Can I do this? Question for sewing people!

[BridgetDrones]

I don't have a sewing machine and am not in any way an accomplished sewer. However I have a pair of trousers i really like but that are basically falling to pieces. I was thinking of unpicking them laying the pieces out on the same type of material, cutting them out and then sewing them into a new version. Am i mad?! Can this be done?

Yes! Of course you can!
By doing this you will be taking a pattern/template from your old trousers in order to make new ones!
If you made a paper template you could make several pairs!

I’m going to rephrase that! It’s too early here!

Yes! Of course you can!

You are using your old trousers as a template to make new ones!

Sewing patterns are exactly as you describe but paper versions.

If you made a paper pattern/template could make several pairs!

Search on You tube phrases like:
Make a pattern from favourite trousers
How to copy favourite trousers
How to clone favourite trousers
How to make a template from favourite trousers

Good luck!

You can, but without a sewing machine it would be pretty pointless. It is really difficult to get a hand stitch strong enough for clothing. You would also have to get fabric with exactly the same weight and stretch.

@Frenchfancy What a downer, you are talking rubbish!
Bridget, hand sewn trousers will be fine, it will be time consuming but perfectly doable.
You will need to sew carefully with small stitches to make a strong seam, maybe stitch the crotch area twice.
Go for it, with care and patience you can make some great trousers.

Think of it this way there were some pretty nice clothes around before the invention of electricity

Good luck!

Discovered I should say not invented!

If you're starting to think like this it may be time to get a cheapish sewing machine.

Also look on freecycle for a sewing machine, I grew up using an ancient manual sewing machine and it was great. My Mum made all my dresses with it.

If your trousers have a fly-front zip and a waistband you might be better finding a local seamstress and paying her to make new trousers for you.

Hand sewing with back stitch is far stronger than machine sewing. You can double the thread too. All a machine sewn seam is (a normal stitch that is) only two threads twisted together, hooked over each other. I use blanket stitch to replicate the overlock, or French seaming, if there’s a lot of fraying . The only thing that machines add is speed, and lots of it. It will take a long time by hand, but it’s doable.

I do this.

My tips for you:

Take photos of the original garment.

Take photos as you separate the pieces so you can see how it goes back together.

Photos of any intricate looking bits as the pieces separate.

Keep original pieces until you've finished.

Use a good YouTube tutorial when you are remaking it. I had mine on TV and press pause until you've finished that bit.