Fabric Edit | Making Moves Barrel Leg Pants Sewing Pattern
The Making Moves Pants have that subtle barrel leg shaping we love—relaxed through the leg, gently tapered at the ankle—and the option to add pockets if you like.
Fabric really is everything with this pattern. It completely changes the look, the feel and even how they move on your body.
For this style, you’ve got two beautiful directions to play with. You can go for fabrics with a little body and softness, think linen, linen blends or Tencel, for a more structured, everyday feel. Or you can lean right into drape with rayon and viscose, including rayon chambray and rayon twill, for that effortless, floaty movement we all love.
What I’ve found (after sewing multiple pairs!) is that changing the fabric can make these feel like completely different pants. Same pattern… totally different vibe.
<Click on the image to enlarge the pic>
One thing I’d steer you away from though—thick, bulky or stiff fabrics. They’ll add weight where you don’t want it and can make the pants feel heavy & bulky on the body. Remember - bulky fabrics & a pull on waist aren't best friends.
A little tip if you’re chasing a bit more shape—you can taper the hem slightly (we show you how in the tutorial). It subtly enhances that soft barrel silhouette without changing the overall relaxed feel.
Below I show you all of my versions plus the team’s makes, so you can see how each fabric choice brings these pants to life in its own way. And don't forget, you can also watch the video here to see how each fabric moves.
Kate - Making Moves in Linen
Fabric: Linen (160gsm, East Coast Fabrics).
Details: Mid rise, short length (I'm 5'3"), all the pockets.
Below, worn with: Lyrical Shirt (in rayon)
Details: Mid rise, short length), all the pockets.
Details: Mid rise, short length), all the pockets.
Kate - Making Moves in Rayon
During development I decided to whip up a pair in rayon because I just knew people would ask. Little did I know that I would fall in love with them! These are made with the most beautiful rayon from Tessuti Fabrics in Australia.
Large graphic prints & these pants are a match made in heaven. If you're using a large print, I recommend removing the back leg seam (see page 22 in the tutorial). Silly me forgot for this pair. But I will love them. Like love love loooooove them.
Fabric: Rayon (Tessuti Fabrics).
Details: High rise, short length, front pockets.
Below, worn with: Besties Tee (in viscose knit)
Fabric: Rayon (Tessuti Fabrics).
Details: High rise, short length, front pockets.
Worn with: Spill The Tea Top (in linen)
Fabric: Rayon (Tessuti Fabrics).
Details: High rise, short length, front pockets.
Below, worn with: Sweet Talker Bubble Sleeve Top (in rayon)
Kate - Making Moves in Heavier Linen
I've used a heavier linen here & tapered the ankle (see pattern hack section in the tutorial). You can see how different this pair looks when compared to the lighter linen above & very different to the rayon pairs. Just don't go too thick with your fabric so it's not bulky at the waist.
Fabric: Linen (Med/Heavy from Johno's Fabrics).
Details: Mid rise, short length, front pockets, tapered.
Below, worn with: Chasing Butterflies Batwing Top (in sweater knit)
Kate - Making Moves in Mocha Linen... with pockets
I'm a big fan of big beautiful pockets. And linen is the perfect fabric to add the cargo pocket options in this pattern. If you want to get creative, you could add detail to the pocket itself or add a pocket flap (not included).
Fabric: Linen (160gsm from East Coast Fabrics).
Details: Mid rise +2cm, short length, all the fabulous pockets.
Below, worn with: store bought tee
Fabric: Linen (160gsm from East Coast Fabrics).
Details: Mid rise +2cm, short length, all the fabulous pockets.
Below, worn with the Lyrical Shirt in rayon.
Fabric: Linen (160gsm from East Coast Fabrics).
Details: Mid rise +2cm, short length, all the fabulous pockets.
Below, worn with Asymmetric Tee (coming soon)
Kate - Making Moves in Rayon Graphic Print
Another large graphic print. This time I remembered to remove the back seam & I even made an attempt to pattern match along the side seam as best as I could. Rayon MMs are just soooo comfortable. I think they look pretty fabulous too.
Fabric: Rayon (Spotlight).
Details: Mid rise, short length, front pockets, back leg seam removed, tapered at back only (see pattern hack in tutorial).
Below, worn with: Carefree Tee (in bamboo knit)
Fabric: Rayon (Spotlight).
Details: Mid rise, short length, front pockets, back leg seam removed, tapered at back only (see pattern hack in tutorial).
Below, worn with the Be Mine Balloon Sleeve Top in linen.
Fabric: Rayon (Spotlight).
Details: Mid rise, short length, front pockets, back leg seam removed, tapered at back only (see pattern hack in tutorial).
Below, worn with About Town Popover. Made in linen, this is style 1, cropped length with cap sleeve option.
Kate - Making Moves in Soft Summer Palm Print
My husband chose this linen fabric. I was so surprised when he chose it in the store. Whipped them up & I love them too. Fresh & summery. Now I just need to make more off-white tops to go with them.
Fabric: Linen (Johno's Fabrics, Sunshine Coast).
Details: Mid rise, short length, front pockets, tapered.
Worn with store bought tee.
Melanie - Making Moves Pants in Linen
Fabric: Linen (160gsm from East Coast Fabrics).
Details: High rise, front & back pockets, tall length.
Worn with: Vacay All Day Top
Fabric: Linen (medium weight).
Details: High rise, front & back pockets, tall length.
Worn with: Rise & Shine Top
Fabric: Linen.
Details: High rise, tall length.
Sophie
Fabric: Viscose linen.
Details: Size 10, mid rise, front + back pockets, short length tapered
Worn with: About Town Popover
"Okay but can we talk about the barrel pants trend for a second?! I’ve been obsessed… and now I finally have a PE pattern to make them." -Sophie
Sophie - Easy Everyday Pair
Fabric: Linen.
Details: Size 12, mid rise, front + back pockets, regular length
Worn with: Endless Summer Tee
"I love how the tall length gives that extra drama, while the regular length feels super casual and perfect for everyday wear" - Sophie 
Sophie - Sage Dream
Fabric: Viscose linen.
Details: Size 12, mid rise, front + back pockets, tall length.
"Seriously, this pattern just keeps delivering — every version feels a little different depending on fabric and length, and I’m having way too much fun experimenting!" -Sophie
Sophie - Animal Print Barrel Leg Pants
Fabric: Linen.
Details: Size 12, mid rise, front + back pockets, regular length tapered.
Worn with: Endless Summer Tee
Kim - Mystery Barrel Leg Pants
Fabric: Mystery brushed poly.
Details: Size 12, high rise, front + back pockets, regular length.
Worn with: Rise & Shine Top
" For this pair, I used a mystery fabric from a scrap bundle that is some kind of woven brushed poly (wish I knew what it is because I would certainly order more!), regular length, high waist, front pockets, back pockets, seamed back with double stitched seams. I paired them with a bordered eyelet Rise & Shine.." -Kim
Stacey - Cuffed Barrel Leg Pants
Fabric: Rayon.
Details: Size 10, mid rise, front pockets, short length - then turned up 6" for cropped view with sneakers.
Worn with: Vacay All Day Top
"If you're thinking barrel leg pants might not be on your radar... think again! They're so versatile for everyday casual wear. I turned my hem up and made them chic looking, or wear heels and they'll be ready for a special night out." -Stacey
Alana - Barrel Leg Pants | Fab sew, fab fit, fab instructions!
Fabric: Linen.
Details: Size 16, high rise, front pockets, tall length (I'm 174cm tall), tapered.
Worn with: About Town Popover.
" The Making Moves Pants are fabulous in all ways - a fab sew, fab fit and fab instructions. I got a perfect fit for my apple shape proportions using the multi-size waist instructions, and I am really happy with how they turned out. I wanted to get the full barrel effect, so I also used the super easy instructions to further taper the ankle. Super cute!" -Alana
Sally - Easy Breezy Barrel Leg Pants
Fabric: Linen rayon (Spotlight).
Details: Size 16, high rise, front & back pockets, regular length.
"I am admittedly a bit of a fan of the barrel leg jeans movement and so when I saw Kate was putting her own spin on this style I was so excited. These truely are just the most comfortable and easy breezy pull on pants in my wardrobe." -Sally
Fabric: Cotton gingham (Spotlight).
Details: Size 16, high rise, front & back pockets, regular length.
Worn with: Rise & Shine Top
Justine - These Barrel Leg Pants Are On High Rotation
Fabric: Linen.
Details: Size 14, high rise, no pockets, short length.
"These pants have been on high rotation, both to work and out for dinner. I have worn them with the Spill the Tea Top and also the Game On One Shoulder Top." -Justine
Sandra
Fabric: Satin.
Details: Size 10, high rise, front & back pockets, regular length.
Worn with: Rise & Shine Top
"I have been wanting to try the barrel leg trend for a long time but found commercial ones to clown like. But these with their subtle barrel are perfect. My fabric, satin, is not a recommended fabric & it was tricky to work with." -Sandra
Katie
Fabric: Linen viscose (Minerva).
Details: Size 8, high rise, front & back pockets, short length.
Worn with: The Works Tank.
"They are SO GOOD! This is a floppy linen/viscose blend, so they are very drapey, but you can choose something with more body if you want the shape to look more pronounced." -Katie
Fabric: Tencel Twill (Minerva).
Details: Size 8, mid rise, short length.
Efrat
Fabric: Viscose.
Details: Size 30 with size 22 elastic, high rise, front pockets, short length.
Worn with: Spill The Tea Blouse.
"I was hesitant about joining the barrel-legs trousers trend for a while until I saw the initial video from Kate. As usual with all Pattern Emporium patterns, comfort it expected and prioritised. The pull-on waistband and the subtle shape create a stylish yet comfortable pair of trousers that look good enough to wear to the office and feel like a secrete pyjamas. Two more pairs are planned, so this pattern sorts out my spring wardrobe." -Efrat
Steph
Fabric: Lightweight cotton.
Details: Size 16, high rise, front pockets, tall length.
"I couldn’t resist making these in a fun cows print and like the other testers have mentioned - you cannot stop at just one pair!" -Steph
Fabric: Lightweight denim.
Details: Size 16, high rise, front pockets, tall length.
"My second pair of the making moves pants, couldn’t resist making them in a lightweight denim. I frayed the bottom of the denim instead of traditional hemming. I’ll be living in these throughout the upcoming winter." -Steph
Amanda -
Fabric: Rayon (Busana Indah Bali).
Details: Size 8 (I sized down), mid rise, front & pockets, regular length.
Worn with: Bound To Be Tee.
"I love how I feel wearing these, I can be dressed up, comfortably casual or leisurely lounging. These impromptu pics were taken on our evening dog walk. I’ve got my projector L plates firmly affixed, & found the Projector format easy to use." -Amanda
Fabric: Linen viscose (Spotlight).
Details: Size 10, mid rise, front & back pockets, regular length.
Worn with: About Town Popover
"After sizing down for my first pair of Making Moves Pants, I made these classic black ones in my measured size - they’re definitely roomier without being over the top & just as comfy as my first pair." -Amanda
Beck
Fabric: Linen viscose (Spotlight).
Details: Size 12, mid rise, front & back pockets.
Worn with: About Town Popover.
"When I saw that Kate was working on this pattern I couldn't resist joining in the fun. These pants have a gentle shaping which is stylish and comfortable to wear, especially in a linen blend. I love how put together these pants look!" -Beck
Fabric: Lightweight denim (Spotlight).
Details: Size 12, mid rise, front, back & side pockets.
Worn with: All In Shirt.
"For my second pair of pants I went rogue and used a lightweight denim. Although this fabric has some drape, it is more structured than my first pair. I used a contrasting pink topstitching on these fun pants and I love how they look." -Beck
Amanda G
Fabric: Denim.
Details: Size 10, high rise, back & side pockets, short length.
"These are my fit test version and in an unsuitable stiff denim BUT I still wanted to show you all as I’ve had LOADS of compliments on them." -Amanda
Fabric: Rayon.
Details: Size 10, high rise, front pockets, short length.
" After making my denim ones I wanted to make a pair with this viscose as it has a lovely drape." -Amanda
Julieanne
Fabric: Rayon.
Details: Size 12, high rise, front pockets, tall length.
Worn with: Flawsome.
Details: Size 12, high rise, front, back & side pockets, tall length.
Worn with: Low Key Cami.
Jody
Fabric: 100% Cotton denim.
Details: Size 10, high rise, front back & side pockets, regular length.
Worn with: Low Key Cami.
"This pair is made from a not recommended fabric which is a 100% cotton denim. The fabric is extremely lightweight (6.5 oz) and very floppy so it worked better than most denims." -Jody
Fabric: Mystery fabric.
Details: Size 10), high rise, front pockets, regular length.
Worn with: Rise & Shine.
"I longed to try the barrel leg pants trend and I think with Kate's expert pattern making she has made a pattern that is very flattering on lots of various body shapes. I have a hip dip and my thighs are my biggest area and so that gave me pause about trying the barrel leg trend, but I think the Making Moves pattern works really well with my shape and I'm excited about making more." -Jody
Sherree
Fabric: Cupro Linen Tencel (Maai Design).
Details: Size 10, high rise, front pockets, regular length, tapered.
Worn with: Hugs & Kisses Cami.
"I’m loving seeing everyone’s Making Moves Pants. They are super comfortable, yet effortlessly elegant." -Sherree
Genevieve
Fabric: Twill.
Details: Size 14, high rise, front & back pockets, tall length.
Worn with: Be You Tee.
"My fabric some kind of soft twill from my stash. They look so stylish and are super comfortable to wear." -Genevieve
Fabric: Twill.
Details: Size 14, high rise, front & back pockets, tall length.
Worn with: Starstruck Top.
"My second Making Moves Pants are made with some kind of drapey heavey woven fabric from my stash. They will be perfect for spring in the UK." -Genevieve
Elise
Fabric: Cotton drill (Spotlight).
Details: Size 12, high rise, front, back & side pockets, regular length.
"My favourite aspect is that the pattern is so versatility. Change of fabric base and addition of pockets can create a completely different vibe. I wanted a funky vibe so I have used contrasting colour blocking." -Elise
Fabric: Cotton drill (Spotlight).
Details: Size 12, high rise, front & back & side pockets, regular length.
Sarajane
Fabric: Linen.
Details: Size 16, high rise, front & back pockets, short length.
Fabric: Rayon linen blend.
Details: Size 16, high rise, front & back pockets, short length.
Cindy
Fabric: Linen blend.
Details: Size 12, mid rise, front & back pockets, tall length.
"I will admit, I was a little hesitant when I saw these were barrel leg pants but I am so glad I gave them a try because these are the most comfortable pull on pants in my wardrobe and look so polished. " -Cindy
Elda
Fabric: Bubble crepe.
Details: Size 18, high rise, front pockets, regular length.
Worn with: Bound To Be Tee.
"I desperately needed to have a pair of pants that FIT and that made me feel like I was still in STYLE. These pants delivered on ALL FRONTS and now I get a cute pair of pants I can wear chasing after my toddler." -Elda
Alison
Fabric: Linen look viscose.
Details: Size 18, high rise, front & back pockets, short length (minus 12cm).
"These are made in a very comfy linen-look viscose but I shortened them quite considerably as I prefer an ankle length trouser. Although it’s still a little cold here in the uk to wear these right now I think I’ll live in them this summer!" -Alison
Rachel
Fabric: Rayon linen blend.
Details: Size 12, mid rise, front pockets, short length.
Worn with: The Works Tank.
"I'm planning to make excellent use of these this summer. They're flowy and comfortable, but thanks to the curved shaping seams, you still look put together." -Rachel
Fabric: Tencel twill.
Details: Size 10, mid rise, front pockets, short length.
"After making the brown linen/rayon ones, I knew I wanted some sleeker ones for work. These tencel twill ones are just that -- secret pajamas that look polished! I topstitched all the seams and I think it adds to the tailored professional look. Definitely looking forward to comfortably running between meetings in these!" -Rachel
Fabric really is everything with this pattern.
A little structure or lots of drape—it completely changes the look, while that subtle barrel shape keeps them wearable every time.
And if you want a little more shape, don’t forget you can always taper the ankle just a touch.
Happy sewing!
Kate x
