Ready-made sizes assume a set difference between waist and hip. Many bodies have a larger or smaller difference. Buy for the larger measurement and take in the other, or make your own from a fitted block. See How bodies differ in Module 3.

The rise is the depth from the crotch to the waist. Too short and the trouser cuts in or slips down at the back; too long and it sags between the legs. It is the measurement most often wrong in a home draft. See Waist, rise and the torso-to-leg line in Module 3.

Drag lines point to where the trouser is short of room or of length. Lines from the crotch towards the knees often mean the crotch extension is too short or the thighs are tight. See Fitting issues: rise, seat, crotch and thighs in Module 3.

Usually a sway back or a curvy seat: the back waist is too big for the body above the seat. Take in at the centre back or add shaping to the waistband. See Fitting issues: how to diagnose, and the waist in Module 3.

Most measurements, yes, with a mirror. The crotch length and outside leg are easier with a helper. See Measuring women, men and children in Module 4.

Enough to last a season without being unsafe: an adjustable or elastic waist, a deep hem or growth tuck, and length that does not trip the child. See Children, pre-teens and teens and Children’s trousers: safety in Module 3.

A pull-on pyjama or an elastic-waist palazzo in medium-weight cotton. See Trousers as a hobby in Module 12 and the projects in Module 10.

Yes, for any trouser you will wash. Cotton, linen, viscose and handloom can shrink noticeably. See Shrinkage, pre-washing and lining in Module 2.

The bias stretches, so the close leg can bend at the knee and gather into soft folds at the ankle. See Indian drafts: churidar on the bias and kurta pyjama in Module 4.

No. Zigzag, French, flat-felled and bound seams all work on a basic machine. See Seam finishes: overlocked, zigzag, pinked and bound in Module 6.

It is several steps, not one hard step. Follow them in order on a practice piece first. See The fly-front zip, step by step in Module 6.

Not well. Men’s and women’s bodies differ at the waist-to-hip difference, the seat and the front. Use the men’s block. See The men’s block in Module 4.

Cut each leg on the true grain and pre-wash the cloth. Twisting usually comes from off-grain cutting. See Laying out and cutting: grain, nap and fabric layouts in Module 6.

Brands set their own size charts; there is no single compulsory standard. Use the brand’s chart and your own measurements. See Size systems and the India size survey in Module 1.

Only as much as the seam allowances allow, usually a little at the centre back and side seams. Ready-made trousers often have small allowances. See Module 11 on alterations.

Wash less often, cold, inside out, and dry in the shade. See Module 11 on washing and storing.

Dry fully before storing, air the cupboard, and use cotton bags rather than plastic. See Module 11.

Usually yes, with a patch inside or a visible decorative patch. See Module 11 on repairs.

It depends on the style and the shoe: tailored trousers often have a slight break; cropped styles end above the ankle; wide legs often nearly touch the floor in the shoes worn. See Every trouser: lengths in Module 7.

Modest, clean, comfortable clothes; many places ask for covered legs and sometimes covered heads. Follow the place’s own rules. See What to wear where: religious places and modest dress codes in Module 8.

Every skin tone is beautiful, and many colours work. Undertone, depth and contrast help you choose. See Skin tone and colour harmony in Module 8.

Yes. Some styles are traditionally worn by one group, and this course notes that, but anyone may wear any style.

Free for now – still being compiled.

Ask the D&D Fashion School about certificates for its studio courses. See Dreams & Designs: where to go next in this module.

You may use what you learn to teach. The lessons, drawings and text belong to Dreams & Designs; please don’t copy or hand them out. See Teaching trousers: a first class and a six-to-eight-week course in Module 12.

We do not give prices. Work out your full cost with the method in Costing a trouser: the method and worked examples (Module 12), then decide your price.

We do not give tax answers. Ask a chartered accountant (CA). The questions to take are in Module 12.

There are laws on designs, copyright and trade marks in India; whether they protect your design is a question for a lawyer. See Labels, quality marks and protecting your designs in Module 12.