 at 11:10 pm

    O love the sTlimmed down pair! I would love to do that in the slate.

  71. Carla G on October 9, 2017 at 11:43 pm

    Awesome pants! Love your modified version! I like the Grey with Ivory denim and the stitching down the front of the pants looks neat! 🙂

  72. Linda on October 10, 2017 at 12:55 am

    I’d love to try this pattern and I especially love the slate with shimmer fabric. Thanks.

  73. Jenny on October 10, 2017 at 3:19 am

    Great jeggings hack to get more out of a nice-looking pattern!

    • Sarah on October 13, 2017 at 1:43 pm

      Thanks Jenny!

  74. fenna on October 10, 2017 at 4:01 am

    Love the pockets and the fit on the Chelsea! I’m struggling a little with some of the ‘whiskers’ I see on some but the ones that don’t have that are love! I’d like the Grey or red stretch denim!

    • Sarah on October 13, 2017 at 1:43 pm

      Pants fitting is so complicated isn’t it? If I view them the way I view RTW, I’m totally stoked, but I can always find room for improvement in fitting as I learn more and more about how to make things fit my body well.

  75. Nicole on October 10, 2017 at 4:13 am

    Love the front seam and especially the hack! Would love a pair in the slate

  76. Emily on October 10, 2017 at 4:29 am

    Bell bottoms aren’t really me either! These look fabulous!! Thanks for sharing! I need a nice neutral like grey or navy or black.

  77. Genya on October 10, 2017 at 6:07 am

    I love your skinnies version !!!
    Would tey the white stretch denim 😉

  78. Danielle on October 10, 2017 at 7:05 am

    Love the hack! I can not wait to make my first pair!(as soon as the budget allows for pattern purchases I’m getting it!)

    • Sarah on October 13, 2017 at 1:42 pm

      Thanks Danielle! I know they’ll look awesome on you too!

  79. April Simpson Hunt on October 10, 2017 at 9:08 am

    I can’t wait to make them in the blush/red color! Thanks so much for sharing all your pants! Loving them all! 🙂

    • Sarah on October 13, 2017 at 1:42 pm

      Thank you April!

  80. MiniLaura on October 10, 2017 at 1:00 pm

    I love the buttons, and I would use slate with shimmer!

  81. Liz on October 10, 2017 at 5:09 pm

    Wow this pattern looks amazing! And I am in love with the slate with shimmer color! Truth is i want them all!

    • Sarah on October 13, 2017 at 1:42 pm

      haha- me too! I want all the stretch denim….

  82. Nancy Ravindra on October 10, 2017 at 6:46 pm

    this pattern looks good on practically everyone who has made them. looking forward to sewing them. 😉

    • Sarah on October 13, 2017 at 1:41 pm

      I totally agree- its awesome to see them on everyone!

  83. Kendall Powers on October 11, 2017 at 4:09 am

    I can’t wait to use this pattern. I especially love the button front. I’d use grey or indigo! Maybe the red too.

  84. Corie on October 11, 2017 at 6:10 am

    I have to admit I wasn’t quite as interested in the Chelsea (I know, how could that be?) until I saw this post! I love the way the Chelsea fits, and how adaptable it is!! I am a child of the 70’s who “rejected” bell bottoms as a teen, so it has been hard for me to open my mind to them, but this post did it, even though it was about making them skinnies…I think it just reminded me to be open-minded to trying new things. And I would love to make them in the grey/ivory stretch denim from Aurora. It’s a gorgeous fabric and I think it would make the front seams of the pants really pop!

    • Sarah on October 13, 2017 at 1:41 pm

      Great point- I was the same way- never really into bells but now I love them. Of course, skinnies are still my fave!

  85. Melissa Gossett on October 11, 2017 at 1:02 pm

    Love how you can go from skinny to boot and wide leg all with one pattern… I’m going to make a pair in black, grey, navy oh what am I saying… ALL the colors!!

    • Sarah on October 13, 2017 at 1:40 pm

      Thats my favorite part too- its like a 2 for 1!

  86. cm rudowske on October 12, 2017 at 7:41 am

    I’d like to try these, and see how they do on a short and wider bod.

    • Sarah on October 13, 2017 at 1:39 pm

      I think they would look awesome!

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