Wide-Legged Side Slit Pants with Tie Belt | Burda Style 6199

I made some cute DIY side slit pants with a tie belt. These are so comfy to wear, plus I like the wide-legged style. 

When I walk, they sway, and it almost feels like I’m wearing shorts. They show a lot of leg and are fun on a breezy day.

I’ll tell you about the pattern I used, along with the materials, my process, and photos. You might want to make a pair for yourself!

Burda Style 6199 Pants Pattern

While hunting for cute pants to make, I bought Burda 6199 sewing pattern. There are different variations in the envelope.

Besides making pants with long slits, you can make shorts and pants with a ruffle. I plan to make the shorts in the future—so cute!

All have elastic waistbands, and the tie belt is optional.

The pattern is labeled super easy to sew. I think this would be great for an advanced beginner, as long as you know how to put elastic in a casing. 

Materials

Here are all the things I used to make these pants. Luckily, I had a whole lot of this fabric.

Fabric

I made my pants in cotton chambray, which drapes okay. The color is a dark blue, or indigo.

I got it from Joann, and I’ve found chambrays from other stores with a more flowy drape. They would have been nice to use.

Now I love the way it feels and how it’s so breathable. I don’t like how it wrinkles so easily.

You’ll definitely want to stay away from the more stiffer materials.

Suggested fabrics include viscose, rayon, crepe, lightweight cottons, and silk.

Notions

You’ll need 1-inch or 1-7/8 inch (1.875-inch) elastic, depending on the variation. I used 1-1/4 inch (1.25-inch) wide knit elastic for the waistband.

Needle

The chambray was lightweight, as far as bottomweight fabrics go. I used a size 80/12 universal needle. 

Thread

For my sewing machine, I used matching Gutermann universal thread made of polyester.

I used Maxi-Lock serger spun thread for overlocking, and it’s made of 100% polyester.

Sewing My Pants

Making these pants was pretty straightforward. The directions were easy to follow.

Prepping

I didn’t have to do any prepping out of the ordinary with the fabric. But when it came to the fitting, that’s what took time. 

You’ll want to fit pants and all other clothes. But, pants and shorts might need extra attention.

You’re dealing the the waist and hip width. Then there’s the length of the crotch.

I made a mockup, and for whatever reason, I couldn’t get it to fit right at first. I thought I had cut the wrong size.

Then I thought it was the muslin. But I went up some sizes and they worked. 

This was strange because I thought they’d fit like other Big 4 patterns. I have some Burda patterns, but I don’t use them often.

When I finally got the right fit, I lengthened the crotch. This is my usual adjustment for pants, but these took me a while to get the fit right.

Construction

The pictures were really easy to follow on this sewing pattern. There aren’t many pieces, and it’s not difficult to sew.

The first thing I did was to sew the inseam pockets. Then I worked on the side seams to the slits.

The slits took a little time but were not difficult. Make sure you have marked where your they begin. 

I sewed up the outside side seams from the waist to the marks and finished them.

From that point, you’ll leave the seam open to the bottom of the pant leg. I double-folded the seam allowance and ironed it to create the slit.

Then I topstitched it in place, making a nice, neat finish.

I also made a tie belt for my pants. You’ll need to add carriers to hold it in place. I think the pants would look good with a long beaded belt too.

Adjustments

The pants have a midrise, as shown on the models. I didn’t make any adjustments except for fitting the crotch.

I like the wide-leg pants, so I won’t change that. But I might experiment with making them wider or bell out some on the bottom. It’s just an idea for a future make.

Also, I made a small ruffle waist hack to keep the elastic in place, and to add a little detail. I’m still trying to decide if I like it.

Project Notes

If you don’t like the long slits, you can always adjust the length. Just make them lower on the leg. 

I’d make a mockup and play around with it. Baste the side seams so you can easily adjust the slits and see what you prefer.

These pants are nice for summer. Using a silky or flowy fabric with a nice drape will give a nice flow when walking.

I’ll use a more silky fabric the next time I make these. Although I lovechambray, I don’t like the wrinkles after sitting.

Simplicity S8337 Top Pattern

I made my knit top using Simplicity S8337. Cutouts were all the rage when I bought this sewing pattern.

They’re still in, but in different ways. Regardless, it’s fun to wear, plus I made it!

The top wasn’t as easy to make as the pants, though. I used a black cotton knit fabric.

I had to make bindings around the cutouts. That was time-consuming!

Final Thoughts

I like wearing my pants, and they make the day feel fun. Instead of wearing a skirt, these come in as a nice substitute. 

They’re great for transitioning seasons, such as going from summer to fall weather. I’ll have to think of what other colors I might make them in.

More Sewing Projects

I have more related blog posts that might interest you. You’ll want to check them out.

• Take a look at my paper bag pants, which came out nicely.

• What about making a maxi skirt with a slit that I made into a nautical look? 

• I made a button-up dress with chambray, the same fabric I used for these pants.

 I’d love to hear about your sewing journey!

Originally published: January 20, 2025