DIY: Pattern (Color) Blocking on Striped Silk Pants

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Here is how I did it. The first step is to decide on the fabric and the print that you will be working with. In this case, I chose to use pinstriped silk. Silk is sometimes difficult to work with. So, please check out my video series “Sewing With Silk” for tips and techniques to help you along the way.

What is Pattern Blocking or Color Blocking? Simply put, it is the process of sewing two or more pieces of contrasting fabric together (such as polkadots and stripes or florals and plaid) to create a pattern piece. You need to make sure that the contrasting pieces of fabric compliments each other.

These Dolce & Gabbana color blocked trousers are a perfect example.

Cut Your Pattern into Blocks

You can cut your pattern into as many blocks as you prefer. Just keep in mind that the smaller the blocks the more you will need to pay attention to details. If you do not know how to draft your own pants pattern and you are using a commercial pattern, I suggest tracing it onto pattern paper. I cut each section of my pants into four equal blocks. I rotated that blocks on the pinstriped fabric so that I now have vertical and horizontal lines.

Add Seam Allowance

Some sewers like to add their seam allowance to the pattern paper.

Instead, I measured a half inch along each cut and used tailor’s chalk to mark my seam allowance.

Add your seam allowance to all blocks. Sew your sections together and be sure to match every line, dot, flower, etc. Have fun with it! Post your pictures. I’d love to see what you come up with.