Here’s a Style Arc pattern that I’ve only sewn once before! They’re the Blakley stretch jeans.
Yes, these are the pants that I’m wearing in yesterday’s blog post. This pair were sewn in stretch bengaline from Super Cheap Fabrics. Bengaline has plenty of stretch, that runs along the length of the fabric parallel with the selvedges rather than across the grain where you’d normally expect stretch to be. They’re woven fabrics, with the stretch provided by spandex. Fibre composition can vary, with polyester, cotton, rayon and nylon sometimes in the mix with the spandex. Super Cheap Fabrics has bengaline in both plains and prints. I like plenty of stretch in my pull-on jeans, as it definitely acts as a fitting aid for my shape. The narrow straight leg on the Blakley works nicely for me. Although I always wear my jeans with my tops over them, I’ve taken some tucked in photos for you to see the fit and the details that are generallly hidden! I don’t bother including the front fake pockets, but I have included the front fake fly – not sure why!
The wide waistband, with elastic encased inside, makes these especially comfortable on my body. And the back yoke gives some shaping, while the pockets add detail. There’s a fair bit of stretch in this particular bengaline. I notice in these photos that I need that stretch for my surprisingly muscular calves! All that walking must do something. These are probably size 12 although could be a 10; my waist and belly are about size 18 but the stretch percentage and the ability to cut the inside elastic to my preferred length seems to take care of that. Remember that the waist is never seen; this size is comfortable and still gives me that close fit through the bum and the thighs.
From the Style Arc website: This slim leg easy fit pull-on jean features a wide waistband with inserted elastic for extra comfort. The faux pockets feature a horizontal design line which is top-stitched with a twin needle stitch. The faux fly also has a twin needle top stitch. FABRIC SUGGESTION: Stretch denim or any stretch woven with approx. 3% lycra.
My favourite Style Arc jeans pattern for my body is still the Misty, although I don’t sew that pattern quite as designed either; I use a separate waistband with elastic enclosed inside, and eliminate any detailing on the front of the jeans. However the Blakley is pretty good for me as well when I’m after a slim fitting jean.
