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 sew something together again, and when Céline (once again) showed up with her wide linen pants, Marie-Hélène and I wanted to copy her! 

Also, I really needed lightweight pants to take the plane and be comfortable for the long hours of flight to Japan. The Benita pants from Fibremood were really a good idea, thanks 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 length and style, it is possible to choose between the long version (which we made) and the shorter one: culotte skirt... 

Practical information for sewing 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, mainly refer to the hip measurement, it is really the key factor for choosing your size. 

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 interlock, terry cloth, 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 washed linen?

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

Our supplies

The three of us all 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 burgundy color

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

Technical points

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

Technical points to note:
- sewing the side leg seam
- assembling the crotch
- sewing the tie waistband 
- inserting the waist elastic
- attaching the waistband
- the hems 

Nothing too complicated as long as you take care. 

Sewing experiences

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

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

We didn't encounter any difficulties assembling these great pants. 

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

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

And you, are you tempted by the Benita pants?

So, get your needles ready!