Kudzu Cargos - A Pattern by Charming Doodle for Willow & Co

Kudzu Cargos - A Pattern by Charming Doodle for Willow & Co

• Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Hi friends!! Welcome to another Glamping Day!

Today I'm sharing my thoughts on the Kudzu Cargos, a pattern designed by Charming Doodle for Willow & Co. It is a unisex pattern that can be made in pants or shorts length, skinny or straight version and LOADS of colorblocking, decorative seaming, and pockets options. When I say LOADS, I mean loads!

I chose to make the straight version with the diagonal seam in the front and the back pockets, also with the diagonal seam to mimic the front. This was my first time using a topstitching needle and wow, I am hooked! I am so thrilled with how these shorts turned out.
Also, I didn't have topstitching thread so I simply double threaded the needle and voila! Topstitching with oomph! I also used my backup machine for the inside construction then used my better machine for the topstitching since I knew I could rely on it for the most even stitches for the topstitching. This made for MUCH faster construction since I wasn't constantly switching and re-threading needles (That's a lot of stitch talk!)

And can we talk about comfort!? The pattern is designed with a rib knit waistband for easy pull on/off and it's soooo comfy for kids! And seriously, not only is it comfy it just looks cool.

The pattern also includes instructions for adding elastic to the knit waistband if needed for a better fit. (How cool is that!?) The ribbing I used however is very thick and strong and there was no need for the elastic this time, but I love the size customization that offers.

I sewed a size 4 with about an inch more length, but shortened the ribbing a bit for my skinny little man. The waistband fit is PERFECTION.

Here's where I tell you my secret mistake. The pattern is designed for woven fabrics with s-t-r-e-t-c-h. Before I cut into the fabric I checked for stretchiness and thought it would have enough, it is a turquoise mid weight twill from Joann and I couldn't remember the exact fabric content. Turns out it has veeery little stretch. Not nearly enough for this pattern! So here's the solution. You CAN make this pattern in a non-stretch woven, IF you add 4 cm ease! I did not do this YET. For this pair, I simply let out all the seams as much as possible (which gave me 2 cm) and while they fit, they JUST fit. He certainly will not be able to wear them for any long period of time. I love them SO much and I have enough of this fabric for one more pair, I'll be making him a pair with comfortable ease just as soon as I can squeeze it in! These shorts are such a huge piece to this collection, I can't let him not have a pair for the long haul. :)

So my overall summary of this pattern is: LOVE IT. You really do need it. It works GREAT for both boys and girls! Here is an absolutely adorable version that happens to be my fave I've seen so far and I'll be copying for my little girl as well :)

Just be sure to check the size chart and measure your child CAREFULLY and make sure your fabric has the amount of stretch recommended! Just speaking from experience here...

Off into the sunset!

Thanks for visiting with us today, come back tomorrow for more Glamping Fun!

Outfit Details:

Shorts: Kudzu Cargos - a Willow & Co Pattern

Size Sewn: 4

Changes made: Added 1 inch to the length, adjusted waistband to fit, used a non-stretch twill (add 4 cm ease!)

Fabric: Medium weight twill from Joann Stores

Shirt: Made by me - to be blogged soon!