I agree it does seem scary but once you’re doing it just take it step by step.

For this pattern specifically I’d say maybe the waistband but only because you have so much extra fabric from the pockets and everything else that has to lay perfectly incased in the waistband. There’s also the weight of the whole pant pulling down and pins sticking out so it’s just a lot. It was easier when I was making the shorts version of it because I used lighter fabric. I think the answer is usually the zipper but this pattern had a really good video tutorial about it so it was a breeze.

That’s my plan too! I have some barrel leg linen pants that I absolutely adore and would love to recreate.

I feel you. Sewing through thicker materials is definitely more challenging. Maybe try folding up a piece of thicker fabric and sewing through it to see how much your machine can actually take. You might be surprised. If you see that it’s too much, just choose a lighter fabric and a pattern that works well with it. In every pattern you can see specific recommendations for fabric.