---
title: "Charlie: FreeSewing's Charlie Chinos"
sidebar_label: Charlie Chinos
---
<DesignInfo design="charlie" />
## Designer Notes {#notes}
I don't think I have ever had a design where I knew what I was going to name
it long before sitting down to actually create it.
Charlie Chinos was just too good to not make happen.
It took a while because it took a long time before
[Titan](https://freesewing.org/designs/titan) was in a state where I was happy
with it. Trousers are hard. Trouser blocks double so.
This is for the most part a rather straight-forward chino pattern, but it has
one twist: The front packets are placed on the side seam. That side seam wraps
around towards the front to give the slanted pocket look.
It's a bit of unusual and creative design that I guess I did because I can?
Anyway, it's something to be mindful of because if you do not expect it the
front panels look a bit weird.
joost
## 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
:::
