The lovely Paloma pants by Coralie Bijasson have been on my wish list for at least a year and a half! The arrival of the light gabardines from Atelier Brunette inspired me to make a first toile and then a first Paloma pair of pants. I chose to make the first in a pretty stretch viscose for a fluid look.

And it’s a big success, so for sure there will be more because I love it! Why not in those famous gabardines for spring?

Let me tell you about my sewing experience, here we go!

The pattern

I fell for the Paloma pants by Coralie Bijasson because I find it combines all the features of the chic pants I love. Indeed, Paloma is a pants with clips, wide legs, and a high waist. It really highlights slim waists and is very feminine.

This pattern closes with an invisible zipper on the side.

Practical information for sewing this pattern

Paloma is available on our site from size 34 to 56 and that’s really great! Indeed, you can find Paloma in printed version from size 34 to 48 and in PDF version from 34 to 56 thanks to the PDF GT (size 48 to 56). 

Paloma is a difficult level pattern and is suitable for intermediate to advanced sewers. It can even be a good pattern to sew your first classic pants!

In the sewer’s basket

For this pattern, Coralie invites us to use a wide range of fabrics, with a medium weight, around 250g. You can use cotton satin, corduroy, linen, a light wool fabric, a light gabardine.... So these pants can be adapted as you wish! 

To sew your version, you will need:

- the pattern
- fabric
- good quality thread in the same color as your fabric
- fusible interfacing suitable for your fabric
- an invisible zipper from 22cm to 40cm
- fusible straight grain support

My supplies

After approving my toile, I decided I would sew several, but I had to choose! I had a nice remnant of thick viscose twill with a bit of stretch: a perfect fabric for fluid pants. It comes from our "joly coupons", our 3m coupons at a nice price. I chose a wild pattern but you will find others, including pretty floral ones. 

So I started by sewing these pants which will be perfect for spring/summer. 

I used black Gütermann thread, white fusible straight grain support to reinforce the pocket openings, a 22cm brown invisible zipper, and H200 fusible interfacing to stiffen the waistband. 

Difficulty level and technical points

Paloma is rated difficult level (like many pants) and is perfect for sewing your first classic pants. It does not have a fly or welt pockets... the two most technical points in pants, so don’t be afraid to start! Paloma has a side closure with an invisible zipper and has side pockets but none at the back. 

The technical points are:
- sewing the clips and pleats
- sewing the crotch seams
- sewing the side pockets
- placing the invisible zipper pull
- sewing the lined waistband
- sewing the hems. 

My sewing experience

I took my measurements carefully and chose to make a calico toile to make sure size 36 was the right size for me. I always make a toile when sewing pants because I find it’s a project that requires more adjustments, especially around the curve, the volume of the seat... we are all different 😊

After a quick toile, I was able to confirm that size 36 fit well, I still had a little doubt about the curve and waistband because I was going to use a fabric with a bit of stretch compared to my very stiff toile. 

Nevertheless, I cut my pattern and I’m glad I did!

I find the construction steps well explained in the booklet and if in doubt, the video provides the necessary support. I find the pocket assembly simple and everything flows smoothly. 

The assembly steps for the waistband and the invisible zipper are probably the most difficult because they require precision and patience to get a neat result. 

I really enjoyed sewing my Paloma pants and I’m delighted to have chosen this stretch viscose which makes my pants fluid and soft. They are very comfortable to wear and I find this choice gives a dancing look. I know I will make more, especially in a slightly stiffer toile, the light gabardines are tempting me. 

In short, pants are always a great experience and very satisfying, so if you also want to sew your first pants but don’t dare to start alone, we thought of you. The course that many of you requested is finally online with "I sew my first pants". So, are you ready? 

Get your needles ready!