20 ways to make the OLENE jogger pants pattern!

There’s nothing I love more than seeing how one pattern can take on so many different personalities. The OLENE Pants & Shorts pattern was designed to be that just-right balance between comfort and structure — the kind of pants you can wear to a café, a hike, or straight into a hammock nap.

But the magic really came to life when I gave it to 20 other sewists (beginner-advanced skill levels) to come up with their own spin on Olene!

This group of sewists — spanning body types, heights, fabrics, and styles — took the same pattern and turned it into something completely their own. From denim to poplin, linen to corduroy, every pair shows just how adaptable OLENE can be for your unique lifestyle.

Below, you’ll see each tester’s take on OLENE — what size and length they chose, what fabrics they used, what they loved most about sewing it, and what they would do differently next time they make them. My hope is that you’ll find a version (or five) that sparks ideas for your own! ⬇️✨

Rebecca

Size 6, 64.5” tall

Pant length: Long

Fabric choice: Robert Kaufman Brussels Washer Linen Yarn Dye (6oz)

My favorite thing about Olene? “The flat front waistband is such a flattering detail that doesn't add extra fabric bulk in an area that carries more weight. The flat felled seams connecting the front leg pieces add such a polish.”

If I were to make this again… “I would adjust the crotch curve on mine to reduce the amount of extra fabric in the area.”

Alethia

Size 2, 5’3.5” tall

Pant length: Long

Fabric choice: Denim

My favorite thing about Olene? “You can dress up or down. Different fabrics for each season with many options to choose from. I will be riding horses and riding as a passenger on my husband’s motorcycle this fall in these comfortable pants. :)”

If I were to make this again… “I will use lighter fabric to make another pair for the summer months.”

Karen

Size 5, 62” tall

Pant length: Long

Fabric choice: Medium-weight linen

My favorite thing about Olene? “I don't want to take these pants off! I've never sewn pants before, I was apprehensive. But OMGoodness, the fit is great, my HUSBAND even said they look great, and I cannot wait to wear/wash/wear/wash/wear them to get the linen softer and softer :) Comfy, chic, casual, boho, pulled together, cool beans, knockout.”

If I were to make this again… "I would absolutely make them again in other neutral colors as a wardrobe basic. AND I ABSOLUTELY want to do a wider-leg palazzo version!"

Emydee

Size 7, 5’4” tall

Pant length: Long

Fabric choice: Heavy weight linen from Fabrics-Store

My favorite thing about Olene? “I really like the pockets on the Olene pants. The waistband and leg finish variations are all great and give the pants more options for styling.”

If I were to make this again… “I may try the shorts too!”

Frederique

Size 1, 65” tall

Pant length: Long

Fabric choice: Light blue crinkled cotton fabric with a vertical texture and a slightly structured feel

My favorite thing about Olene? “My favorite features of this pattern are the fit and comfort—it’s true to size, flattering, and allows for great movement. I think the split-front detail, where the front of the pants is divided into two panels, is a really cool design feature.”

If I were to make this again… “I might try using a 2-inch elastic in the waistband. I’d also try to keep the leg straighter through the calf for a wider, relaxed look.”

Hannah

Size 2, 5’6” tall

Pant length: Between cropped and full (shortened 2.25”)

Fabric choice: Upcycled mid-weight curtain

My favorite thing about Olene? “I love how thoughtfully this pattern is designed! The pocket placements are especially well done, practical, flattering, and they sit exactly where they should.”

If I were to make this again… “I am already making another pair (lightweight denim) and planning to make my waistband slightly shorter in height.”

Imogen

Size 2, 168cm tall

Pant length: Long

Fabric choice: Cotton

My favorite thing about Olene? “Front pocket construction is fantastic and really simple. I love the front vertical seam, which adds fanciness to otherwise relaxed trousers. So many design options in the pattern.”

Indy

Size 7, 63” tall

Pant length: Long

Fabric choice: 54% cotton, 46% viscose/rayon IKEA duvet for a crib

My favorite thing about Olene? “This pattern has fun style lines with front seams and generous slanted patch pockets. The partially elasticated waistband provides an elevated fitted look above pants that feature elastic all the way around.”

Jasmijn

Size 1, 165cm tall

Pant length: Shorts

Fabric choice: 100% cotton denim, about medium to heavy weight

My favorite thing about Olene? “The pockets! And how beautiful they are tucked in the seams because of the front seam.”

If I were to make this again… “I'd make sure I cut enough seam allowance for the middle front flat felled seam. Maybe size up one or two sizes if I make it from linen.”

Kate

Size 8, 69” tall

Pant length: Long

Fabric choice: 100% cotton pinwale corduroy

My favorite thing about Olene? “Well drafted with thought-out instructions. Lots of tips and tricks that aid in the sewer’s success.”

If I were to make this again… “I would add 1” to the rise, reduce the back crotch extension slightly, and modify the waistband to use 1.5” elastic and eliminate the paper bag styling.”

Kathryn

Size 9, 5’4” tall

Pant length: Long

Fabric choice: Cotton twill

My favorite thing about Olene? “Straight leg pants with a front flat-felled seam design feature and paper bag waist design.”

If I were to make this again… “I would do the elastic all around.”

Kris

Size 5, 155cm tall

Pant length: Cropped

Fabric choice: Mock-up in cotton; final in cotton-linen blend

My favorite thing about Olene? “LOVE LOVE LOVE the huge pockets!!”

If I were to make this again… “I'd try the ankle tie version.”

Margaret

Size 5 (I sized up), 161cm tall

Pant length: Shorts

Fabric choice: 100% cotton poplin

My favorite thing about Olene? “POCKETS! Four pockets that are actually functional and practical.”

If I were to make this again… “I would make the butt pockets both wider and deeper.”

Marleen

Size 2, 171cm tall

Pant length: Long

Fabric choice: Mustard 100% cotton needlecord (145gsm)

My favorite thing about Olene? “These are the perfect WFH pants! The flat front makes sitting really comfortable since you have less pressure on the belly. All of the options make it a super versatile pattern that gives it multiple uses.”

If I were to make this again… “I might do the elasticated ankles or make a version with knee patches for gardening pants.”

Rachael

Size 9, 5’8” tall

Pant length: Shorts

Fabric choice: Quilting cotton with sewing pattern motif

My favorite thing about Olene? “The instructions are great and the drawings are wonderful. I also really appreciate how many variations are possible—I might do scrappy knee patches in the future!”

If I were to make this again… “I think I would like them more in a size 8 in a fabric with a bit of stretch—maybe a lightweight stretch denim.”

Rebecca

Size 10, 166cm tall

Pant length: Cropped

Fabric choice: Seersucker and double gauze

My favorite thing about Olene? “Generous fit, great options for lengths and style choices. Suitable for loads of fabrics and seasons. Love the built-in waistband and the paperbag waist effect.”

If I were to make this again… “I would grade my sizes from waist to hip, and I would choose just one type of fabric.”

Sherry

Size 8, 66” tall

Pant length: Long

Fabric choice: Lime green double glazed 100% cotton

My favorite thing about Olene? “I wore my pants all day yesterday—they were super comfortable, not a single issue or complaint with fit or movement. Hands down my new fav hiking pants.”

If I were to make this again… “I will try the smaller 1.5 inches for the waist tie—I find this one a bit thick.”

Stephanie

Size 5, 5’5” tall

Pant length: Long

Fabric choice: Lightweight woven jean material

My favorite thing about Olene? “The pocket details. The versatility of this pattern is amazing. The front panel, being made of two piece,s adds visual interest.”

If I were to make this again… “I'd add more seam allowance to the flat felled seam. And patchwork some details.”

Yvonne

Size 11, 5’4” tall

Pant length: Long

Fabric choice: Pink linen

My favorite thing about Olene? “I love the pockets. I love the waistband (paperbag-like). I didn’t think I would (with being apple-shaped), but it is comfy and looks great.”

If I were to make this again… “I wouldn’t make any changes. There are a lot of options to make lots of variations.”

Leah (👋hey! that's me!)

This is my style: very earthy, simple, and of course, linen!

🤩 Pretty amazing, right? 20 looks from one jogger pants pattern?!

I love seeing how each maker’s personality shines through — proof that there’s no single “right” way to make or style a garment you love. And that we all have different things we'd do differently on our next try.

Whether you’re drawn to the flowy linen versions, the structured cottons, or the cozy corduroys, the OLENE jogger pants pattern gives you the blueprint to make pants that truly fit your life (and your butt 🍑).

If these stories got your creative gears turning, grab your own copy of the OLENE Pants & Shorts pattern — available as a digital PDF, printed pattern, or full sewing kit with prewashed, plant-dyed linen fabric.

✨ Make your own version →

Can’t wait to see how you bring OLENE to life! Upload your finished garment photos and notes to our community gallery page and get 15% off on your next pattern purchase!