freesewing/sites/org/docs/docs/designs/charlie/readme.mdx

---
title: "Charlie: FreeSewing's Charlie Chinos"
sidebar_label: Charlie Chinos
---

import { DocusaurusDoc } from '@freesewing/react/components/Docusaurus'
import { DesignInfo } from '@freesewing/react/components/Collection'
import Notes from '@site/docs/docs/designs/charlie/_notes.mdx'

<DocusaurusDoc>
  <DesignInfo design="charlie" noDocsLink />
</DocusaurusDoc>

## Designer Notes {#notes}

<Notes />

## What You Need {#needs}

To make Charlie, you will need the following:

- Basic sewing supplies
- About 1.5 meters (1.7 yards) of a suitable fabric (see [Fabric
  Options](#fabric))
- About 30 centimeters (12 inches) of lining fabric (used for pocket bags)
- Fusible interfacing for the back pockets
- A zipper and button for the fly

## Fabric Options {#fabric}

The obvious choice for Charlie chinos, is [chino
fabric](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chino_cloth), which is a cotton twill
fabric. These days it's often sold as a blend to a little bit of stretch,
which is optional.

But you have a lot of options here, and your choice of fabric will influence
what sort of style these project.

Go for **wool** for the most classic look. Check the suiting section of your
fabric store for options. If this is your first pair, some wool-poly blend is
most likely going to be more budget-friendly. But don't let price alone guide
you, buying some cheap whimsical fabric is the best way to come up with a
shitty looking pair of trousers, and get frustrated in the process.

For **cotton**, go for a heavier weight. Cotton might also be a bit easier on
the beginner than wool. If unsure what to use, ask for chino in the fabric
store and simply pick a
colour you like.

Nothing beats **linen** on a hot summer day. It's fun to work with too, but it
does wrinkle like a mofo, and even the most neatly made trousers look somewhat
messy when made in linen. What I'm saying is, maybe not for your first pair.

## Cutting Instructions {#cutting}

##### From main fabric

- Part **1**: **2 x** _with good sides together_.
- Part **2**: **2 x** _with good sides together_.
- Part **4**: **4 x**
- Part **6**: **2 x**
- Part **8**: **4 x** (2 pairs _with good sides together_)
- Part **9**: **1 x**
- Part **10**: **1 x** on the fold
- Part **11**: **1 x** if making a straight waistband
- Part **11**: **2 x** _with good sides together_ if making a curved waistband
- Part **12**: **1 x**

##### From lining (or any material suitable for pocket bags)

- Part **5**: **2 x**
- Part **7**: **2 x**

##### From fusible interfacing

- Part **3**: **2 x**

:::tip A dash of color perhaps?
You can cut part 4 from a different color for a little contrasting detail at
the back pockets
:::