Elevate your handmade wardrobe with these high-waisted, tapered trousers with front pleats, tapered legs, and a clean side zip. Paula comes in both trouser and short length, making this pattern a year-round essential.
The pattern comes with or without side seam pockets — add welt pockets on the back for a tailored twist. The shorts version makes her an all-season essential. No zipper fly required — the side invisible zipper keeps things sleek and easy to sew.
Recommended Fabrics Look for something that balances structure with drape.
Think thin jacquard, gabardine, seersucker, lyocell denim, heavier viscose or cupro twill. With structured fabrics that do not drape the pleats will stand out more and have a puffier look; while fabrics that drape will fall more closely to the leg.
Want to try Paula in a knit fabric like French terry? That’s possible too! Just be sure to stabilise the waistband and the seams around the zip sufficiently to remove all stretch from the fabric in those areas.
Supplies and Notions Thread Depending on the variation you choose, you will also need interfacing, blind zipper, lining and bias binding.
Sizing EU 34-62; UK6-34; US 2-30
Level of Difficulty Without pockets, Paula is a challenging beginner pattern. A great next-step project for ambitious beginners who want to level up their sewing skills. You'll learn how to sew pleats, darts, a shaped waistband, and an invisible side zip.
More advanced sewists will enjoy adding the optional side seam pockets and welt pockets for extra flair and challenge, 3 dots for this variant.
