Trouser waistband

[LissaWilson]

Elizabeth - Since I am trying to stay ahead of a quickly growing boy who doesn't need them until May, is there any reason why I can't put the waistband of the trousers from the boys pattern on last? Does it need to be on earlier for construction purposes? It just seems like if I wait, I can get everything done on the trousers, set them aside, and put the waistband on closer to the event when I know his waist won't grow too much. Will this cause me lots of problems?

ETA: I also just got stuck on the back plackets. The facings that I cut are 4" (according to instructions) and the placket extensions are at least 6". Do I line the facing up with the waist or the bottom of the placket extension? Am I supposed to cut longer facings to match the extensions or is there supposed to be extra at the top for a waistband seam or something? I'm really confused.

[Elizabeth]

Lissa, that sounds like my fault, not yours... the facing pieces should be the same length as the placket pieces.  Will you have enough to recut those bits?  They could also be done in scrap/lining, and/or pieced if needed.  My son prefers the addition of buttons all the way down the placket, too.

Yes, the waist can be put on last without a problem at all.  The order in the instructions is just because you're already futzing around with the top of the trousers.