10 Free Elastic Waist Pants Patterns that are beginner friendly
Elastic waist pants are a great sewing project for beginners as they don’t include any closures or zipper lies, and the fit is simple to get right. Today I’m rounding up 10 free elastic waist pants patterns from the internet to help you sew a pair of pants on a budget. These are available as PDF downloads and come in a variety of styles including culottes, barrel leg pants, wide leg pants and more. This means that you’ll likely find a suitable for all seasons.
I’m dividing this round up into two parts. The first being regular-length pull-on elastic waist pant patterns and the other being culotte patterns. Let’s jump right in!
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Free pull-on pants patterns with an elastic waist
These free patterns vary in silhouette from wide-leg and barrel-leg to tapered pants. These are all regular length pants.
Wide-leg pull-on pants by Unfettered Patterns
This is a free wide-leg pull-on pants pattern with an elastic casing waistband and front pockets. The pattern is totally free (no sign ups required) but the instructions are provided separately at a small fee. So if you’re a confident beginner, these are a good option for pants.
Download the Unfettered UP1052 Wide-Leg Pull-On Pants pattern → This pattern is available in 7 sizes with the following measurements range: Waist 25 1/2–34 1/2 in; Hip 36 1/2–45 1/2 in.
Trousers Pattern #5236 by Lekala
Lekala offers a parametric pattern library with some nice free patterns. #5236 is with a large free section. Pattern #5236 is a women’s trouser with an elastic waistband. It’s quite unique as it has no side seams and therefore no pockets, but it’s incredibly easy to sew. I myself have made a pair before and enjoyed the process. These pants taper at the in seam and the side seam, but can be modified if you want a more straight fit.
Download Lekala Pattern #5236 → This is a parametric pattern. Put in your measurements, place your order and checkout. Your pattern will be ready in a few minutes.
Women’s trousers with an elastic waistband by Korfiati
These are a very simple straight leg pants pattern with no pockets and no extra waistband pieces. The casing is created by folding over the top of the pants. These pants would work well with knits and wovens. I you are using a knit fabric, make sure it’s more on the stable side.
Download the Korfiati Elastic Waistband Trousers pattern → This pattern comes in 7 sizes, EU 36–44.
Hattie elastic waist lounge pants by Tiana’s Closet
The Hattie is a pant pattern with a relaxed fit and a simple elastic casing waistband. It is designed for knit fabrics like jersey and french terry, making it perfect for lounging. The pattern and sewing instructions are available on the blog post below.
Download the Hattie Lounge Pants pattern from Tiana’s Closet →. This pattern is available in 10 sizes with the following measurements range: Waist 23.6–40.2 in; Hip 36.4–51.2 in.
Barrel-leg pants by Unfettered Patterns
Barrel pants have become quite popular but you’ll find that most patterns have a fitted waistband with a yoke and other more complex features. This is a free barrel leg pattern with an elasticated waist and pockets. The front and back pieces are broken up into two pieces so that you end up with seams at the front and back that you can topstitch.
Download the Unfettered UP1062 Barrel Leg Pants pattern → This pattern is available in 7 sizes with the following measurements range: Waist 25 1/2–34 1/2 in; Hip 36 1/2–45 1/2 in.
The Linda pants by Mood Fabrics
This is a very special pattern as it was designed with comfort in mind for those with endometriosis. It tapers at the bottom and has extra room in the belly area for maximum comfort. The elastic casing is created by folding the pants downwards. The Linda pants also have front pockets.
Download the Linda Adaptive Pants pattern from Mood Fabrics → This pattern is available in 18 sizes with the following measurements range: Waist 23–51.5 in; Hip 34–63.5 in.
Wide leg pants free pattern by Life Sew Savory
Life Sew Savory’s free wide leg pants pattern is wearable, everyday silhouette. I think it’s quite versatile and can go from casual to smart casual depending on the fabric you use. These pants have pockets in the front and back which is always a plus.
Download the Life Sew Savory Wide Leg Pants pattern → This pattern is available in 8 sizes with the following measurements range: Waist 24–54 in; Hip 33–55 in.
If you would like some free top patterns to go along with these pants check out my free t-shirt patterns round up and free blouse patterns list.
Free Elastic Waist Culottes Sewing Patterns
Culottes are wide-leg trousers that typically hit somewhere between the knee and mid-calf. They’re one of the most beginner-friendly styles to sew and don’t use as much fabric as full length pants, although they to tend to be quite wide All three patterns below include an elastic waist.
Easy wide leg pants culottes by Sparrow Refashion
These are a wide leg culotte with front pockets. Sparrow refashion writes easy and detailed sewing tutorials so I know this is a beginner friendly sewing project. The pattern is available as a free PDF download directly from the Sparrow Refashion blog, where the instructions can be found as well.
Download the Sparrow Refashion Wide Leg Culottes pattern → This pattern is available in 8 sizes with the following measurements range: Waist 25–45 in; Hip 34–54 in.
Rachel elastic waist culottes by Tiana’s Closet
The Rachel culottes feature an elastic waistband and in-seam pockets. You can experiment with different types of fabric to take your culottes from casual to more formal. Instructions and the free pattern are offered on the blog post below.
Download the Rachel Elastic Waist Culottes pattern from Tiana’s Closet → This pattern is available in 10 sizes with the following measurements range: Waist 23.6–40.2 in; Hip 36.4–51.2 in.
All day culottes by Matchy Matchy Sewing Club
The All Day Culottes from Matchy Matchy Sewing Club feature a comfy elastic waistband, a wide-leg silhouette and side pockets. I love that in the accompanying images they show ways to modify the culotte and make it more fancy , for example, by adding pintucks. Sign up to the club below to receive the free pattern.
Download the All Day Culottes pattern from Matchy Matchy Sewing Club → This pattern is available in 11 sizes with the following measurements range: Waist 24–57 in; Hip 34–67 in.
Elastic waist pants are a great beginner sewing project. I hope you’ll find a TNT pattern from this list. It honestly boils down to the kind of silhouette that you prefer as construction across the patterns varies only sightly. Check out my mega free pattern’s list where you can find all sorts from dresses to tops.
Happy sewing!
