Trouser to plus-fours conversion instructions

[Syke]

It was suggested by a fellow 3-speed enthusiast from the Bikeforums
C&V list that there may be some interest in a set of instructions that
I came up with a while back for converting a pair of dress trousers to
a reasonably proper set of plus-fours. I'm uploading the file into
the files area, it's in .pdf format.

They're quite simple. The operation is basically cutting the legs off
the trousers below the knee and using the cutoff legs to make the
needed knee bands on the plus-fours. I'd suggest using trousers of a
fit along the lines of regular jeans or courderoys. I've found that
trousers with a very relaxed fit around the abdomen and seat don't
seem to work as well - at least not with the basic instructions. As I
have time, I'm working on modifications for such trousers to work
properly.

Syke

[Syke]

Uh, a somewhat red-faced correction: The file will be uploaded as
soon as I figure out how. Please be patient.

[ken keberle]

On the the Gentleman Cyclist page there are some instructions for this conversion on the "dress Code" link.  I hadn't considered using denim/jeans though, as many machines (sewing, not riding) have a tough a tough time with the seams and the drape of the fabric may make the the return at the the bottom of the breeks awkward.  Perhaps I was considering a heavier denim....

The bicycle and the sewing machine, two greatest inventions of the industrial age....

Prepare to dither on about the steam engine, telegraph and airplane....

Stitch away on a cold winter's night....

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Ken Keberle
Tempe Arizona USA
(480)252-4579

[Ian and Mary Lindridge]

I dunno, Wives are an important invention……I don’t know how to use a sewing machine…they cook (well some), Real Wife makes more $ than me (nice), she doesn’t know how many bikes or what kind I have or sneak in……warmth in the winter..hahahahaha

 

Ian of will take some heat now

 

One of the great advantages of travelling by bicycle is its relaxed pace. You move slow enough to appreciate the sights and soundss and smells of the countryside: the bright wing of a parrot flitting through the scrub, the whir of insects, the fragrance of the eucalypts. You are exposed to the wind, sun, and rain. You get the full measure of each mile.

          "Cold Beer and Crocodiles, a Bicycle Journey into Australia", by Roff Smith

[ken keberle]

To all Gentlemen with an interest in domestic tranquility,

I would like to be the first to wish Ian a speedy recovery....

Happy New Year...

[Gary Aslakson]

Syke's missive does not say to use denim/jeans; rather, he says trousers that fit like jeans or corduroys.  I suggested Syke post his instructions here, as they are very detailed, and describe two different conversion methods, buttons or tied.  I thought they would be a worthy addition.

[Ric Greene]

I made a pair last season based off "Dress Code" link so looking forward Syke's instructions.

 

Ric

---

From: gentlema...@googlegroups.com [mailto:gentlema...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Gary Aslakson
Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2010 2:50 PM

To: gentlema...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [Gentleman Cyclist] Trouser to plus-fours conversion instructions

Syke's missive does not say to use denim/jeans; rather, he says trousers that fit like jeans or corduroys.  I suggested Syke post his instructions here, as they are very detailed, and describe two different conversion methods, buttons or tied.  I thought they would be a worthy addition.

On Wed, Dec 29, 2010 at 9:58 AM, ken keberle <kenke...@gmail.com> wrote:

On the the Gentleman Cyclist page there are some instructions for this conversion on the "dress Code" link.  I hadn't considered using denim/jeans though, as many machines (sewing, not riding) have a tough a tough time with the seams and the drape of the fabric may make the the return at the the bottom of the breeks awkward.  Perhaps I was considering a heavier denim....

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[Syke]

Hope this gets through properly - this is my first experience with Google groups, and I'm finding the learning curve a bit . . . . . . er . . . . . . interesting.

I've published the instructions thru Google at:

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B0q0aUR0plx8OGY2Y2Y2NjctZWMwNy00NDM5LWE4MGQtMDMzYmRjNDk3ODA1&authkey=CNPA8Ts&hl=en

and if I can figure out how to get them in the group's files section, I'll happily do so.

A bit of background: I was a professional costumer, primarily a re-enactment sutler running my own business (Syke's Sutlery) back in the 1990's.  I covered anything from War of the Roses thru Seven Years War, although my primary business was 17th century/English Civil War/early American colonies.  The conversion described in the instructions is a basic way to cut trousers short, using the cut off remnants to make the leg cuffs.  It's a simple process to anyone with sewing experience, the main virtue of the instructions is that they tell you how to measure and cut, taking away the trial and error of doing it yourself.

My knowledge of late Victorian and Edwardian clothing is not all that great, so I'm not going to claim these instructions will be acceptable to those of the thread-perfect inclination.  Attempting to use this for, say, 1920's/1930's style will probably work well, depending on your initial choice of trousers.

 

Syke
Montpelier, Virginia

It's amazing what you can accomplish when you're too stupid to realize that you can't do it.

---

From: Ric Greene <ric...@charter.net>
To: gentlema...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Wed, December 29, 2010 4:21:27 PM
Subject: RE: [Gentleman Cyclist] Trouser to plus-fours conversion instructions