January 26, 2015

Finally getting comfy: my True Bias Hudson pants


I’m firmly a sewist of the “cake” variety, preferring to make everyday wearable garments over fancy frocks, but recently I noticed a lack of super-comfy outfits to wear when it’s minus 20 outside.
So what could I make but some True Bias Hudson pants? (Also known in my home town as “trakkie bums”)
TrueBias Hudson pants plus size
When the Hudsons first came out I thought they were super cool – but not for me. Partly because I wasn’t sure I could carry off the style, and also because the largest waist size was 38.5″, which is a little small for me. But after seeing so many folks showing off their ridiculously comfortable pants, and my experience that the Ginger size 18s were fine, I decided to take the plunge. And how happy I am!
TrueBias Hudson pants plus size
They fit well with no alterations- in fact, the waist is a little roomy, surprisingly, so I may end up taking in the elastic. I used this absolutely amazing 4-way stretch rayon blend ponte from EmmaOneSock – it’s still in stock in a number of colours and I really can’t recommend it highly enough – it’s soft, drapey with a great heft, and is perfect for this pattern. In fact I just bought another 10 yards for my stash to make sure I always have it on hand.
I finished the pockets with scraps of a gorgeous Vera Wang silk jersey (also from EOS) that I’ve been hoarding for over a year, and also used it to create the “tie” on the front.
TrueBias Hudson pants plus size
I made these shortly before it got ridiculously cold and I got mildly ill, so I can officially report that these are the perfect pants in which to spend a day on the sofa. And, stylish enough not to feel ashamed when you leave the house.
TrueBias Hudson pants plus size

Are you on the Hudson bandwagon yet, dear readers? Are you finding it hard to wear proper trousers now? I fear now I’ve tried them I’ll never go back.

38 thoughts on “Finally getting comfy: my True Bias Hudson pants

  1. Mette B says:

    These are so cool! Looks really good on you!

  2. Kate McIvor says:

    Love these! Did you have to make any alterations (besides taking in the waist)?

    1. Jenny says:

      No! Straight 18 from the packet.

  3. dicca85 says:

    You are rocking in these! Did you make any adjustments or straight from the package?

    1. Jenny says:

      No adjustments, for once! My hips fit the size 18 and the whole thing is stretchy so the waist was fine (even loose).

  4. Nathalie says:

    Yours look really nice, love the accent. I have made a gray pair with purple accents. And I wear them all the time, so comfy!

    1. Jenny says:

      Ooh they sound lovely! I’m totally going to make another 5 pairs. We have an upcoming snowstorm, so that could be the perfect opportunity!

  5. Andie L. says:

    Those looks incredible and incredibly comfy. I’ve had the pattern for a while now, but have been hesitant to make it, but I am glad it fits well. 🙂 Thanks!

    1. Jenny says:

      Oh, you should do it! Seriously once you put them on it’ll be a struggle to take them off

  6. Katie says:

    Oooh, I like the all-black ensemble and the silk jersey touches. You made trakkie bums chic, dammit. I’ve got some ponte ones with a kind of flocked velour print (not as vile as it sounds, and SO COSY) and want more more more.

    1. Jenny says:

      Ooooh flocked velour. Let’s face it, if you’re going to use that for anything, chic tracksuit bottoms are the way forward!

  7. These look so chic and comfy, J! Those little touches of silk jersey really send these over the top. Love, love, love them!

    1. Jenny says:

      Thanks, Mary! I highly recommend whipping some up for home

  8. These look great and i love the silk pocket accents! I have the pattern all cut out and ready to go but want to make them up in wovens so I’m mustering up the courage to cut into my fabric!!

    1. Jenny says:

      Ooh doing it in a woven would definitely be more tricky but I’ve seen other folks do it, so it’s definitely possible! did you already muslin it in something cheap?

  9. puu says:

    i love that you saved the great silk jersey for the pockets. great touch!

  10. Sophie-Lee says:

    I can attest to the ridiculous comfort of super-stretchy track pants (or “trackie-dackies” here) – I have the Anima pants (by Papercut) in a merino ponte and, ignoring the fact that my husband put them through the dryer and they shrunk a bit, they are SO comfortable.

    I love the silk accent on yours – so fancy ^_^

    1. Jenny says:

      Papercut don’t fit me alas, but I’m sure they just as comfy.

      And yes, I’m SO FANCY. Word.

  11. Katie says:

    These fit you so well – and they have perfect accents! You’ve definitely made them outside-the-house appropriate! I’ve made a few pairs, but always in some weird knit (or some overly “pajama” type knit) – so I need a pair in basic black like these for venturing out!

    1. Jenny says:

      I definitely recommend this ponte from EOS – so easy to work with and so comfortable.

  12. I haven’t sewn any lounge wear yet, but I have the anima pants pattern that is similar to the Hudson pants waiting for me to find the motivation to sew. I bought it on impulse when it was released and haven’t looked at it since.

    These look splendidly cozy! And, I really love the fun pocket detail. Very nice touch!

    1. Jenny says:

      Thanks! I’ve heard good things about the anima pant – look forward to seeing how they come out

  13. BeaJay says:

    They do look warm and comfy and very stylish too.

    1. Jenny says:

      They are indeed!

  14. They do look very swish. I simply adore my rayon ponte jacquard fan silver and black pair. They have taken me from the couch to camping to shopping to drinks – all accompanied by the husband calling them my crazy pants. It’s all about the fabric choice I believe!

    1. Jenny says:

      Oooh that sounds so glamourous! And people calling you crazy in that context is probably a good thing 🙂

  15. Ooh, lovely!

    The Hudson is next on my list. It’ll have to wait until next week. I need to make a top and a skirt for a wedding in a week.

    1. Jenny says:

      Good luck! Hopefully all this snow provides a good opportunity to sew.

  16. lisa g. says:

    I’ve wanted a pair of Hudsons in black, they just look so chic in that color! Genius move to make the tie out of your contrast fabric, btw.

    1. Jenny says:

      Thanks, Lisa! Yes I realized I didn’t have a cord for a tie and was annoyed until I realized I could just make one myself

  17. I love how even your kicking-around-the-house clothes look super fashionable and fancy!

    1. Jenny says:

      Always Be Fancy!

  18. Ali says:

    I started cutting the fabric out (a stretch terry) before I read the directions and saw a 4″ square was supposed to stretch to 7, and mine only stretches to 6! Just working on the pockets today – they will probably be unwearable but I’ll try again with some stretchier stuff, those look so great!

    1. Jenny says:

      Actually I doubt that’ll be a problem – mine don’t really stretch apart from when I’m moving around, so I reckon you’ll be Ok. I didn’t even test my stretch!

  19. Ah, Jenny, these are fantastic! I’ve been itching to buy the pattern, so that I can have something comfortable to wear around the house with my Linden sweatshirts and still look OK. You’ve convinced me.

  20. darlene says:

    you look awesome in the hudson pants, made me purchase the pattern, also … now, what top pattern is that? i love it … and you look great in it … thanks … darlene

Let me know what you think!