Do you like washed linen? At the workshop, we love it! It's super comfortable, light, and drapes well!

In short, linen in summer is great. 

Céline, Marie-Hélène and I wanted to make a sewing project as a trio again and when Céline (once again) showed up with her wide linen pants; Marie-Hélène and I wanted to copy her! 

Besides, I really needed a lightweight pair of pants to take the plane and be comfortable for the long hours of flight to Japan. The Benita pants from Fibremood was really a good idea, thank you Céline!

The Benita pattern

Benita is a comfortable and simple pair of pants. It is a straight-leg pant with a very simple elastic waistband to make. If you wish, you can also add ties on the sides to create a pretty front bow. 

For the length and look, it is possible to choose between the long version (which we made) and the shorter one: culotte skirt... 

Practical information to sew Benita

Benita is a pattern available in the old Fibremood issue no. 7; it is also possible to buy it in PDF format on the Fibremood website. As usual, Fibremood offers us a very wide size range: from 32 to 58 which is really great. 

To sew Benita, refer mainly to the hip measurement, it is really the one that will determine your size choice. 

In the seamstress's basket

To sew Benita, Fibremood recommends quite a few types of fabrics. 

Depending on the desired look, you can use different types of fabric. For a sporty look, use a jersey such as an interlock, a terry, a sweatshirt fabric...

For a dressier version, a velvet jersey, a ribbed jersey, a woven crepe (printed), a pretty viscose, a linen viscose or why not like us a washed linen?

To sew Benita, you will need:
- fabric
- good quality matching thread
- a 4cm wide elastic

Our supplies

All three of us opted for washed linen to sew our pants for this summer. Each chose a color she liked:

- Marie Hélène chose cherry
- Céline chose black
- I chose the claret color

If you want to know more about linen, feel free to check out our article dedicated to this beautiful natural material. 

Technical points

Benita is ranked level 1 in the fibremood classification. It is therefore accessible to beginners and is really perfect for sewing a first pair of pants. 

In technical points, note:
- sewing the side leg seam
- assembling the crotch
- sewing the tie waistband 
- inserting the waist elastic
- assembling the waistband
- hemming 

Nothing too complicated as long as you apply yourself. 

Sewing experiences

Céline sewed a size 38 that fits her perfectly. As for me, I made a size 36 at the waist widened to 40 for the hips and I did well (otherwise my hips wouldn’t have fit in the 36)!

Marie-Hélène sized it up and widened the hip width for very wide and flowing pants; super comfortable. 

We did not encounter any difficulties in assembling these great pants. 

I simply advise you to overlock your leg pieces before starting to assemble the pants, especially if like us you choose crepe linen   for your pants. 

Another great little sewing project between "sewing buddies". We had a lot of fun during the photo session and especially laughed a lot! I think you can see it in the photos! 

And you, does the Benita pants tempt you?

So, get your needles ready!