Scrappy Summer Capsule Wardrobe: Sewing Two Bottoms

Fabric scraps have a way of accumulating—even after you have made something wonderful from the original yardage. The pieces are often too large to throw away, but without a specific plan, they can sit in the scrap bin for years.

For my second summer capsule wardrobe module, I challenged myself to use the fabric left from my first module instead of buying more. Today, I am sharing the two bottoms I made: the Closet Core Adriana Shorts and the Pattern Emporium Making Moves Pants*.

Both projects required some creative cutting, but they turned remnants into comfortable, wearable garments that coordinate with so much of my existing wardrobe.

Read on for all the pattern, fabric, fitting, and sewing details, or watch the full video on YouTube. 

Closet Core Adriana Shorts

The Closet Core Adriana Matching Set includes a relaxed button-up shirt and high-rise elastic-waist shorts. I have not made the top yet, but the shorts immediately caught my attention.

The Adriana was originally released through the Closet Core Crew membership. I am a Crew member. I had planned to use a different shorts pattern for this project, but the Adriana was released while I was working on it, and I decided to change direction.

The shorts have a relaxed fit with an integrated elastic waistband, curved slash pockets, a faced hem, and small side slits. They sit at the natural waist and fall around mid-thigh.

One thing I appreciate about Closet Core Patterns is the attention given to construction details. These could have been very basic elastic-waist shorts, but the pocket construction reduces bulk at the waist and keeps the front lying nice and flat.

The faced hem and side slits also make the shorts feel more polished. Those small details elevate a simple garment without making it any less practical.

Choosing the Fabric

I made my Adriana Shorts from a heavyweight cream linen remnant (Click HERE for similar fabric) that had already been used for several other projects. This was truly the last usable piece.

The heavier linen gives the shorts enough structure to hold the shape of the side slits and faced hem. It also keeps the pocket area looking smooth instead of collapsing or clinging around the hips.

Turning that remaining fabric into another garment felt a little like getting free clothing. I had already purchased the linen and completed the original projects I planned for it. These shorts allowed me to get one more useful piece from the same fabric.

By the time I finished the rest of this scrappy capsule, almost nothing was left. I saved one small woven scrap that may be large enough for pockets and a knit scrap that could possibly become a pair of underwear. Everything else was used.

How Did I Choose My Adriana Shorts Size?

I made a size 10. My hip measurement currently fluctuates between approximately 38 and 39 inches, and I wanted the shorts to have a slightly loose, relaxed fit.

My waist and hips do not fall into the same pattern size because I am fairly straight through that area. Instead of grading the side seams, I kept the size 10 through the shorts and adjusted the elastic to fit my waist comfortably.

That is one of the advantages of an elastic-waist pattern. If the garment fits well through your hips and has enough ease to pull on, you can often customize the waist simply by measuring the elastic around your body.

I made no other fitting adjustments. The finished shorts are comfortable, the waistband sits nicely at my natural waist, and the roomy pockets are very useful. I have already been wearing them frequently.

Is the Closet Core Adriana Shorts Pattern Beginner Friendly?

The Adriana Shorts are approachable for a confident beginner who has some experience sewing elastic waistbands, pockets, and facings.

The construction is not difficult, but the details make the pattern more interesting than a basic pair of pull-on shorts. The pocket method is especially worth taking your time with because it creates such a clean finish at the waistband.

I am very happy with how these turned out and would recommend the pattern to anyone with access to the Adriana through Closet Core Crew or as a standalone pattern.

Pattern Emporium Making Moves Pants

For the second bottom, I made the Pattern Emporium Making Moves Pants*. These are pull-on pants with a softly rounded barrel leg that gently tapers toward the ankle.

I had been thinking about this type of outfit since my trip to New York in April. I saw cropped woven tops paired with matching barrel-leg pants everywhere. I loved the relaxed but intentional look and immediately began thinking about recreating it.

The Making Moves pattern includes mid- and high-rise options, short, regular, and tall lengths, two waistband widths, and several pocket choices. You can use the curved front pockets for a streamlined look or add patch and cargo-style pockets for more detail.

I chose the high rise, the short length, and the curved front pockets. I omitted the additional pockets because I wanted a cleaner silhouette—and because I did not have enough fabric.

Creative Cutting with Striped Linen Scraps

I originally used this striped linen for another pair of shorts. Looking at the remaining fabric, I thought there might be just enough for pants, but only with some very creative cutting.

I had to piece one pocket bag from two smaller scraps. Since the seam is inside the pants, no one will ever see it.

The waistband is designed to be cut as one piece on the fold. My remaining fabric was not long enough, so I divided the waistband, added seam allowance, and cut it in two sections. The finished waistband has a seam at each side instead of one seam, but the elastic gathers make that change practically invisible.

I also used the one-inch waistband option because I did not have enough fabric for the wider 1½-inch version. I generally prefer a wider elastic waistband on my body, but the narrower waistband still worked beautifully.

Scrap-busting often requires a little flexibility. A pocket can be pieced, a waistband can have an extra seam, and optional details can be omitted. None of those changes affect how the finished pants look or how much I enjoy wearing them.

My Making Moves Pants Fit Adjustments

I made a size 10 and used the high-rise option. The only fitting adjustment I made was scooping the back crotch curve.

The pattern offers short, regular, and tall lengths. The short length is drafted for someone around 5 feet 3 inches tall, and I am 5 feet 2 inches. Even so, I did not need to shorten it.

Height alone does not determine pant length. I have a very short torso, but I am proportionally longer from the waist down. My inseam is closer to what you might expect on someone who is approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall.

The short length hit exactly where it needed to, and that is especially important with a barrel-leg silhouette.

How Do You Keep Barrel-Leg Pants from Looking Too Full?

I have heard some sewists say that barrel-leg pants can feel too full or begin to look like “clown pants.” If you have experienced that, the finished length may be contributing to the problem.

A straight-leg pant can be slightly too long without dramatically changing its shape. A barrel-leg pant is different. If the hem falls too low, the fabric begins to bunch around the foot. That pushes the curved portion of the leg outward and makes the silhouette look much fuller.

Before deciding that a barrel leg overwhelms you, try pinning the hem a little shorter. Bringing it to the intended length may give you the subtle curve you wanted.

If you need to remove a significant amount of length before cutting, use the pattern’s lengthen-and-shorten lines instead of taking all the excess from the hem. Removing too much from the bottom can eliminate some of the taper that creates the barrel shape.

The Making Moves instructions also explain how to restore that taper if you need to shorten a pair that has already been sewn.

At 5 feet 2 inches, I do not find these pants overwhelming at all. The barrel shaping is subtle, and the correct length keeps the proportions balanced.

Is the Pattern Emporium Making Moves Pants Pattern Beginner Friendly?

The Making Moves Pants* are an approachable project for a confident beginner. The elastic waistband eliminates closures, and the optional pockets allow you to control how many details you want to sew.

The most important considerations are choosing the correct length and evaluating the crotch fit. Barrel-leg shaping draws more attention to the overall proportion of the pants, so it is worth making any needed length adjustments before cutting your final fabric.

The pattern offers enough options to make several versions that look different from one another. I can already say this will not be the last pair I make.

Which Pattern Would I Make Again?

Both of them.

The Adriana Shorts gave me a polished neutral basic with excellent pockets and thoughtful construction details. The Making Moves Pants gave me an on-trend silhouette that is still subtle, comfortable, and easy to style.

The fabrics also helped each pattern succeed. The heavier cream linen supports the clean shape of the Adriana Shorts, while the striped linen gives the Making Moves Pants enough body to show the barrel-leg curve without making it feel exaggerated.

These patterns will also work well as transitional pieces. The shorts are useful for hot weather and warm-weather travel, while the colors and longer length of the striped pants can carry them from late summer into fall.

Final Thoughts

Both of these projects prove that leftover fabric does not have to be limited to small accessories or hidden details.

The Adriana Shorts used the very last piece of cream linen in my stash. The Making Moves Pants required a pieced pocket, a divided waistband, and a narrower elastic option, but those compromises disappeared into the finished garment.

I now have two comfortable bottoms that fit well, coordinate with my wardrobe, and make much better use of the fabric than leaving it in my scrap bin.

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