M is for Moto Joggers from Hatchlings Patterns {Blog Tour}



As I type this blog post, I am wearing a pair of the most comfortable pants.  Ever.  And, I sewed them for myself using the new M is for Moto Joggers women's pattern* from Hatchlings Patterns (now Thread Faction as of May 2016) and the softest, most buttery-feeling french micro-terry fabric from LA Finch Fabrics.  I am excited to tell you about the pattern, which is the first woman's pattern from Liz at Hatchlings Patterns, and to participate in the M is for Moto Joggers Pattern Tour which begins today and continues through October 31.  Also, I'll be on Periscope showing the inside of my pants and talking more about the pattern, so follow me @SewNotPerfect to catch it live or watch the reply.  (you can view it at this link until 8pm EST on Tuesday).  I wrote a lot for this post.  I tried to bold the most important info for those who skim.  If you want to cut to the nitty gritty, read my bullet points, especially about the awesome sizing of this pattern and why you should trust the chart and fit modification instructions.
Disclosure:  I was contacted to participate in this tour and received the pattern for free in order to participate.  My review and comments are honest, straight-forward, and my own.  This post contains affiliate links marked with *.


Please take time to visit each of the other bloggers and see the great ways they sew the pattern as well (links at the bottom of this post).   The pattern is on sale for $9 AUS/$6.67 USD through the end of the month.  No coupon code needed.  You can also join the Hatchlings Patterns Facebook Group and be sure to visit Paisley Roots - the other stop on the blog tour today.

So, I wouldn't think of myself as a (moto) jogger person (do you ever feel like you are too old, or not cool enough to wear certain styles?).  I generally do not leave the house in sweats or sneakers.  It's just not my thing.  I wear lounge pants at home all the time, but I couldn't even find my sneakers when I looked for them today.  But these pants!  They are so comfortable and don't look sloppy, so I actually wore them in public today.  It was dreamy walking around so comfortable and not feeling like I looked like I just rolled out of bed. 


As a blogger, it's a bit nerve wracking to be asked to sew and review a pattern from a new designer.  What if I don't like it?  What if I can't recommend it?  (There are things I don't blog these days - some because I don't get around to it, and some because I'm not a fan of it.)  I am relieved to say I didn't have any of those problems after sewing the M is for Moto Jogger pants - I really like the pattern and am glad to recommend it.  Liz at Hatchlings isn't new to sewing or designing, but this pattern is her first pattern for women.  She owns a cloth nappy/diaper company and has a couple other pdf patterns (a cool taco clutch*, pants for babies*).  She has been sewing since childhood and drafting patterns since her teens.  She is familiar with industrial sewing.  Every time I corresponded with her (which was several times) she happily answered my questions and responded quickly.  I asked about her background, how she got in to pattern designing, why she made certain choices, etc.   I was impressed with her quick responses and it was clear she had researched and made thoughtful choices while working on this pattern.  I'm sure she knows more about sewing and designing than I do but she was patient and willing to answer my questions about her and her pattern.



Here is what you should know about the pattern from Liz at Hatchlings Patterns* (in her own words)
{The M is for Moto Joggers pattern*} makes nice slim fit jogging pants, smart casual capri length pants and fantastic PJ pants in all lengths from ankle right up to a length similar to boxers.

I have worked really hard to make these a flattering fit. I have minimized excess fabric around the waist while leaving room around the hip area and have included a 2 inch wide firm fitting elastic waistband that falls 2 inches lower than the natural waist, providing support and shaping around the midsection.


You can read the pattern details and description on the Hatchlings website, but here are a few notes that I would point out (in my own words):
  • The size chart and instructions for adjusting the pants are spot on.  Trust them.  I do not fit on the size chart nicely at all.  My hips are a medium, my waist is too big for the chart at all, and my leg length is also off the chart (shorter than the XXS).  But, by following the sizing suggestions in the instructions,  I sewed a medium for width, and XXS for length (and subtracted an additional 2 inches at each of the lengthen/shorten points), and didn't worry about the waist measurement since it is designed to sit two inches below the belly button (so, yes, these could make great maternity pants, too!)  I am accustomed to modifying women's pattern to fit me, and I often make a muslin first, but this time I followed every recommendation in the pattern and made no muslin and they came out exactly as you see in the pictures, which I think is a great fit both for width and for length.
  • 1/4" seam allowance included in the pattern.  This is not my personal preferred seam allowance, but being that I did most all of it with my serger, I had no problem and actually liked the way the 1/4" seam allowance helped keep a slim fit along the seams of the pants.  I removed the blade from my serger and ran the fabric at the 1/4" mark.  The seams matched up well and with the knit, I think a larger seam allowance would have created more bulk.
  • Clean, clear, concise instructions.  I appreciated that they are easy to follow with clear photos and are not overly wordy.
  • For serger or sewing machine.  I used my serger almost completely (except to stitch elastic closed and then to stitch the waistband after turning it down.
  • Waistband elastic is serged to pants, then turned under and sewn with a double needle (I used single needle with stretch thread in the bobbin) or coverstitched in to place.  I chose a flat waistband, but you can also choose to run several rows of stitching for an athletic look.  At first I wondered if I would dislike that the waistband and cuff seams are not enclosed.  Then I compared to my other RTW lounge pants which don't have enclosed seams, and I thought about how I don't mind taking time to do those finishes on dresses and button down shirts, but I don't even notice the seams while wearing these pants, and since they are serged, it's not a problem at all.  In fact, I was glad not to have to stitch in any ditches for this project!
  • Moto knee patch is one of the pattern options and it looks really cool.  Check out other bloggers on the tour who I am sure will choose to incorporate that option.
  • With several options for lengths, and the option for the knee patch or not, I really love Liz's instructions for best lengthening or shortening and that she includes two separate cuff pieces (one for full length, one for capri length, since your leg is a difference circumference at each place). 
  • As always with knits, be sure you are not stretching the fabric as you sew or serge and don't let the feed dogs pull the fabric.  You should gently feed the fabric under the presser foot so that you don't get rippled seams.

My own thoughts on my own version - I am happy with them.  The fabric is fantastic.  You know when you've had a favorite t-shirt for years and it is so soft you can't bear to part with it?  That is how this fabric feels.  You should grab some of this fabric for yourself before they sell it all!  Not only is it soft, it is NOT see-through, even though it has a light background.  No underwear colors or lines showing through!   I love the feel of the pockets in these pants, but I would probably only add pockets next time if I were using a thicker knit.  And I am really happy with how well the length and taper of the pant turned out.  Seriously, when you make yourself a pair, follow the size chart and fit instructions no matter what you usually sew.  I thought it was crazy for me to take 2" off the lengths of an XXS (I'm about 5'3", so I' short but not super short, right?) and I was so afraid they wouldn't fit - but they are spot on!  I am also pleased with the fit in the back.  The rise is excellent and gives great coverage that doesn't slip down during a day of wearing and the fit in the seat of the pant isn't super slouchy, even though the pant is designed with a slightly dropped crotch.  These are two big gold stars in my book for this pattern.

What do you think?  Are you ready to sew your own?  You can buy your own pattern here* (on sale for $9 AUS/$6.50 USD through the end of October.  You can also read more reviews and see how other bloggers are sewing and wearing their own M is for Moto Joggers at the links below.




Oct 26 - Paisley RootsSew Not Perfect





6 comments

  1. These are fantastic - I love the fabric to bits!

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  2. Thanks, Liz! I wish we had feel-a-vision (like smell-a-vision from Willy Wonka) - so everyone could understand how soft this fabric is. Ha!

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  3. Oh these look great and I love the fabric choice.

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  4. I saw these on your IG & love, love, love them!!

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What do you think? I would love to hear!

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