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Crux hiking and climbing pants

New Crux pattern
No line drawing (yet)

Designer Notes​

I’ve been wanting to make pants that I can use while hiking or climbing. Because all the other pants I wear I make myself. Just for some reason, I have not made this type of pants. And it’s been bothering me that I still have to go to the store to buy them.

I used cornelius as a base, and then quickly started to tweak to something that works well for the new task. Since I have quite some hiking pants, and have seen numerous ones being offered, I tried to incorporate some of the features I see in commerical ones.

There are different pocket options, the ability to have the pockes be on the inside or outside, cargo or patch, etc.

An option to make articulated knees is included, as are different hem and waistband options.

These work well with medium/light bottomweight woven fabric with a slight stretch along the weft. But you can make them with any fabric option you prefer.

Wouter

What You Need​

To make Crux, you will need the following:

  • Basic sewing supplies
  • About 1.5 metres (1.6 yards) of a suitable fabric (see Fabric options)
  • A zip for the fly
  • 1 Button for waistband
  • Ribknit (if you chose those options)
  • Elastic (if you chose those options)

Fabric Options​

Main Fabric​

Any bottom (trouser) weight material will work fine for this pattern. Generally you want to avoid anything that is over 7oz (230gsm) as this will more likely be too stiff and uncomfortable. You want something that provides a bit of warmth whilst still being able to drape. Medium Weight Suiting fabrics work well. If the fabric has a slight stretch along the weft (‘horizontal’), that would be even better.

Interfacing​

This pattern requires the waistband to be interfaced when using the standard waistband option. We recommend using a Hair Cloth for the interfacing, you can either use fusible or non-fusible which ever you prefer. If you do not have access to hair cloth you can use any medium to firm interfacing you deem appropriate for waistbands.

tip

If your main fabric is quite light, you may need to interface the zipper guard with a light weight interfacing.

note

The sewing instructions include some hints on making a waistband with a hidden belt like some commercial hiking pants have.

Elastic or Ribknit​

When you select the elastic for the waistband, the pattern generates slightly more room in the back. Make sure you select an elastic width that fits in the waistband, or adjust the waistband width to accommodate your chosen elastic. The length is determined by your preference for how snug you want this to be.

Ribknit comes in different widths and stretch. You want to make sure that the length of the ribknit works with the amount of stretch it handles. This is both for the waistband and the hem.

Both the length of the ribknit and elastic are best found by pinning it in place and trying the almost-finished garment on.

Cutting Instructions​

Materials​

  • Main fabric
    • Cut 2 back parts
    • Cut 2 front parts
    • Cut 2 back pocket parts
    • Cut 2 front pocket parts
    • Cut 2 back pocket facing parts
    • Cut 2 front pocket facing parts
    • Cut 1 waistband parts on the fold
    • Cut 1 gusset part
    • Cut 1 zipper guard part on the fold
  • Interfacing (optional)
    • Cut 1 waistband part on the fold (use a reduced width)

Design Options​

See the Design Options subpage.

Sewing Instructions​

See the Sewing Instructions subpage.