Yeehaw! Cowboy Carter Chaps
Overview:
If you know me, you know I love Beyonce. So of course I was going to see Cowboy Carter and make my outfit. I had several ideas, but I had to go with chaps because what better place to wear handmade chaps?!
Pattern:
J. Desiree took full advantage of the 2025 western trend by releasing the YaYa Chaps pattern. See all of her versions on her IG SewMuchJazz. There are a few chaps patterns out there, but Jazz’s are more of a modern take which is why I chose them. Also, as usual, I sewed these last minute-the week of the show- so I also appreciated that these didn’t have a fixed waist band. Instead these have a tunnel of fabric that attach to a belt making them much easier to fit.
Chaps are a simple sew, these in particular came together easily and fit well. I did make a few adjustments to the width of the sides so I could feed my belt through both the chaps and my shorts beltloops. I didn’t want to be pulling at the chaps all night. I believe the design is purposely long to drape over boots, but I decided to cut several inches off the hem. I was taking MARTA and didn’t want them dragging all over the city and stadium.
Fabric:
I had so many ides for fabric; bandana, gingham, lace, stars and stripes, suede, denim…. Finally I decided on cow print to match my nails. This seemingly simple task ended up being quite the challenge because I had the vision for my nails first. When it came time to find fabric I had the hardest time finding a cow print in brown, actually cow print period. I found snake, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and almost every other animal know to man. And if there was a cow print it was either black spots, a lightweight cotton or very pricey. Finally I found this cow print in the upholstery section and though heavy it worked just fine.
I paired it with denim I had in my stash just to break up the print. I had considered adding a brown fringe trim to the sides and I still sort of wish I had, but I was running short on time. I added turquoise for that added western touch! All of my jewelry was borrowed from my mom!
I went to the concert alone, which I actually love and encourage everyone to try. When I told some people that they were concerned, but I’ve learned if you go to any event you’re truly interested in you’ll run into some like minded people so you’re never truly alone. I ran into Christine who also sewed chaps using the same fabric! Small world! I also ended up sitting in between some really nice people.
Lessons Learned:
cut 2-3 inches off the hem
Summary:
Pattern: YaYa Chaps
Pattern Description: Wide leg chaps pattern, with drop open crotch. Yoke seam with dart at side seam and backwaist. Separate waistband attached to allow belt to fit through. Optional marking to addfringe detail to side seam.
Sizing: S-5X, I sewed a 2X
Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow: Yes
Would I recommend it to others? Yes if you’re looking for an oversized pair of chaps!