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DIY Linen Smock ~ Refashioned Pants

Are you ready for some fun? It’s the last Tuesday of the month which means it’s Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION time. I am always excited to share with you my latest refashion project. Today, I am taking this brand-new pair of linen pants and turning them into a DIY linen smock.

Linen Pants Before Refashion by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Aren’t they beautiful? I am definitely a sucker for anything linen. So, of course, when I was passing by the rack of clothes at the thrift store, I totally did a rubber-necker when I saw them. I gasped, went back, and grabbed them in excitement. SCORE! Yes, I did a happy dance. Can you blame me?

About 5 years ago I had very little funds but wanted to make something special for my little sister. I was given a bag of ladies’ clothes and found a pair of black linen pants that were brand new. I couldn’t believe my eyes because these were perfect for a smock I had in mind. Here is my efforts in finished form on myself 5 years ago.

DIY Black Linen Smock from Refashioned Pants by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Black Linen Smock Back by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

My goal today is show you what I did with the aqua pair I found in simple terms because I am making this to fit myself. However, you can totally adapt this to suit yourself with minor adjustments.

DIY TIME

Before I start tearing into these linen pants, I wanted to first go over what tools I’m using.

TOOLS & SUPPLIES :
  • sewing machine
  • serger (optional, but awesome to have)
  • coordinating thread
  • sewing scissors
  • seam ripper
  • measuring tape
  • cutting mat/rotary cutter (optional, but so handy)
  • clothing iron
  • button (or other closure)

STEP 1

First, I want to mention that the pair I’m cutting is a size 10, which I could actually wear. However, the pair I used for my sister was a size 16. That difference effects the amount of fabric available.

I start by cutting the pants apart starting at the leg inside cuff, cut up the leg, the butt, and through the back seam. That opens up the one leg, and then I do the same to the other leg while also removing the serged seams. Also, I removed (and save!) the zipper and buttons for another purpose.

Removing Button from Linen Pants | prodigalpieces.com

STEP 2

Then, I lay out one of my pieces on my cutting mat. Now, to understand a few things, I am making this to fit me. So, I am measuring straps, skirt, and halter to suit me. You would make measurements where you wanted pieces to fall on your body. For instance, I am making 19″ straps (½” seam allowance for all my cuts. Also, my apron has a 18″ fall (from halter to…?), so I cut 19″, again, allowing for seam allowance.

Cutting Smock Skirt from Upcycled Linen Pants | prodigalpieces.com

The bottom part of the leg will form my skirt (bonus it’s already hemmed). I cut both legs the same. Because the leg is slightly tapered, I use my rotary cutter to square up the sides. However, if you want a gathered edge, you can leave the taper for your benefit.

Squaring Linen Fabric for DIY Linen Smock | prodigalpieces.com

Video Tutorial for DIY Child's Apron from a Refashioned Skirt by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

STEP 3

Next, I begin cutting the top part of the leg into two pieces.

Cutting Shoulder Straps for DIY Linen Smock by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

My shoulder straps and my halter straps (I need two pieces sewn together to go around my bust) will come from this piece. This makes for four pieces cut. I did end up cutting the halter pieces as long as I could to allow me to adjust for a button closure during a fitting.

Straps and Halter Cut for DIY Linen Smock by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Using the linen setting on my iron, I press the edges in ½”. Then, I press the pieces in half.

Ironed Straps and Halter for DIY Linen Apron | prodigalpieces.com

I leave the one end of each of the halter pieces open. However, the end result should look like this on both ends of the straps.

Linen Strap Folded and Pressed | prodigalpieces.com

I also press the edges of the skirt folding twice at ½” intervals for a clean edge. Remember, the cuff of the leg is already hemmed for the bottom of the skirt.

STEP 4

Last, it’s time to assemble. I begin by using my serger to serge the skirt of my DIY linen smock. These machines are the BOMB. It is amazing what you can do with them. If you’ve ever debated on purchasing one, I can say that I use mine all the time.

Serging DIY Linen Smock from Upcycled Pants by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Here is my smock laid out and ready to be fit to suit me. Notice I have yet to sew down the edges. First, I sew down the ironed edges and then have my daughter help me do the fitting.

Rough Smock Layout by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

After a fitting I add my button using the button foot and settings on my sewing machine. Likewise, you can use a zig-zag stitch to do the same and then use your seam ripper to open it.

Button Hole Foot for Sewing Machine | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #sewing

THE REVEAL

After an hour of cutting and assembling, my DIY linen smock from refashioned thrift store pants is done. woot! (say that five times fast…haha)

Larissa of Prodigal Pieces in her DIY Linen Smock from Refashioned Pants | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #refashion #sewing #fashion #women #style #farmhouse

Handmade Linen Smock from Refashioned Pants by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #sewing #refashion #women #style #clothing #handmade

You can see that I pieced together a pocket on the one side. I don’t know about you, but I LOVE pockets. My smock is perfect for everyday fashion, gardening, painting, cooking…you get the idea. What would you make one for?

Aqua Blue Handmade Linen Smock from Refashioned Pants by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #sewing #refashion #fashion #style #women

Closeup of DIY Linen Smock from Refashioned Pants by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #sewing #refashion #fashion #handmade #linen

Handmade Linen Smock Back with Button Closure by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #sewing #fashion #diy #women

Notice the button is from the last refashion post where I use thrift store curtains to make a holiday wreath.

Larissa of Prodigal Pieces with Queen Anne's Lace Flower | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #farmhouse #flowers #natural #fashion

This simple gal loves comfortable clothing and simple living. My heart is in the country, and hopefully one day soon I can get back to it.

DIY Linen Smock refashioned by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #handmade #fashion #sewing #upcycled

Are you inspired? I hope so because that’s what I’m all about. It’s fun to think outside the clothes and accessories to create something useful for ourselves and our family.

Also, do pin and share my DIY linen smock to get others interested in seeing their clothing and accessories in a different light.

A thrifted pair of pants gets refashioned into a DIY Linen Smock by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | Head to prodigalpieces.com to see the steps | #prodigalpieces #diy #refashion #clothing #style #women #linen #handmade #farmhouse

Up next, I’ll be sharing what I did with this cart pulled off the curb for me. See the after HERE.

White Vintage Cart Before Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Before you go, tTo get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!

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In addition, more refashion projects like my DIY linen smock:

Absolutely adorable refashioned tea towel bag by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces for Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION fun | See more at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #refashion #fashion #bag #handmade #style #ladiesYou can sew this adorable DIY Child's Apron too! Full video tutorial presented by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces for Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #sewing #handmade #fashion #home #kids #diy #tutorial

 

Comments

  1. Rebecca - NC says

    Adorable!!!! I’ve seen similar smocks, but non as cute as this. Perfect for your eventual move to the country. ?

    • Larissa says

      Thanks so much. I just love how versatile they are for chores or cozy fashion.

  2. Doreen says

    I’ll never look at a pair of linen pants the same! I love this and the smock turned out so good!!

    • Larissa says

      That’s the spirit, Doreen! 😀 You are so fun. Thanks!!

  3. paula says

    That color looks great on you! (And you look great in the country/barn settings; you’ll get back there, i know it.) What a useful piece to make out of great fabric. I’ve saved one of my fav linen pants, that has a stain on the front, to make into something, someday; may have to give this a try. And I’ve seen how you have “refashioned” stains and holes so may come up with something unique. Definitely pockets!!! Thanks for sharing your creative mind!

    • Larissa says

      It’s one of my favorite colors. Thanks, Paula! You are definitely a kindred spirit. Save all the linen! 😀

  4. Mary Loveland says

    Have to agree, that color looks great on you! You know what would be helpful though is to lay down the pants and make arrows that say what that section will be. It helps a non-sewer envision “what is to be”. Great post.

    • Larissa says

      Love me some aqua! I did lay the pants down and show the cuts plus also describe it in text, so not sure what else I could do because each one would be to suit a different person. Thanks tho! 😀

  5. M. Constance Colvin says

    Larissa you ROCK!!!

    • Larissa says

      Aww…you just made my whole week! 😀 Thank you for the smile.

  6. Mary says

    My favorite upcycles are clothes. I always feel sad when we get rid of a piece of clothing that has meant so much to us. This way we can keep the clothing but with a new use! Well done Larissa!

    • Larissa says

      I totally get what you mean. Thanks for the love, Mary. 😀

  7. Marie-Interior Frugalista says

    Look at you, country girl at heart! The smock is so pretty and the color looks really good on you, Larissa. One day you’re going to be wearing this smock on your parcel of land, I have no doubt about that. xo

    • Larissa says

      I’m pining away…one day! Thank you so much, Marie. I had such fun with this.

  8. Sharon H says

    Suits you perfectly and you did such a nice job . I can see this done in old, soft denim with a large, multi-pocket at the hem edge, running from side to side. Would be perfect for gardening and so easy to launder! Because I have an embroidery machine, I envision some delicate florals or vines across the top band or on the pocket. Personalization works too! Thank you for sharing.

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! That sounds delightful. I have an embroidery machine as well as love to hand-embroider as well. Such therapy found in stitching.

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~ Laurel

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2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

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I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

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