Pietra Pants & Shorts Pattern
Part of our Rome Collection, the Pietra Pants & Shorts are the best of both worlds; a flat front, high-waisted silhouette with the comfort of an elastic waist in the back. Featuring lengthening panels in the front with slanted hip pockets and a hidden waist stay, you’ll never want to take them off.
Choose between four leg styles: a wide leg in floor-skimming or cropped length (View A), a slim and tapered leg (View B), or gently flared shorts (View C).
Related Products: Learn to Sew Clothing online class
Sizes: 0-20 and 14-30 (PDF) and 0-20 (Print only)
A digital version of this pattern is included in our online sewing course, Learn How to Sew Clothing! You'll also receive digital patterns for the Fiore Skirt and Cielo Top & Dress.
Fabric and Supplies
SUGGESTED FABRIC
This pattern can be made with a variety of fabrics depending on the desired effect. For a more defined shape, use structured wovens such as linen, chambray, or lightweight denim or twill (heavyweight wovens may create too much volume at the elastic waist). For a swishy, glamorous look, use rayon challis, tencel, or silk.
YARDAGE REQUIREMENTS (45"/1.14M FABRIC)
View A - Full length pants
Sizes 0-20: 0-14 = 3.25yd / 3m, 16-20 = 3.5yd / 3.2m
Sizes 14-30: 14-22 = 3.5yd / 3.2m, 24-30 = 4yd / 3.7m
View A - Cropped pants
Sizes 0-20: 0-14 = 3yd / 2.75m, 16-20 = 3.25yd / 3m
Sizes 14-30: 14-22 = 3.25yd / 3m, 24-30 = 3.75yd / 3.5m
View B
Sizes 0-20: 0-8 = 2.5yd / 2.25m, 10-14 = 2.5yd / 2.25m, 16-20 = 3yd/2.75m
Sizes 14-30: 14-22 = 3.25yd / 3m, 24-30 = 3.5yd / 3.2m
View C
Sizes 0-20: 0-8 = 1.5yd / 1.4m, 10-20 = 1.75yd / 1.6m
Sizes 14-30: 14-22 = 1.5yd / 1.4m, 24-30 = 1.75yd / 1.6m
YARDAGE REQUIREMENTS (58"/1.5M FABRIC)
View A - Full length pants
Sizes 0-20: 0-14 = 2.5yd / 2.25m, 16-20 = 2.75 yd / 2.5m
Sizes 14-30: 14-22 = 3yd / 2.75m, 24-30 = 3.25yd / 3m
View A - Cropped pants
Sizes 0-20: 0-14 = 2.25yd / 2m, 16-20 = 2.5 yd / 2.25m
Sizes 14-30: 14-22 = 2.75yd 2.6m, 24-30 = 3yd / 2.75m
View B
Sizes 0-20: 0-8 = 2yd / 1.85m, 10-20 = 2.25yd / 2m
Sizes 14-30: 14-22 = 2.5yd / 2.25m, 24-30 = 2.75yd / 2.6m
View C
Sizes 0-20: All sizes = 1.25yd / 1.15m
Sizes 14-30: 14-22 = 1.5yd / 1.4m, 24-30 = 1.75yd / 1.6m
ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES
- 2” (50mm) wide elastic (1 yd / .9m)
- Lightweight non-stretch fusible interfacing (.25 yd / .25m)
- Polyester thread
- Marking tool
Details
Sewing level: Advanced beginner
Sizes: 0 - 20 and 14-30 (see our sizing chart here)
Finished measurements: Sizes 0-20 here and Sizes 14-30 here.
Instructions: English & French (French instructions available as PDF only)
Print at Home File (Letter & A4):
Sizes 0-20: View A - 35 pages, View B - 31 pages, View C - 20 pages, sizes are layered.
Sizes 14-30: View A - 39 pages, View B - 36 pages, View C - 24 pages, sizes are layered.
Copy Shop (36" x 48" / A0):
Sizes 0-20: View A - 2 pages, View B - 2 pages, View C - 1 page, sizes are layered.
Sizes 14-30: View A - 3 pages, View B - 2 pages, View C - 1.5 pages, sizes are layered.
Helpful Resources
I made both the wide leg pants and the shorts out of flowy rayon, and the shorts out of very light weight poplin. In general, the pattern fit well through the hips and seat. The crotch curve was flattering. The waist however was very large, and there were no instructions on how to take in the waist. Shortening he back elastic resulted in pulling the side seams to the back, and bunches of fabric in back. For the flowy rayon fabric this was acceptable For the poplin it looked awful, and I donated those. If you have flowy fabric and/or little difference between hip and waist measurement, this is a very easy, and flattering pattern. More curvy women may find adding back darts and a zipper is a more flattering look.
Like the other ClosetCore patterns, the instructions are clear, design details are clever and the fit is very good. My only qualm, at 66.5" with a long torso and short legs, the in-seam could have been 2" longer. I'm going to add a cuff.
I made a wearable toile of View A in a mystery medium weight woven fabric from my stash in size 14. I found the pocket tutorial very helpful and the sewing instructions clear and easy to follow and best of all, I did not need to make any fitting adjustments. I currently have view B cut out and ready to sew. I am thrilled to find a trouser pattern that works so well for me.
I have made three Pietra pants so far: a muslin to check fit on the shorts, a pair of linen shorts I wear almost every day, and a pair of linen pants for my BFF’s birthday! I am an apple shape and the shorts work for me, but the wide-leg pants better flatter a pear. They are so comfortable and I get tons of compliments. Everyone thinks they are RTW, even people who know I sew! I will definitely be making lots more of these.
I make about 95 percent of my clothing and this is absolutely my favorite pant pattern. I think I have made it five or six times and have fall/winter fabric to make at least two more pair. I’m 5’ 8” and other then lengthening a few inches the size 12 is a perfect fit. It is flattering, easy to sew up, and adapts well to several types of fabrics. It is a keeper. I love, love all the Closet Core patterns I have sewn——-perhaps about three fourths of them and make them over and over!!
I love this shorts pattern. It’s a quick sew and you can use up your smaller yardage. I have made it 5 times so far! First muslin in stretch denim, refining try #2 in linen, #3 piping!, #4 drapey cupro. Making another cupro pair a size up for more swish! Fabric choice gives different looks (and may need different sizes...linen and stretch denim size down) Do you want drapey silk or more structured denim?. The instructions are excellent and easy to use with a great tutorial for making the pockets. I would say the rise is very high (which I usually shorten) but easy to adjust with the shorten lines. Very flattering draft. The tummy stay flattens my front and the gathered back maximizes my back side. Love these shorts. Can’t wait to try some pants.
