How much fabric for trousers for 5 year old?

[kimlouiseb]

Hi all

I have just ordered a sewing machine - am a complete beginner, but really want to make my boys some loose cotton trousers and shorts similar to this.

The problem is as a novice I have no idea how much fabric I would need roughly for a pair for a 5 and 3 year old.

Would be very grateful for any advice

Thanks

Hi. I haven't tried making trousers using that type of tutorial, but have made them using a New Look pattern (6398) which is very similar in style. That says you need 90cm for a 3 yr old and 1.20cm for a 5yr old - both 115cm wide fabric.

Hope that helps.

Thanks KnottyLocks
Thats really helpful. Can I ask if they were easy to make? Suitable for a beginner?

Very easy. Apart from making an apron at school, I'm self-taught.

If you are unsure, you could make them up using old/cheap/charity shop material like a sheet, to see how you get on.

I'm in the process of cutting loads out to make shorts for the summer at the moment. Even less material needed for those.

Yes, I would second getting a paper pattern to begin with and finding out from there how much material to use.
The main thing with cutting out a pattern is to acknowledge the big arrow on the pattern which should lie straight on the material, line it up with the selvedge (the 'finished edge of the material).
I was absolutely hopeless at sewing at school, but picked up enough knowledge to become really proficient at sewing. (Not at all big headed, me). It's just a matter of taking it one step at the time from the instructions on the pattern.
I liked the McCall patterns, because they are very versatile, but they are a bit expensive if you are only doing one bit out of it.

I have a very simple pattern from this book:

www.amazon.co.uk/Making-Childrens-Clothes-Emma-Hardy/dp/190652579X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=12 74282526&sr=8-1

(which I love)

Super simple, and a metre of fabric each is loads. Linen is particularly nice.

at that age you should just need whatever length the trouser need to be in fabric plus a little extra for hems.