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Heather's Arenite Pants

I have been stalking the Arenite Pants from Sew Liberated ever since they started appearing on Meg’s Instagram (Meg McElwee is the designer of Sew Liberated). I anxiously awaited their release date and bought the pattern and fabric the morning they were released.

Heather's black Arenite Pants in Cupro Rayon

Pattern: Arenite Pants by Sew Liberated
Materials: Cupro/ Rayon 120 Denier in Black
Size Made: 14

I’ve been plotting the perfect project for the cupro/rayon fabric ever since we got it in to the store last year and this finally checked all the boxes for me. The pattern calls for a woven with ‘fantastic drape’ since these are a slouchy pant. If you use anything too stiff, the look just isn’t going to turn out. Meg made a bunch in silk noil and that is definitely what I plan to use on my next pair. As the pattern states, this pattern is good for advanced beginners interested in making their first pair of pants. You learn French seams, flat-felled seams and a making waistband using elastic.

Detail of the Cupro Rayon Pockets

I chose to do the elasticized woven cuff version with no variations. This would have been a very fast sew if not for my fabric choice. For anyone wishing to also use this fabric for their Arenite Pants (or any other pattern), I am going to go through the things that I learned while sewing with it!

Elastic Ankle Arenite Pants from Sew Liberated

The first thing I did was serge my raw edges and then wash my fabric and I am so glad that I did both. This fabric has a very feathery fray to it and do not even want to imagine the nightmare that may have happened if I had not serged! (Zig zag stitch the raw edge if you don’t have a serger). As far as washing, I didn’t notice any shrinking but it did bleed a bit so I am very glad that I had thrown a few Shout Color Catchers in the wash!

Heather Beckman in her Arenite Pants

I cut my fabric out the way the pattern called for but the next time I use cupro, I will be cutting each pattern piece separately rather than cutting 2 together at a time. This fabric is next level shifty and I had to fix a few of my pieces after cutting because of this. And because of its shiftiness, I had to pin much more than I normally would.

I also found that I needed to use a pressing cloth with this fabric because even with a low temp iron, it still left an iron mark. I did find that using a bit of steam and then hitting it with the iron gave me a really nice press.

Pocket welt detail

Lastly, I ordered the Dritz 2” Soft Waistband Elastic that the pattern suggested and I am really happy that I did. It’s so soft and it sewed into the waistband so nicely. It’s super comfortable to wear and I haven’t had any issues yet with it rolling.

This was my fourth pattern of Meg’s and it did not disappoint! The pattern directions were great and I am super happy with my pants. And don’t forget...always reinforce the butt seam!

Comments on this post (3)

  • Sep 30, 2020

    Just discovered this pattern, and your post was just the thing I was looking for to decide to put it on my list! Wasn’t sure how they’d translate for me from her photos. So cute. How have they worn? Thanks!

    — Libby Jane

  • Aug 01, 2019

    Thanks for the really good review and tips, they are much appreciated. I am going to plunge in and cut my Arenite trouser today fingers crossed that they turn out as good as yours did.

    — Irene

  • May 14, 2018

    Great review – thank you! Thanks for the info on cupro. Sounds like it was a bit of a hassle, but they look good!

    — Sydney

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