Darja Bon

MENS DRESS TROUSERS

WORKMANSHIP
THESIS

Faculty of Clothing and Textile

Technical Design and Technology of Apparel

Tallinn 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................4
1.

DESIGN OF TROUSERS ............................................................................................................6

1.1.

Anatomy of Mens Trousers ..................................................................................................6

1.2.

Materials ..............................................................................................................................17

1.2.1.

Main Fabric ..................................................................................................................17

1.2.2.

Pocketing Fabric and Knee Lining ...............................................................................18

1.2.3.

Interlinings ...................................................................................................................18

1.2.4.

Trimmings and Fastenings ...........................................................................................19

1.3.
2.

Trousers technical description .............................................................................................21

PATTERN CREATION .............................................................................................................24

2.1.

Body Measurements ............................................................................................................24

2.2.

Basic Pattern Construction ..................................................................................................25

2.3.

Style Pattern Construction ...................................................................................................30

2.4.

Pattern Piece Development ..................................................................................................31

2.4.1.

3.

Main Details Development...........................................................................................31

2.5.

Front Pocket Details Development ......................................................................................34

2.6.

Back Pocket Details Development ......................................................................................37

2.7.

Front Fly Piece Development ..............................................................................................39

2.8.

Waistband Pieces Development ..........................................................................................41

TROUSERS WORKMANSHIP ................................................................................................43

3.1.

Used Machines for Sewing Trousers ...................................................................................43

3.2.

Pattern Details......................................................................................................................44
2

3.3.

Workmanship of Mens Trousers ........................................................................................46

SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................................57
RESMEE .........................................................................................................................................59
LIST OF REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................60
Appendix 1. How to Measure Men ................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Appendix 2. Shaping Trouser Leg ................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

INTRODUCTION
The main aim of current thesis is to create a mens dress trousers workmanship manual for apparel
and textile technology students. The manual is written in English, so professional vocabulary is
applied throughout the work and introduced for non-native English speakers. The aim of the thesis
is not to provide innovative manufacturing techniques, but to give an overview of what is offered in
retail nowadays.
The topic was given by Hochschule Albstadt-Sigmaringen by the request of author. Manual is made
to complete Mens Manufacturing laboratory project, which is currently covering mens suit jacket
workmanship. Workmanship manual is also a part of integration opportunity for non-german
speaking textile and apparel faculty exchange students, who can take part of more speciality
lectures. However origin of student is not relevant, because everyone who is working in garment
industry and is dealing with manufacturing and foreign factories, can find this topic relevant for
themselves.
Thesis consists of three main parts. First part describes the overall design of trousers. Design of
style is based on men's dress trousers selection in the retail stores. Pants offered in shops are
investigated. Also available respective tailoring literature, is studied. As the result the most
common pant design is determined. Choice was made based on silhouette, front and back pockets
and the waistband workmanship. This chosen men's dress trousers workmanship is described in
following work. In design chapter detailed sketches of trousers are shown and described. Technical
description of the final trousers style is provided.
Second part part of the manual, shows the pattern creation process of trousers. A basic pattern of
pants is developed and creation method is described. Pattern is finalized after amendments of first
fitting are applied. Pattern piece creation is crucial when choosing a workmanship, so student
knows how to create their own pattern pieces. All patterns are made using Gerber Technology
Pattern Design program. And sketches drawn with Adobe Illustrator and Kaledo style by author.

In the third part, the workmanship of trousers is introduced. Step by step sewing technology is
described and cross-sections are shown where needed.
As a summary of thesis, the results are outlined and suggestions pointed out.

1. DESIGN OF TROUSERS
1.1. Anatomy of Mens Trousers
Essentially all dress trousers are alike. They have split lined waistband, fly front, back and front
pockets and they are lined to the knee.
Most common are the flat front trousers with French fly, slanted front pockets and single- or
double- welted back pocket. This design is widespread and popular, due to its clean silhouette,
easily accessible front pockets and triple closure front which keeps the stress off the zipper and easy
workmanship. This style is popular within all price ranges, with main difference of materials and
finishes.
Waistband of dress pants is always lined. The prevailing style is clean finish, which implies as less
visible stitch lines as possible. Back pockets on dress trousers are always set in pockets as patch
pockets are never used for dress pants. Most common style is buttoned through double welted back
pocket, which comes with or without a tab. Second most common style is single welted back
pocket. And rarely seen but worth mentioning is a slashed pocket with a flap.
Second popular style is with on-seam side pockets and welted back pocket with a tab. The main
difference from previous style, is on the waistband. Trousers don't have extended waistband tab,
that is why fly shield closure is on the level of waistband to give maximum support possible for
centre front.
Trousers with pleated front have lost their popularity. Since most of the suits are slim cut, pleated
trousers are seldom sold. Pleats can be seen mostly on tuxedo pants, because traditionally they are
worn on natural waist. The concept of pleated trousers has changed over the years. Pleats were
originally added to obtain comfortable width for wearer and accentuate creases. These days some
brands are adding pleats to slim fit low rise pants, which makes wearers hips look wider and pleats
pull open.

"The details of the cut of a pair of trousers vary from season to season, and in addition the basic cut
changes about every ten years [1]. Pants come flat front (also called plain front) or with single-,
double- or tripple pleat (Figure 1).
Style and silhouette is determined mostly by the cut of the suit and wearer's body type. If the pant
is sold as a part of a nested suit, then the cut of trousers relates to proportion and silhouette of the
garment [3]. Silhouette of pleated trousers is wider, whereas flat front trousers can be cut close to
the body.

Figure 1. Trouser fronts

"Flat front trousers are considered more modern, but pleats will be a touch more forgiving should
your waistline expand over time. [2] For large men, with thick thighs and wider waist, pleated
trousers are considered more flattering, while fit body type is believed to look good in all trouser
silhouettes. For better understanding of design and construction elements of trousers, it is important
to give an overview of main components of men's pants. Figure 2 shows outer details of men's
trousers, the illustration is explained in table 1.
7

Figure 2. Trousers outer details

8

Table 1
Men's trousers outer details
No

Detail

Characteristics

Flat
front

When silhouettes started to slim down and waistlines got lower, plain front trousers
became the most popular pant style offered in retail. Historically, pants were never
worn on hip, even when they were cut slim. Influence of the trend that started in
1990s, which implied wearing trousers on hipline rather than waist, also impacted
the steady design of men's dress attire. Therefore it is believed that flat front is more
usual for modern slim-line suits.
Trousers waistline is usually lowered from natural waistline and lacks of shaping
elements on the waist (darts or folds). The term flat front is not used for active wear
or jeans [4]. It is only used for describing dress pants.

Pleated
front

Pleats are folds in the fabric folded at the waistline below the waistband. Trousers
with pleats must be worn on the waist, not the hips, or the pleats will pull open. [3]
For the same reason, they need to be fuller in the thigh, with legs that taper to a
narrower ankle, which makes them generally inappropriate for contemporary slimcut suits. [2]
Nowadays, if trousers have pleats, then usually, it is one pleat to each leg. However
two and three pleats on each side is also considered as a norm, although in case of
three pleats, it would be considered very fashion- forward and flamboyant, thus not
very suitable for business attire. [3]
Forward pleated pants can be single-, double- or triple pleated. Forward pleats are
considered as an obsolete style, and are associated with English cut, since they
preferred to wear forward pleats because they considered this pleat style to fall
more elegantly and make crease sharper. These days, if one wishes to have forward
pleats, they have to be added to bespoke trousers, because stores seldom sell this
style.
Reverse pleat is the most common style these days for pleated trousers. In this style
pleats open toward side seam. If any pleated styles can be found in retail, then it is
single reverse pleated trousers, which create near flat-front effect. This style gives
the wearer enough ease for movement, while still looking relatively plain like flat
front pant.
For a good fit pleated trousers should be worn on natural waistline. Well-placed
pleats, help pants drape better and make legs look longer [6].

Table 1 continued
1

3 Front fly "Fly is a fabric flap that hides the closure system of a garment /.../ the fly presents a
smooth appearance and conceals the buttons, zippers etc"[4].
"On menswear, the zipper laps left over right. The zipper is sewn to a separate facing
on the overlap and to fly shield on the underlap. This combination of a wide fly, a
separate facing, and a fly shield produces a stronger, more durable placket" [9].
Most common fly style for dress trousers is the French fly. It is a trousers closure
with zip that has extended tab waist and interior anchor button (sometimes also
called jigger button).
The zipper is attached to an extended waistband, which takes stress off the zipper
and ensures that the front lies flat [3].
Fly can also be with buttons instead of a zipper on centre front, but it's considered
more of an old tailoring style. Because it is known that many tailors are avoiding any
synthetic or metal fastenings in their suits.
Most trousers in mass production are still with French fly, and it
This placement of fasteners give great support for zipper and
because it is the point on the garment which is getting a lot
fluctuating waistline, sitting and pulling, while this centre front
display.

is so for a reason.
front of trousers,
of pressure from
is also always on

These days, trousers rarely have buttons on the waistband, especially ones with
extended waistband and are closed with hook-eye closure, to achieve complete plain
and seamless clean look.
4 Front
pockets

Mens trousers have two front pockets. Most common style is slanted pocket, which
is sometimes also called quarter-top- and French pocket. Nowadays, almost all the
trousers in retail have slanted front pockets.
Set-in pockets- single or double welted, are also used. Another common style is also
on-seam pocket. On-seam pocket is a type of pocket located directly on the seam of
the pants. [3]
There is no general rule about keeping hands in trouser pockets, however in
Germany it is regarded as bad manners, while English men can feel free keeping
their hands in (front) pockets without seeming rude and inappropriate. [1] However,
bulkiness from keeping all of mans belongings in pockets is never flattering and
should be avoided.

10

Table 1 continued
1
5

2
Back
pockets

3
Back pockets, sometimes called besom pockets, can be on the back of both sides of
the trousers, or only on wearers right.
Hind pockets may vary, but they are always slashed (also called slit, jetted or set in)
pockets. It means that pocket is inserted on garment through a slash in shell fabric.
Back pocket can be:
single welt button through pocket;
double-welted button through pocket (with a working buttonhole or a button
tab)
welt pockets with a flap.
In retail, when slashed front and back pockets do not have buttons or a tab for
closure, the pockets are stitch closed, so they will not stretch while trying in store
and to keep a neat and clean look.

Creases

Crease runs along centre front grain line of the trousers. It is not known how
creases first appeared, however it happened in the first decade of 20th century. [8]
On flat front trousers crease is preferably pressed from thigh line height (about
crotch level) to hem, along centre of the leg. This kind of pressing is widely used,
because thigh is flattening the crease, creating an untidy look. Creases on back legs
run along centre leg usually until lower edge of the back pocket.
On pleated trousers the crease runs from waistband to hem being on the edge of
trouser pleat, fold will keep crease sharp, and ease width in trousers will not
straighten the crease.

Back
darts

Trousers have one or two darts on back trouser. Depending on wearers body shape,
needed depth of a dart is applied.

Back
trousers

Back half of the trouser leg

Front
trousers

Front half of the trouser leg. Front trouser is always lined to the knee.

10 Plain
hem

Trouser bottom is finished with a plain hem or a cuff. Plain bottoms are associated
with flat slim cut pants, however they can also be often seen on pleated trousers of
English suits.
General rule with plain hem bottoms is that they do not have a visible stitch line on
the outside, all the hemming is done with blind-stitch. Seam allowance is around
4,0 cm high to provide additional lenght if alteration of pant lenght is needed.

11

Table 1 continued
1

3
Traditionally cuff-less trousers are worn with a slight break on front crease. Break
is a point where the pants leg hits the instep of the foot. [4] A perfect unbroken
crease means that pants are too short. The hem should slope slightly downward
toward the heel, stopping about 2, 5 cm above the shoe welt [2]. Width of trouser
bottom should cover the shoelaces.
Some trousers can come with open bottom, it means that pant legs do not have
finishing (neither cuff nor hem) and the length can be adjusted for wearers needs.

11

Cuff

The cuff, or turn up, as they are called in British English, is a folded-back
continuation of the pants leg. Cuffs, which go in and out of fashion for business
attire, generally range from 3,0 to 5,0 cm, remaining the same depth around the
leg of the pant but being canted ever so slightly in the front to allow for what, in
an un cuffed pants leg, would be the break against the shoe. The general rule for
depth is: the taller the man, the deeper the cuff [4].
Trousers with cuffed hem, make one appear look shorter, as any vertical stripes on
clothes do. Thus it is believed, that shorter men should avoid cuffs.
Turn- up is a nice addition, if one's pants have folds, because a cuff's added
weight keeps your pant creases sharper and straightens the trouser leg [2].
However it is not a rule that pleated trousers have to be cuffed, nor it is a rule that
cuffs should not be added to flat front trousers. Only trousers that should never
be cuffed are ones worn with morning coat, tuxedo and tailcoat [1].
A cuff requires extra material to create and therefore adds more weight to the
trouser leg, making the trousers hang and drape very well from the wearers body.
And, of course, it adds additional costs to make because it increases the fabric
consumption.

The main difference between mens dress- and casual pants, or women pants, is
that dress pants have lined split waistband. Seam allowance (also called outlet) on
waistband
seat seam is uneven, it tapers toward fork seam. Upper part of seat seam is
adjustable due to the outlet, giving the opportunity to change the pants on the back
and waistline if needed.

12

Split

13

Belt
loops

Narrow, vertical strips of cloth that are attached to form loops over the waistband
of pants to help secure the positioning of a belt. Usually pants feature five to
seven loops made of the same fabric as the rest of the pants. Not common in
ready-to-wear pants before World War I, when the practice of wearing suspenders
was prevalent [4].
Usually six loops are the norm, but some trousers also have 7 loops it can be a
designers choice, but also men with wider waistline might need more belt loops to
keep the belt in place.

12

Table 1 continued
1
13

2
Belt
loops

3
Usual placement of belt loops is:
Two in front, next to the crease;
On hind leg detail next to side seam, or 1,0- 2,0 cm towards center back;
Two on back, where it is more suitable for better support of the belt;
In case of 7 belt loops, 7th belt loop is sewn on center back on the
waistband split.
It is a known rule, that when trousers have belt loops, a belt should be worn.
Some trousers have adjusters on waistband next to side seam. Pants with
adjusters are rarely seen in retail and is considered a tailoring detail, thus only
luxury fashion brands like Hugo Boss, Brooks Brothers and similar brands, are
using this detail. Adjusters are also added on tuxedo pants, because no belt is
worn with formal wear.

Trousers have a lot of details on the inner side. Figure 3 shows details of men's trousers on the
inside. Illustration is explained in Table 2, which is also giving a short overview of their purpose.

13

Figure 3. Mens trousers inner details

14

Table 2
Mens trousers inner details
No

Detail

Characteristics

Waistband
lining

Waistband is lined to maintain its shape [2].

Waistband lining is usually made from bias pocketing fabric, often with a satin
strip and pick stitching for decoration and with a stiff woven non-fusible
interlining in between layers of shell fabric.
Retailers offer trousers with different waistband lining solutions- from very
cheap, which do not have a lower flap, so one can see seamline from sink
stitching in waistband seam shadow; to more expensive with rubberised ribbon
sewn into the lining, to keep wearer's shirt tucked in, and a flap, that hides all
waistband seams.

Anchor
button

Anchor button is situated inside trousers on the waistband. Its position depends
on the fly shield. The button can be on the lower part of the curtain fold or on
same level with front button or hook.
When situated on the same level with waistband closures the support is greater
and tension of front closure is divided more evenly, it may cause bulkiness and
uncomfort when wearing.
When anchor button is placed on the lining of the waistband, the button is less
protruding and front of the trousers is sharper, only misadvantage of this
placement is the possibility that it is not as firmly attached as on waistband.

Hook
and Hook and bar closure provides cleaner look, by giving the support of the
button, but stays unseen on the front of the waistband. Hook and bar closure is
bar closure
very popular nowadays, almost all brands are using it, paired with belt loops
without visible stitchlines and slanted pockets without topstitching. The reason
for it is that it provides sleek and clean finish, that is so higlhy valued.

Zipper

Zipper is attached to fly, it enables wearer to open and close fly more easily
and also is flatter and stronger than buttons. Historically, before 1830s, instead
of a fly, trousers had a fall, which was a rectangular fabric flap on front,
fastened with buttons. However zippers came into wide use after 1930ties. [4].
On men's dress trousers, most commonly a tonal coil zipper with a plain puller
is used.

15

Table 2 continued
1

5 Fly
shield/

Fly shield has many functions, it prevents wearer from direct contact with the
zipper. Also balances pressure evenly on the front providing smooth and clean front
with a help of an anchor button. Fly shield is sometimes also called a bearer, as a
fly bearer reference to its anchor button and zipper bearing function.

6 Fork
lining

Fork lining adds comfort for wearer, with covering fork seam allowances, prevents
fraying between legs and, provides clean finish to inside of the trousers.

7 Bottom
kick tape

Trousers bottom tape is used to prevent bottom from fraying. Bottom tape is added
to trouser bottoms when bottoms are plain hemmed. Tape can run around bottom
opening or only be situated on hind trouser bottom part.

8 Pocket
bags

Pocket bags are made from tightly woven cotton fabric. The colour should
complement or be tonal with other parts of inside trousers, usually it is the same
colour as waistband lining and fly shield lining.
Raw edges of pockets can be finished with a binding, French seam, lockstitch and
overedge stitch combination or a safety stitch. The choice depends on the inner
design of trousers and price range of the product. Many companies, like Zara and
H&M are using polyester silky fabrics for dress trousers pocketing, on more
expensive trousers tightly woven cotton pocketing fabric is used as it is more
durable.
Front and back pockets should have the same edge finish.

9 Knee
lining

"Trousers of good quality are lined down to the knee" [1]. The lining ensures
durability and comfort [2]. Usually the most suitable lining is made from viscose, it
is smooth and skin friendly. To lower the cost, many companies are using polyester
for lining. Sometimes acetate is used, but it is least desireable, because of its low
strenght.
Knee lining fabric is 70- 75 cm wide, lower edge finish of the lining can be left
with selvage or cut with pinking shears, but never overedged or hemmed.
Knee lining is also a part of design element, it is usually in same colour as pocket
bags and waistband lining, or the same colour as trousers.

16

1.2. Materials
Materials have to be chosen according to their function in the garment. For creating trousers three
different fabrics are needed: main (or shell) fabric, cotton pocketing and knee lining material.
Fabrics and trims are one of the main components in the cost of the garment. Materials have to meet
the target price and also quality requirements that are set for the trousers. Therefore fabrics used for
a certain style are in correlation with the price of the final garment. When matching fabrics and
trims, one has to be attentive regarding several aspects.
Firstly fabrics and trims have to be chosen according to the make of the trousers, considering
overall look, target group and final cost. With high quality materials, expensive workmanship, is
made. E.g. when fine wool is used for shell fabric, then it is not appropriate to use safety stitch
finishing for the pocket bags. Second, materials used together have similar shrinkage percentage, so
different parts react to pressing the same way.
Also fibre content, weave and finishing should be kept in mind, since it improves greatly properties
of the fibre.
1.2.1. Main Fabric
As dress trousers are a part of a suit, the same fabric as for suit jacket is used for trousers. Most
widely used fabric is wool. This fabric from animal fibres is easy to shape because of its keratin
build, with steam and heat fabric can be durably shaped. [5] Elasticity of fibre provides a fast
recovery from light creasing during wearing and wools hygroscopic nature keeps wearer
comfortably dry.
Despite of all the great properties wool has, it dries slowly, and it is not as strong as most of other
fibres and therefore not very durable. To increase durability, wool is blended with different fabrics.
"Wool is excellent for blending with synthetic fibres, such as polyester, acrylic, and nylon. Both
fibres are complemented in the mixture; the tendency to felting is reduced and the aftercare
characteristics are enchanced. In addition, durability is improved. So long as the proportion of
wool is greater than 50%, then its good clothing comfort properties are retained /.../ Wool is also
blended with silk, cotton, and especially with fine hair fibres"[5].

17

1.2.2. Pocketing Fabric and Knee Lining

Pocketing, shield lining and fork lining are made from the same cotton fabric. This vegetable fibre
is chosen because of its suitable properties. "Cotton is very comfortable next to skin because of its
fineness and softness [5].
Since woolen fabric is elastic and prone to bagging, men's trousers are made with front lining,
because knee area is affected the most during wearing, especially sitting. Knee lining is usually
made of viscose, it feels comfortable next to skin. Some of the cheaper trousers have polyester
lining, which is more durable and cheaper, but less skin friendly than viscose lining.
1.2.3. Interlinings
Primary purpose of interlinings is to reinforce the shell fabric, it prevents details prone to stretching
from losing their shape. Interlining should always be chosen in compliance with shell fabric, and
tested on main fabric before use.
Two different types of interlinings are used for trousers:
Fusible nonwoven interlining, with dot coated glue (Figure 5);
Preforated fusible interlining, with continuous glue coating (Figure 4).
Waistband width is determined by waistband interlining. Preforated fusible interlining of trouser
waistband is with continuous glue coating, it is creating a stiff and durable finish and preventing
waistband from curling. Perforation slots are for shaping a straight waistband, since by these slots
seam allowances are folded.
Fusible nonwoven interlining with dot coated glue is for strenghtening pocket openings, fly front, facing and -shield. Also pocket welts are stabilized with fusible interlining. Dot coating retains
elasticity of fabric, so it is not seen on the outer side of the garment. For pocket mouth openings, it
is better to use stitch bonded interlining, since they are considered very stable. [5]

Figure 4. Perforated fusible waistband interlining

18

Figure 5. Stitch bonded nonwoven fusible interlining

1.2.4. Trimmings and Fastenings
"A garment is made not only from the apparel fabric but also various accessory items. These have
to be chosen in a way that they complement the outer fabric both aesthetically, in terms of
decoration, and practically, in terms of ensuring that the garment performs as expected in its
intended end use"[5].
For mens trousers special straight waistband lining is used (Figure 6). No pattern piece is needed for
waistband lining, it comes in a ban roll and is cut according to lenght and workmanship of
waistband, waistband lining is shorter than waistband pattern piece. Lining comes with different
constructions, which were described in trousers anatomy chapter.

Figure 6. Waistband lining face side (left) and wrong side (right)
Binding tape (Figure 7) is cut on bias and used for finishing raw edges of seam allowances. It
provides a clean finish and makes seams lie flat. Binding is usually made of knee lining fabric
complements or is tonal with pocketing, waistband and knee lining details.

19

Figure 7. Binding tape

Plain hems are finished with bottom kick tape (Figure 8). It is a sturdy tape, that provides protection
for trouser hems from fraying while wearing. Tape is sewn on with denser edge towards shoe.

Figure 8. Bottom kick tape

Main closure for trousers is a coil zipper (Figure 9) which is situated on centre front. It is from 16
cm to 20 cm long, depending on the position of waist of the trousers, therefore the lenght of the fly.

Figure 9. Coil zipper

Hooks and bars (Figure 10) are used only on waistband (never as an anchor buttotn), instead, or in a
combination, with the buttons. It provides a firm and durable closure.

20

Figure 10. Hook and bar closure

Buttons (Figure 11) are mostly dyed to match (DTM) with trousers. They are seldom in
complementary colour on dress trousers. Usually plastic buttons are used, diameter 1,5 cm.
Buttonholes for pants are always with an eyelet. Same buttons as on waistband are also used for
anchor button and back pocket button.

Figure 11. Plastic sew-through button

Thread used for trousers is DTM and depending on the fabric weight, usually No 120. All threads
have to be tonal with fabric they are sewn on. E.g. when sewing pocket facings on pocket bag of
different colour, bobbin and needle thread have to be different colour.
For overedgeing, texturized thread can be used. It creates smooth finish, covers raw edges well and
will stay unseen and flat when pressing seam allowances.

1.3. Trousers technical description

Men's flat front dress (Figures 12 and 1) trousers with zipper fastening and French fly. Extended
waistband is lined on the inside and has double closure: two hook and bars, first on center front and
second on the waistband extension. An anchor button is sewn on waistband lining and is fastened to
bearer. Six belt loops on the waistband are attached to upper edge with bartacks. Front of the pants
is lined to the knee. Trousers have two slant side pockets with topstitching and bar tacks in the
21

beginning and the end. Trousers have two darts on back and single- welted buttoned through back
pocket is on wearer's right. Pant bottoms are finished with plain hem (single turn hem) and
kicktape.

Figure 12. Mens dress trousers technical sketch

22

Figure 13. Mens dress trousers detail sketch

23

2. PATTERN CREATION
Trousers pattern is based on German pattern drafting system of M.Mller & Sohn. This method is
based on proportional calculations of body measurements and therefore it is very precise and
garments well fitting.
For trousers a block pattern for German mens size 98 is created. Size is chosen from M.Mller &
Sohns mens measurement chart by request of Hochschule Albstadt- Sigmaringen. Size is labelled
as slim body type, which is characterized by slim waist and long legs.
For creating style pattern, a basic pattern has to be constructed. On basic pattern front and back
trouser details are created, based on which style pattern and additional pattern pieces are
constructed.

2.1. Body Measurements

For pattern creation of trousers, only lower body measurements are required (Table 3). Additional
measurements needed for making the pattern are calculated from these body measurements.
Calculations are shown in Table 4. To see measuring points for mens bodies, see Appendix 1.
Table 3
Body measurements of size 98. [10]
Point of
measurement

Abbreviation

Measurement, cm

Height

Bh

183,0

n/a

n/a

Hip
circumference

Hc

102,0

51,0

25,5

24

Table 3 continued
1

Waistband
circumference

Wbc

86,0

43,0

21,5

Side lenght

Sl

110,5

55,3

27,7

Inseam

Ins

83,0

41,5

20,8

Rise

27,5

13,8

6,9

Knee
circumference

Kc

35,0

17,5

8,8

Table 4
Calculated measurements for size 98 basic pattern construction
Measurement

Abbreviation

Calculation

Value

Front width

Frw

Hc- 1,5

24,0

12,0

6,0

Seat width

Sw

Hc- 5,0

20,5

10,3

5,2

Front seat width

FrSw

1/10 Hc2+ 1,0

6,1

3,1

1,5

Back seat width

BkSw

Sw- FrSw

14,4

7,2

3,6

Back width

Bkw

Hw+ 3,5

29,0

14,5

7,3

Overall back width

OBkw

Bksw+ Bkw

43,4

21,7

10,9

Hem width

Hw

n/a

40,0

20,0

10,0

Knee height

Kh

Ins + 1/10 Ins - 2

47,8

23,9

11,9

2.2. Basic Pattern Construction

For pattern creation M. Mller & Sohn pattern drafting method of mens trousers with a dart is
used. [11] Pants pattern is created without seam allowances, which is a suitable method for
constructing pattern with a CAD (computer aided design) program, since seam allowances can be
25

added after finishing pattern easily. Constructing method is described in Table 5 and created pattern
is shown on Figure 14. First front leg of the pant is constructed. On front piece, back leg is created.
Table 5
Mens trousers basic pattern construction method
Section

Direction

Point of measurement

Calculation

Value,
cm

Front
A-V

Sideseam

Body measurement

A- K

Knee height

Ins + 1/10 Ins- 2,0

47,8

A- S

Inseam

Body measurement

83,0

S- P

Hip height

1/10 Hw 2 + 3,0

8,1

A, K, S,
P, V

Draw horizontal lines

n/a

n/a

P- P1

Half of the front width

Hw- 1,5

P1- V1

Connect points with a line

n/a

n/a

P1- S3

Connect points with a line

n/a

n/a

P1- P2

Front seat width

1/10 Hw2+ 1,0

6,1

P2- P3

Crease line

(P1- P2)

P3- V4

Connect points with a line

n/a

n/a

P3- A1

Connect points with a line

n/a

n/a

A1- A2

leg opening

Al- 1,0

9,0

A1- A3

leg opening

Al- 1,0

9,0

A2- A4

Tapering side seams

Constant

0,5

A3- A5

Tapering side seams

Constant

0,5

P- A4

Connect points

n/a

n/a

P2- A5

Connect points

n/a

n/a

110,5

24,0

15,1

26

Table 5 continued
1

Point for constructing curved side

seam

n/a

K2- K4

trouser leg width

K3- K2

S3- S4

Creating curve of the crotchline

(S2- S3)

S2- S4

Creating curve of the crotchline

Connect points

P1- P4

Crotchline

Constant

Connect points and lenghten until

crotchline

n/a

Half of waist width

Wbc + dart (2,0 cm)1,5

V2- V3

Start of the side seam

Constant

0,7

V4- SV

dart depth

n/a

1,0

V4- SV1

dart depth

n/a

1,0

V4- SV2

Dart lenght

n/a

8,0

K1- K3

V1- P4

V1- V2

1,7
10,5
2,8
0,5
n/a

22,0

Back
A- A2

Widening trouser leg

Constant

2,0

A1- A3

Widening trouser leg

Constant

2,0

K- K2

Widening trouser leg

Constant

2,0

K1- K3

Widening trouser leg

Constant

2,0

P- P1

Moving centre back

n/a

1,0

P1- P2

Side seam position

(Tol+ Tosml)

21,7

P2- S2

Back width

Bkw

29,0

S2- P4

Back seat width

BkSw

14,4

S- S1

Hip line starting point

Depends on the body

P2- P5

Back hip width

Hc+ 2,5...3,5

2,5
28,2

27

Table 5 continued
1

A2- V

Side lenght of back trousers

Equal to front side

lenght

A3- S3

Inseam of back trouser

Inseam of front trouser0,7

82,6

V1- V2

Waist line lenght

Frw- 2,0 (dart)

20,0

V2- V3

waistband circumference

Wbc+ 3,0 (dart)

46,0

V1- SV

Apex of first back dart

(V1- V3)

13,0

SV- SV2

Lenght of the dart

n/a

9,0

SV5- SVSV4

Depth of the dart

n/a

2,0

SV- SV1

Apex of second back dart

(V1- V3)

6,4

SV1- SV3

Lenght of fhe dart

n/a

9,0

SV7- SV1SV6

Depth of the dart

n/a

111,2

1,0

28

Figure 14. Basic pattern construction, scale 1:4

29

2.3. Style Pattern Construction

Due to basic nature of dress trousers, only minor changes are applied to basic pattern in order to get
a style pattern. Main changes are concerning lowering of waistline. For creating style pattern, waist
line of base construction is lowered 7,5 cm and made wider on back, to accommodate darts.
Amendments applied can be seen on Figure 15.

Figure 15. Basic pattern amendments for style pattern

30

2.4. Pattern Piece Development

Depending on design and workmanship of trousers, missing pattern pieces are drafted or traced
from main pieces and the whole pattern is prepared for cutting and sewing. In the process of
development seam allowances, notches and drill-holes are added according to style and
workmanship.
Final pieces have to be completed with all the relevant information:
Name of the model and piece,
Size,
Fabric,z
Detail count,
Grain line.
All important lines from basic pattern, like grain-, crease-, knee-, hip- and crotch line, are kept on
pieces, so changes can be applied or new patterns developed from pattern piece if needed.
2.4.1. Main Details Development
All pieces are traced from front and back trouser pieces. Main seam allowances on these pieces are
1,0 cm and 4,0 cm on hem. Notches are added on bottom and waistline to mark crease position on
centre of legs. Knee position for balanced side seams, and turn of plain hem, to ease hemming is
also determined with notches.
Although side- and inseam allowances are busted (pressed open), the corners of seam allowances in
crotch area are not mirrored because it will make more difficult to overedge.
On front piece (Figure 16. Detail 1) is added in addition:
Pocket slant with dashed line and beginning and end marked with notches;
Fly end is marked on centre front with a notch;
Knee lining edge with notches, for positioning knee lining piece.
On back piece (Figure 16. Detail 2) is added in addition:
Back pocket slash position marked with drill holes;
Back pocket welt shape with dashed line;
Dart position with notches on waistline and drillholes on end;

31

 Outlet of 3,0 cm on seat seam, that is tapering towards crotch to 1,0 cm both ends of uneven
seam allowance are marked with notch to ease sewing.
As knee lining (Figure 16, Detail 3) is a short version of front trouser pattern piece, it is traced from
the front piece. Knee lining lower edge does not include seam allowance, because edge is cut with
pinking shears or left with selvage.

32

Figure 16. Developed main pattern pieces and knee lining piece, scale 1:4
33

2.5. Front Pocket Details Development

Front pocket is assembled from following pices (Figure 19):
Pocket mouth interlining (Detail 4),
Pocket bearer (Detail 5),
Upper pocket bag (Detail 6),
Lower pocket bag (Detail 7).

Figure 19. Front pocket pattern pieces, scale 1:4

34

Pocket mouth interlining is traced from front trouser leg detail. It is 1,0 cm deeper than pocket
opening line (Figure 20). To provide support, grain line of interlining is cut on pocket opening line.
Pocket facing is folded from the front trouser corner. To allow easy access for a hand, pocket is
slanted. Opening is from 16,0 cm to 22,0 cm long, depending on style and waist height. Pocket
opening has to be long enough to accommodate a hand, while it should still stay above crotch line.

Figure 20. Pocket mouth interlining (red) and angled pocket opening (dashed line)
Pocket bags can be created either from two separately cut pieces, or from one folded piece. On this
pattern, pocket bags are cut separately. Conventional pocket bag depth is about 30,0 cm from
waist. Due to lowered waistline of this particular style, pocket bag is 24,5 cm deep (Figure 21).
Edge of pocketing has to cover main piece side seam allowances, to create a clean finish. Firstly
lower bag is constructed, and then the uppper. See pocket bag construction on Figure 21.
The lower pocket bag has a 2,0 cm deep cut, where pocket slant meets front detail side seam
allowance. This cut provides turning ease for side seams.

35

Figure 21. Developing lower (left) and upper (right) pocket bags
Pocket bearer is traced from front piece and lower pocket bag (Figure 22). It is 4,0 cm deeper than
the pocket opening line, to hide the pocket bag when pocket is pulled open. Seam allowance on side
seam and waistline is 1,0 cm. Side seam of pocket bearer is traced by side seam of front piece.
Lower corner ends where it meets the pocket bag. Straight edge seam allowance is 0,5 cm for
felling.

Figure 22. Front pocket bearer construction

36

Seam allowance of the pocket bags are from 1,0 to 1,5 cm according on edging of seam allowances.
On this pattern, seam allowances are 1,5 cm, so it can be trimmed down if needed. On waist line
seam allowance can be from 1,0 cm to 2,0 cm. Wider pocket bag seam allowance on waistline
reduces bulk under waistband (if all seams are ending at the same line). In manufacturing seam
allowance of 1,0 cm is better, since it is easier to align seam allowances for sewing.

2.6. Back Pocket Details Development

For sewing back pockets of the trousers, four additional pattern pieces are needed (Figure 23):
Upper pocket bag (Detail 10);
Lower pocket bag (Detail 11);
Mouth interlining (Detail 8);
Welt (Detail 12);
Welt interlining ( Detail 13);
Pocket bearer (Detail 9).

Figure 23. Back pocket pattern pieces, scale 1:4

37

Back pocket is situated on back detail 7,0- 6,0 cm down from waistline. The position depends on
the waist height and trousers design. When pants have one back dart, it is situated in the middle of
the pocket. Usually precise pocket placement is determined during first fitting.
Under pocket opening, an interlining can be fused, to strenghten opening and avoid puckering. If
the fabric is not stretchy and thick, then no interlining is needed.
Back pocket bearer is 1,5 cm longer than welt extension on the inside, to reduce bulk. Grain line of
bearer is vertical, as on trousers back part. Seam allowances are 1,5 cm on short edges, 1,0 cm on
upper edge and 0,5 cm on lower edge.
Pocket welt has a horisontal grain line, to prevent from stretching. For stabilizing the welt, it is
fused with interlining.
Pocket bags are constructed on back trouser detail. Width of the pocket bag is determined by pocket
opening lenght, upper edge of pocket is traced by back detail waistline with closed darts (Figure
24). Pocket bags are attached to waistline and depth below pocket opening is 16,0 cm. Pocket bag is
16,0 cm wide and rounded to prevent gathering of dust. Upper pocket bag has two drill holes, to
ease pocket bag alignment under trouser detail. Seam allowances on back pocket bags are as on
front pocket bags: 1,5 cm overall and 1,0 cm on waist.

Figure 24. Back pocket bag (left) and upper edge construction (right)

38

2.7. Front Fly Piece Development

On mens trousers the zipper laps left over right. A separate facing, and a fly shield produces a
stronger, more durable placket.
For sewing front fly of the trousers, four additional pattern pieces are needed (Figure 25):
Fly facing (Detail 14);
Fly shield (Detail 15);
Fly shiled lining (Detail 16);
Fly facing interlining (Detail 17);
Fly shield interlining (Detail 18);
Fork lining (Detail 19);
Fly front interlining (Detail 20);
Topstitching template (Detail 21).

Figure 25. Front fly pieces, scale 1:4

Shield, and fly facing are constructed on centre front of the trousers. Widths of details depend on
trousers topstitching and lenght depends on height of waist. Topstitching is usually 3,0 cm to 4,0 cm
wide. On this style it is 3,5 cm, based on that fly facing and shield is constructed, as shown on
39

figure 26. Front shield is shaped and the peak is below waistband 1,0 cm, so it prevents the centre
front from getting bulky. Anchor button of bearer is situated under waistline, on waistband lining on
level of the peak, where the button hole is sewn. Fly shield lining piece is constructed based on
shield piece, while all grain lines on fly piece vertical, shield and fork lining are cut bias, for
elasticity.

Figure 26. Fly topstitching template, shield and facing details construction
Fork lining is traced from front and back pieces (Figure 27). Seam allowances on fork lining is 1,0
cm. Front edge of the lining is half a size of lower edge of shield and facing. Therefore, when two
details of lining are sewn together, front edge is joined with lower edge of fly facing and shield
edges.

Figure 27. Fork lining construction

40

2.8. Waistband Pieces Development

For sewing the waistband, four additional pattern pieces are needed (Figure 28):
Right waistband (Detail 24);
Left waistband (Detail 25);
Belt loop strip (Detail 22);
Belt loop interlining (Detail 23);

Figure 28. Waistband pieces, scale 1:4

41

On right waistband piece, shaped shield front is taken into account. And on left waistband piece,
double lenght of waistband extension and front fly facing lenghts are added and marked with
notches.

Figure 29. Waistband construction

42

3. TROUSERS WORKMANSHIP
3.1. Used Machines for Sewing Trousers
Trousers are sewn on several machines (Table 6). Main seams are closed and topstitchings are
executed with lockstitch machine. Instead of lockstitch sewing machine, chain stitch can be used.
Chain stitch is more flexible, but lockstitch is safer, because the seams are more durable. Also chain
stitch consumes twice as much thread as lockstitch. Instead of bar tack machine, zig zag machine
can be used. Hooks and bars be attached manually and also with a hook and bar attaching device.
Table 6
Used equipment
Nr

Equipment

Abbreviation

Stitch
type

Function

Cutting machine

CM

n/a

Cutting out pattern pieces

Lockstitch machine

LSM

301

Joining fabrics

3-thread overedge machine

OEM

504

Enclosing raw edges

Safety stitch machine

SSM

401+503

Joining fabrics and enclosing raw

edges

Blind stitch machine

BMS

103

Hemming

Eyelet buttonhole machine

EBM

401

Making buttonholes

Button sewing machine

BSM

n/a

Sewing buttons

Zig-zag machine

ZZM

304

Reinforcing pocket corners

Cutting machine

CM

n/a

Cutting out pattern pieces

10

Hook and bar attaching

device

HBM

n/a

Attaching hooks and bars

43

3.2. Pattern Details

Detailed information of pattern pieces, that are used for pants, and described in previous chapter, is
described in table 8. Fabrics used for cutting details, are shown in table 7.
Table 7
Fabrics used for cutting details
Marking Fabric

Usage

Main fabric

Outer shell fabric

Pocketing fabric Shield lining, pocket bags, fork lining

Knee lining

Knee lining fabric

Interlining

Reinforcing pocket openings and small details

Table 8
Pattern piece detail information for size 98
Nr

Detail

Detail code

Amount per garment Fabric

4

Main pieces
1

Front trouser

FF_TR_S1__FR

Back trouser

FF_TR_S1_BK

Front knee lining

FF_TR_S1_FRL

Front pockets
4

Pocket mouth interlining FF_TR_S1_PI

Pocket bearer

FF_TR_S1_PF

Upper pocket bag

FF_TR_S1_PU

Lower pocket bag

FF_TR_S1_PL

Back pocket
8

Under pocket interlining

FF_TR_S1_BPI

44

Table 8 continued
1
9

Pocket bearer

FF_TR_S1_BPF

10 Upper pocket bag

FF_TR_S1_BPU

11 Lower pocket bag

FF_TR_S1_BPL

12 Welt

FF_TR_S1_BPW

13 Welt interlining

FF_TR_S1_BPWI

Fly
14 Fly facing

FF_TR_S1_FF

15 Fly shield

FF_TR_S1_FS

16 Fly shield lining

FF_TR_S1_FSL

17 Fly facing interlining

FF_TR_S1_FFI

18 Fly shield interlining

FF_TR_S1_FSI

19 Fork lining

FF_TR_S1_FRKL

20 Fly interlining

FF_TR_S1_FI

21 Fly topstitch template

FF_TR_S1_TSM

n/a

FF_TR_S1_BL

FF_TR_S1_BLI

24 Right waistband

FF_TR_S1_RWB

25 Left waistband

FF_TR_S1_LWB

Waistband
22 Belt loop strip
23

Belt loop strip

interlining

45

3.3.

Workmanship of Mens Trousers

A variety of possible methods are available for trousers workmanship. Following description is
applicable for mens dress trousers with slanted front pocket, French fly and single-welt back
pocket. Trousers workmanship is divided into different detail operations. Where applicable, crosssection of detail, is shown.
Table 9
Mens dress trousers workmanship
Op.
Nr.
1
1
2

5
6

Operation
2
Pieces preparation
Cutting trousers details
Interface details:
Trousers front pocket openings (det. 1 and 4);
Left front trouser fly (det. 1 and 20);
Fly facing (det. 14 and 17);
Fly shield (det. 15 and 18);
Back pocket welt (det. 12 and 13);
Belt loop strip (det. 21 and 22);
Waistband pieces (det. 23 and 24 with perforated
waistband interlining).
Place knee lining, wrong sides facing, on top of each other.
Overedge raw edges of front trousers with knee lining:
Inseams,
Side seams,
C.f. details.
Overedge back trousers:
Inseam,
Side seam,
Seat seam.
Overedge longer edge of fly facing
Press creases on centre of leg along grainline into front and hind
trousers:
Fold pant leg in half, align knee notches and crease notch
on waistline and hem;
Press shield lining in half by notches
NOTE: If wanted, shaping with stretching and shrinking can be
applied for better fit (Appendix 2)

Seam
Used
allowance,
equipment
cm
3
4
n/a
n/a

CM
FM

n/a

OEM

n/a

OEM

n/a
n/a

OEM
Iron

46

Table 9 continued
7

Press belt loops:

Fold belt loops and iron them by notches.
Sew belt loop strip:
Place ironed belt loop strip under machine with seam
allowances facing machine bed;
Sew along the strip.
Cut belt loop strip into 6 equal pieces

n/a

Iron

n/a

BSM

n/a

Scissors

Table 10
Cross-section of back single welted pocket
Posititon

Sketch

Cross- Section

Symbols
Main
fabric
Pocketing
fabric
Woven
interlining

A-A
Stitch 301
Stitch 504
Buttonhole
Button

Right side of
fabric

47

Table 11
Single welt back pocket workmanship
Op.
Nr.

Operation

3
4

Sew darts on hind trousers:

Fold trousers back piece face to face, match notches on
waistline edge and drill hole on fold line;
Stitch from raw edge toward the apex (end point of the
dart);
At the end of the dart, stitch off the thread, do not backtack.
Press darts:
Intake (space between dart line and stitch line) of the dart
has to be ironed towards centre back;
To avoid pressing imprint on the outside of the trousers,
press on a soft surface.
Fuse interlining under back pocket opening line.
Fold pocket welt and pocket facing according to notches and
press:
Welt 2,0 cm from upper, and 0,5 cm from lower edge;
Facing is ironed 0,5 cm from lower edge
Indicate pocket position on the correct side of the back trouser
leg:
Connect pocket drill holes and elongate from both sides
1,0 cm;
Mark a parallel line 1,0 cm below pocket opening line,
for placing the welt edge;
Total lenght of back pocket is 14,0 cm. Mark pocket ends with
vertical line on both sides.
Place upper pocket bag under pocket opening of back trouser
detail and pin it in place:
Align drill holes of upper pocket bag and hind trouser.
Sew welt:
Place welt, right sides facing, on the back trouser. Folded
edge of tthe welt against lower parallel line of pocket
opening;
Start seam line with a backtack and sew parallel to the
pocket opening 1,0 cm from welt edge, pocket width 14
cm.
Sew pocket facing:
Place blind, right sides facing, with its raw edge against
welt seam line, and sew parallel.

Seam
Used
allowance,
equipment
cm
3
4

n/a

LSM

n/a

Iron

n/a

Iron

n/a

Iron

n/a

Chalk

n/a

n/a

1,0

LSM

1,0

LSM

48

Table 11 continued
1

10
11

12

13
14
15
16

17

20

2
Cut pocket opening:
Wrong side up, examine the work to be sure the stitched
lines are parallel and begin and end evenly;
Cut down the centre of the pocket opening between two
seam lines, holding the welt and facing out of the way;
Leave 1,0 cm uncut from both ends;
At ends, cut the opening diagonally toward the seam
ends (close to the last stitch).
Face up, push the welt and facing through the opening.
Wrong side up, press welt and facing into place.
Secure pocket corners:
With the garment face up, fold hind trouser detail and
pocket detail fabric back to expose triangle and welts;
Push cut triangles from edge of the pocket slash;
Stitch across the end one time as closely as possible,
catch pocket welt and triangles in seam;
Repeat on the other side.
Fell inner extension of welt on the upper pocket bag.
Place pocket bearer on lower pocket bag:
Upper raw edge of the bearer aligned with upper welt
seam allowance;
Bearer aligned under pocket opening
Fell folded lower edge of pocket bearer on lower pocket bag
Sew pocket bag:
Sew seamline closed;
Finish seam allowances (overedge, binging or
lockstitch).
Secure pocket opening:
Fold away hind trouser from pocket bag;
Sew along rectangular pocket opening shorter sides of
the rectangular and upper longer side through both
pocket bags;
Seam line is 0,1 cm from the opening folded edge.
Make final pressing:
Fold away back trouser detail and press pocket bag;
Fold away pocket bag and press hind trouser lightly.

n/a

Scissors

n/a
n/a

n/a
Iron

1,0

LSM

0,1

LSM

n/a

n/a

0,1

LSM

1,5

LSM

0,1

LSM

n/a

Iron

49

Table 12
Front slanted pocket cross- section
Posititon

Sketch

Cross- Section

Symbols
Main
fabric
Pocketing
fabric
Knee
lining
Woven
interlining

A-A

Stitch 301
Stitch 504
Right side
of
fabric

50

Table 13
Front slanted pocket workmanship
Op.
Nr.
1
2
3
4
5
6

8
9
10

11

12

Operation
Overedge side edge of pocket bearer until lower notch.
Fold pocket facing raw edge inward 0,5 cm and press.
Fell folded edge of pocket facing on the inside of the lower
pocket bag.
Cut lower notch on side seam of front trousers deeper, to be 1,0
cm, so the pocket mouth can be folded.
Fold slanted pocket mouth line:
Fold pocket openings according to notches and press
diagonal pocket mouth.
Place upper pocket bags diagonal cut edge under folded pocket
openings ironed crease.
Secure pocket bag:
Fold front trouser over pocket bag;
Topstitch pocket mouth from waistline to side edge.
NOTE: Mind the cut on the side of the upper pocket bag, keep
lower part of the cut folded away, avoiding catching it in seam.
Sew folded front trouser corner (that lies under upper pocket
bag) to upper pocket bag (creating pocket mouth facing).
Close the pocket bag by stitching around the curved edge of the
pocket bag until notch.
Finish pocket bag edge (the whole bag, from waistline to
waistline) with binding, overlock, safety stitch or French seam.
Secure s.a.:
On side seam through pocket facing s.a., inner pocket
bag s.a. and side seam s.a. with three back-forth stitches
between upper and lower side notch. That way the
pocket is secured in place and it is easier to sew front
and back trousers.
Cut upper pocket bags notch deeper to be 2,0 cm
NOTE: It is needed to bust the side seams.

Seam
Used
allowance,
equipment
cm
n/a
OEM
0,5
Iron
0,1

LSM

n/a

Scissors

n/a

Scissors

n/a

n/a

0,7

LSM

0,5

LSM

1,5

LSM

n/a

n/a

n/a

LSM

n/a

Scissors

51

Table 14
Fly and waistband cross-section
Sketch

Position

Cross- Section

Symbols
Main fabric

A-A

Pocketing
Fabric
Knee lining
Woven
Interlining
Waistband
lining
Stitch 301

B-B

Stitch 504

Right side of
fabric

52

Table 15
Front fly and waistband workmanship
Op.
Nr.
1
1
2

4
5

7
8
9

10

11

Operation
2
Sew fly facing on centre of front trouser detail (from upper
waist line to notch).
NOTE: It is important s.a. to be 0,7 cm, otherwise left side will
not overlap right side and zipper will stay exposed.
Fell s.a. to facing from waistline to notch
Sew fly shield on right detail:
Place zipper, right side of zipper facing front details
right side;
Place shield on zipper, face to face with front trouser;
Align zipper and shield edge with c.f.;
Sew along the c.f. until notch.
Iron s.a. towards side seam of trousers.
Join front trouser details:
Start sewing 2,5 cm above the fork until the notch;
Sew two seams to the same seam line.
Sew zipper on fly facing:
Pin c.f. closed and align zipper under fly facing, pin
facing to zipper;
Unpin c.f. and open zipper;
Sew zipper on fly facing with a topstitch along zipper
tape edge.
NOTE: Also second stitch line can be sewn 0,4 cm towards coil,
to secure zipper safely in place.
Sew trousers in- and side seam of both legs.
Bust the in- and side seams.
Sew labels onto the waistband with a topstitch.
Sew lining on right waistband detail:
Place upper edge of waistband lining on upper s.a. of
waistband (face sides up on both);
Lining has to be shorter than waistband detail 4,0 cm, so
it will be caught under shield lining seam, but will not
create bulk on edge of the shield;
Sew along waistband lining upper edge creating a lap
seam (overlap of w/b lining and w/b has to be 1,0 cm).
Press waistband along fusible tape slots

Seam
Used
allowance,
equipment
cm
3
4
0,7

LSM

0,2

LSM

1,0

LSM

n/a

Iron

1,0

LSM

0,1

LSM

1,0
n/a
0,1

LSM
Iron
LSM

0,1

LSM

n/a

Iron
53

Table 15 continued
1
2
12 Sew belt loops onto trousers waistline with one seam
13 Sew waistband on right half of trousers
Sew shield lining on waistband:
Place shield lining on right side of shield, match shaped
edges;
14
Sew along the waistband edge of shield;
Sew fly shield lining on shield;
Sew fly shield lining until fly lower notch
Turn shield details, press it so the seam is rolled towards shield,
15
creating 0,1 cm border.
Fell shield on c.f.:
Push s.a. toward side seam;
16
Topstitch through right trousers detail (zipper, shield and
shield lining);
Sew from right side of the trousers.
Sew lining on left waistband details:
Place upper edge of waistband lining on upper s.a. of
17
waistband (right sides facing up on both);
Sew along lining upper edge, creating a lap seam
Sew waistband on the left half of trousers:
Sew until c.f.;
Sew tab extension (from outer edge to c.f.), when
reaching c.f. backtack the seam.
18
Align waistband extension and fly facing s.a.
Fold waistband extension s.a., which is aligned with fly
facing, inward, so when sewing, it creates folded edge.
Sew extension facing part with facing (from c.f. until the
end of fly facing).
19 Turn right side out and press corners of the w/b extension
Attach hooks and bars:
First bar to the middle of waistband, through upper layer,
on the right detail above the zipper;
First hook on the tab facing the bar;
20
Second hook to the middle of waistband, through the
upper layer, on the right detail to the end of the tab
extension (1,5 cm from the edge);
Second bar facing the second hook.
Fell the w/b extension folded facing edge on waistband lining:
21
Topstitch the folded edge to waistband lining.
22 Topstitch left trousers detail on c.f. using template.

3
0,5
1,0

4
LSM
LSM

0,5

LSM

n/a

Iron

0,2

LSM

0,1

LSM

1,0

LSM

n/a

Iron

n/a

HBM

0,1

LSM

n/a

LSM
54

Table 15 continued
1
23
24
25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

2
Sew seat seam and the fork with double seam:
Start from previously sewn fork (s.a. 1,0);
Sew until the end of the waistband, minding the outletlet
on seat seam (s.a. 3,0).
Sew fork lining pieces together.
Fold fork lining s.a. and topstitch piece. Leave front edge
unstitched, it twill be joing with fly shield and facing edge
Sew upper lining edge to the fly shield and facing:
Place fork lining face to face with shield lining;
Sew through fork lining front edge, zipper tape, shield
and fly facing lower edges.
Turn fork lining in place and press s.a. toward the lining.
Attach fork lining at three points with backtacking to seam
allowances:
At seat seam fold lining over s.a. and backtack through
all layers;
At leg inseams tack corners to back leg s.a.
Secure fly shield and fly facing:
Backtack (two stitches) through both details on the lower
curve (at the level of fly notch).
Sew belt loops to the trousers:
Pull belt loop down, sew 1,0 cm below waistband;
Do not stitch through lining.
Sink stitch waistband in seam shadow:
Right trousers from folded edge of shield lining until the
end of the back pocket bag c.b. edge;
Left trousers 6,0 cm from c.f. until the end of the back
pocket bag c.b. edge.
Sew bar tacks:
On c.f. starting of the fly opening;
Front pocket openings- 1,0 cm below waistband and
crosswise, where the pocket opening meets side seam;
Back pocket welt shorter edges;
Upper edge of all belt loops (bar tacks should not be seen
on the outer flap of the lining). Belt loops should be
folded and bartacked on fold.
NOTE: Bartacks should not be situated on waistband lining, all
upper edge bar tacks of belt loops must be located on shell
fabric that is folded in.

1,0 to 3,0

LSM

1,0

LSM

0,7

LSM

1,5

LSM

n/a

Iron

n/a

LSM

n/a

LSM

0,7

LSM

n/a

LSM

n/a

ZZM/
BTM

55

Table 16
Hemming and finishing trousers
Op.
Nr.

2
3

6
7
8

Operation
Sew button holes:
On the fly shield;
Back pocket (1,5 cm below pocket welt).
Sew buttons:
On waistband lining for the shield;
On back pocket bearer, facing the buttonhole.
Overedge trousers bottom raw edge.
Measure and mark position of kick tape:
4,0 cm above overedged edge;
Place trouser bottom tape on the face side of the leg,
denser side of the ttape upwards.
Overlap tape cut ends:
Overlapping on inseam of the trouser leg;
Fold upper part of the overlapped tape 1,5 cm;
Overlap folded tape ends 1,0 cm.
Fold and press hem in place:
Upper side of the tape has to jut out from the hem fold
0,1 cm.
Sew along upper overedged edge of hem, overlapping stitches
on inseam of pant leg.
Make the final, thorough pressing for the whole pant

Seam
Used
allowance,
equipment
cm
n/a

BHM

n/a

BAM

n/a

OEM

n/a

Chalk

0,1 and
0,2

LSM

n/a

Iron

0,5

BSM

n/a

Iron

56

SUMMARY
The manual was fulfilled for Hochschule Albstadt-Sigmaringen by the author. Manual was made
for Mens Manufacturing laboratory project, as an addition to mens jacket. Workmanship manual
is also a part of integration opportunity for non-german speaking textile and apparel faculty
exchange students, who can take part of more speciality lectures.
As an outcome of this thesis, mens dress trousers workmanship manual has been created. Trousers
of different brands were inspected- from premium brands like Hugo Boss, Strellson, Windsor and
MarcoPolo, to fast fashion chain stores like H&M, Re-Reserved, C&A and Zara. As the result
most common pant designs were determined and based on that one style was chosen for
workmanship manual.
As stated in introduction, the aim of the thesis was not to develop an innovative manufacturing
technique, but to give and overview of what is most commonly offered in mass production. The
pant manual is made to be used for Mens manufacturing lecture.
Work consist of three parts. In first, pant design part, different trousers designs were selected based
on the selection offered in retail. Trousers parts were shown on sketches and described in following
tables.
In second part pattern construction was shown and amendments for style pattern and pattern pieces
were stated and included on sketches. In the third part, the workmanship of trousers is introduced,
cross sections of most important details shown and step by step sewing technology is described.
The main difficutly, while creating this manual, was to determine correct apparel terminology, and
distinguish between manufacturing and tailoring workmanship process.

57

Due to time boundaries, assembly illustrations were not included in the manual, however step by
step sketches can be be considered as the future development of the work. In addition other popular
trouser styles, not included in this manual, can also be developed in a similar manner.
From this workmanshio and pattern basis other mens pants can be created. Whether for a similar
dress pants style, or womenswear (provided right fly front is overlapping left).
From this basic trouser design also other styles can be developed.

58

RESMEE
Kesoleva lput tulemusena valmis detailne levaade meeste likonnapkste disainist,
konstruktsioonist ning he pksipaari ttlemise tehnoloogiast. T on tehtud Hochschule AlbstadtSigmaringeni tellimusena, rivaste tootmistehnoloogia loengu ppematerjaliks. Inglisekeelne
piobjekt arendab riva tehnoloogiat ppivate pilaste erialast vrkeelset snavara ja erialaseid
teadmisi ning seelbi aitab silitada pilaste konkurentsivimet tturul ning annab mitmeklgseid
teadmisi. Kuna t eesmrgiks on luua ppematerjal enimlevinud ttlemise tehnoloogia kohta,
phineb mudel juba olemasolevatel, eri hinnagruppides pakutavate, pkste mblemise lahendustel.
Esimeses osas on kirjeldatud meeste likonnapkste ldist ehitust, info on kogutud poes pakutavast
toodangust ning erialasest kirjandusest. Detailide iseloomustus on esitatud tabelite ning joonistena.
Samuti on vljatoodud ka kige sagedamini kasutatavad materjalid. Esimese osa phjal tekib ldine
arusaam likonnapkste olemusest ning see osa juhatab sisse jrgnevad peatkid.
Teises t osas on kirjeldatud pkste mblemiseks vajaliku tehnoloogia alusel loodud likest.
Kigepealt on konstrueeritud philige, ning sellest on loodud moekohane lige. Prast maketi
proovi, loodi pkstele vajalikud lisadetailid ning nende lekaalid.
T kolmandas osas on antud lhilevaade kasutatavatest masinatest. Vajalike lekaalide loetelu,
ning pkste ttlemise jrjekord. Selle phjal on loodud ka pksipaari nidis.
Vlja saab tuua mitmeid ettepanekuid edasiseks t arenduseks. Niteks sellele enimlevinud
tehnoloogiale saab lisada ka harvemini kasutusel olevaid tehnoloogiaid, luua uusi alternatiivseid
disaine ning tehnoloogiaid ttlemiseks. T edasise arendusena on vimalik luua tstuslikku
tootmist ning rtsepatd ristavaid tehnoloogiaid.

59

LIST OF REFERENCES
[1]

B. Roetzel, Gentelman. A timeless guide to fashion. London: Thames and Hudson Ltd,
1996, p. 216.

[2]

M. P. Londrigan, Menswear. Business to style. New York: Fairchild Books, 2009, p. 443.

[3]

Esquire, The handbook of style. A mans guide to looking good. London: Hearst Books,
2009, p. 223.

[4]

M.L.Gavenas. The fairchild encyclopedia of menswear. New York: Fairchild Books, 2008,
p. 419.

[5]

H. Eberle, M. Hornberger, R. Kupke, A.Moll, H.Hermeling, R. Kilgus, D. Menzer, W. Ring,

Clothing Technology. From fibre to fashion, Fifth edition, Haan-Gruiten: EuropaLehrmittel, 2008, p. 243.

[6]

D. Peres, Details Men's style manual, London: Gotham Books, 2007, p. 272.

[7]

Meister Schneider. Schnitt-technik. Die hohe schule der handwerkskunst prominenter

herrenschneider. Mnchen: Rundschau, 2007, p. 262.

[8]

J. Peacock, Men's fashion: The complete sourcebook. London: Thames and Hudson, 1996,
p. 216.

[9]

C. Shaeffer, Sewing for the apparel industry, Second edition, New York: Pearson, 2012, p.
323.

[10]

System M.Mller & Sohn. Deutsche Beikeleidungs- Akademie Mnchen, Mnchen:

Rundschau, 1995, p. 31.

[11]

System M.Mller & Sohn. HAKA-Schnittkonstruktionen nach M.Mller & Sohn, Third
edition, Mnchen: Rundschau, 2000, p. 238.

60