My first diamond crotch
Jun. 15th, 2011 01:51 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rydra_wong posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
sewingTHIS IS NOT A POST ABOUT VAJAZZLING I SWEAR.
A "diamond crotch" (a.k.a. diamond-cut crotch, diamond gusset, etc.) is a way to add fabric to an existing pair of trousers.
It's an obvious fix for trousers that are too short in the crotch, but it also increases hip mobility and how far you can kick, squat or stretch your legs apart without ripping the seams.
So it's very useful for sports -- e.g. yoga, martial arts, or rock climbing (I have a pair of climbing jeans with a diamond crotch, which is why I wanted to learn how to sew one).
They're also the secret behind the legendary Chuck Norris Action Jeans, so how could I resist?
The basic principle is extremely simple. You undo the stitching along the inside-leg seam of the trousers, then you insert an extra piece of fabric in the shape of an elongated diamond.
Guides:
Make your own "Thrower's" Pants
Snakes in a Drain/A Look at The Crotch (scroll down)
I know these seem quite vague, but it all becomes clear once you start working on it.
Here we are in progress: I've turned the trousers inside out, opened the seam, decided how much fabric I want to add, then tacked the insert in for testing purposes before starting to sew it into place properly.
I used a slightly stretchy fabric for the insert to add extra manoeuvrability.
Completed, and right side out again.
The trousers are photographed in this awkward spreadeagled position because once the insert's finished, you can't see it in anything except a crotch shot. When you're wearing the trousers, it's effectively invisible.
I'm pretty pleased with this as a first attempt and have been going round the house doing high kicks to test it out.
In another climbing-related sewing project, I made another chalkbag out of a remnant scrap of brocade from an upholstery shop.
This time, I used a simple cylindrical design, but added a hidden zipped pocket at the back (and a tiny velcro pocket tucked between the outer bag and inner liner). I've finally learned how to sew a "blind hem", so there are almost no visible stitches at all.
A "diamond crotch" (a.k.a. diamond-cut crotch, diamond gusset, etc.) is a way to add fabric to an existing pair of trousers.
It's an obvious fix for trousers that are too short in the crotch, but it also increases hip mobility and how far you can kick, squat or stretch your legs apart without ripping the seams.
So it's very useful for sports -- e.g. yoga, martial arts, or rock climbing (I have a pair of climbing jeans with a diamond crotch, which is why I wanted to learn how to sew one).
They're also the secret behind the legendary Chuck Norris Action Jeans, so how could I resist?
The basic principle is extremely simple. You undo the stitching along the inside-leg seam of the trousers, then you insert an extra piece of fabric in the shape of an elongated diamond.
Guides:
Make your own "Thrower's" Pants
Snakes in a Drain/A Look at The Crotch (scroll down)
I know these seem quite vague, but it all becomes clear once you start working on it.
Here we are in progress: I've turned the trousers inside out, opened the seam, decided how much fabric I want to add, then tacked the insert in for testing purposes before starting to sew it into place properly.
I used a slightly stretchy fabric for the insert to add extra manoeuvrability.
Completed, and right side out again.
The trousers are photographed in this awkward spreadeagled position because once the insert's finished, you can't see it in anything except a crotch shot. When you're wearing the trousers, it's effectively invisible.
I'm pretty pleased with this as a first attempt and have been going round the house doing high kicks to test it out.
In another climbing-related sewing project, I made another chalkbag out of a remnant scrap of brocade from an upholstery shop.
This time, I used a simple cylindrical design, but added a hidden zipped pocket at the back (and a tiny velcro pocket tucked between the outer bag and inner liner). I've finally learned how to sew a "blind hem", so there are almost no visible stitches at all.
