High waist tall pants

Fall Fashion: Elevating Butterick 6973 for a 5’10” Frame

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As a 5’10” seamstress, one of my ongoing challenges is finding patterns that work seamlessly for my height. Enter Butterick 6973, a stylish pant pattern with a pleated front, functional pockets, and a sleek front zipper. When I came across a vibrant teal cotton sateen fabric at Fashion Fabrics Club, I knew it would be the perfect match for this design.


Pattern Adjustments for Height

For this project, I made specific alterations to ensure a comfortable and flattering fit. The first step was addressing the crotch depth, I like my pants to fit high waist. After measuring myself and then the pattern, I realized I needed to add 2.5 inches to the crotch depth. This adjustment made a world of difference in how the pants fit and feel when worn.



Next, I added 1.5 inches to the length of the pant legs. While this alteration worked well, I’ve decided that for my next version of these pants, I’ll add an additional 2 inches to the legs for a better fit.




The bright teal color of the cotton sateen fabric is absolutely stunning—it’s bold, eye-catching, and perfect for making a statement. I’m particularly pleased with how the pleated front turned out; it adds a touch of sophistication to the pants. The pockets are both practical and stylish, and the front zipper is a feature I’m definitely keeping in future projects.

Styling the Look

To complete the outfit, I paired these pants with a mustard yellow embroidered cotton shirt from Loft. The rich color of the top contrasts beautifully with the teal pants, creating a vibrant, fall-ready ensemble. I opted for black flats from Shoe Station for a polished yet comfortable look, and finished it off with classic hoop earrings. This outfit was perfect for a recent Sunday brunch with my husband—stylish, comfortable, and just the right amount of dressy.



What I’ll Do Differently Next Time

As much as I love this version of Butterick 6973, there are a few tweaks I plan to make in the future. In addition to the 2 inches I’ll add to the leg length, I’m also going to increase the length at the hips by 3.5 inches for a slightly more high waist fit. These changes should enhance both the comfort and the overall look of the pants.


Have you ever altered a pattern to better fit your height? Or do you have tips for working with cotton sateen fabric? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below and let’s chat about your experiences and any sewing challenges you’ve tackled recently.

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1 comment

Appreciate the directions on how to adjust the pattern for a tall figure.

Debbie

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