Long Shorts (formally known as culottes) are still going strong for Spring 2026. This winter, I sewed a pair in the Inkwell Faux Leather (Vogue 2115) and paired them with a black stretch velvet turtleneck (Vintage Vogue 8446 (circa 1992).
A Few Sewing Tips on Sewing Faux Leather:
1. Make a toile to check for fit. You don't want to do a lot of unpicking.
2. Cutting on a single layer is easier and more accurate.
3. Use tailor's tacks for marking. It's precise and doesn't leave any marks.
4. Make a template out of a manilla folder to use as a guide for topstitching the fly zipper.
5. I used a size 12 Universal Needle.
6. Always press on the wrong side with a low iron setting and a press cloth.
7. Set the stitch length to 3.0
8. Keep pins within the seam allowance. However, when did I pin beyond the seam allowance (i.e. for the hem) the fabric was forgiving.
9. To finish the pocket bag, folded the rayon lining under, pin, then stitch it to the faux leather. Trim the faux leather down to the lining edge for a smooth finish.
10. Edge stitch all constructed seams to keep them flat.
11. Topstitched the hem slowly to avoid stretching.
