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I have always been addicted to clothes, and let me tell you… it is an expensive hobby. Don’t worry parents — I save when I can and love discount stores like Marshalls and Nordstrom Rack, but what I love even more is when I can figure out how to make something myself. I recently found a tutorial for a pair of knock-off Lululemon shorts, but found myself getting frustrated by all the measurements and panels that were involved in creating this lookalike. I decided to take the easy way out and simply trace a pair of my own leggings to create a pattern for a brand new pair of leggings that (honestly) put some of my old ones to shame ;)
Materials:
Tools:
Instructions:
- 1 1/2 yards of Hi-wick microfiber fabric: 88% polyester 12% lycra
- 1/2 yard of Hi-wick microfiber fabric: 88% polyester 12% lycra in another color
- sewing machine
- sewing pins + pen
- fabric scissors
1. Pick out a pair of your favorite leggings and fold one leg over the other. Fold your fabric in half lengthwise and place the long edge against the fold. Trace the leg of your legging with a two-inch buffer.
2. Cut out your one leg, pin the inner leg seam and then trace onto your folded fabric to create the second leg.
3. Pin the inner leg seams and then sew using a zig-zag stitch.
4. Turn one leg right side out and then stuff into the other leg of your legging. Pin the U-curve section of the legging that will create the crotch and then sew with a zig zag stitch.
5. Hem the bottom of the leggings with a zig-zag stitch.
6. Cut a piece of your accent fabric to the width of your leggings. Pin and sew to turn into a cylinder.
7. Fold your newly sewn cylinder in half and then pin to the top edge of your leggings to create the waist band. Make sure bad sides are facing each other and sew with a zig-zag stitch.
Dig through your drawers to find your favorite pair of leggings and fold one leg over the other to create the perfect tracing pattern. Grab the edge of your fabric and fold it over the appropriate amount to trace your legging. Place the long edge of your legging on the folded edge of your fabric and then trace with a two-inch buffer for sewing.
Follow your dotted line to cut out the first leg of your leggings.
Fold your fabric in half again and then trace your first leg to create the second leg of your leggings.
Pin the inner leg seam of the legging on both the right and left leg — then get ready to sew!
In a perfect world, we would sew these leggings together with a serger. The serger would allow the seam to stretch with the fabric, however we don’t have a serger :( What we do have is a sewing machine with a bunch of different stitch options! Sew all parts of these leggings using a zig-zag stitch. If you have a machine with more options like ours, choose the zig-zag stitch that is made of many different stitches. This will really allow your leggings to stretch and move in all those interesting yoga positions.
Sew down the inner leg with a 1/2 seam allowance.
Turn one of your legs right side out and then stuff inside the other leg. Pin the U curve together to create the crotch of your leggings.
Slowly sew this seam together. Believe me — any bumps will show on this stretchy fabric.
Hem the bottom edge of the leggings — zig-zag stitch only!
Onto the waistband! Grab your accent fabric and cut out a piece that measures 12 inches high and then the width of your waist. Pin the open edge together and sew to create a cylinder.
Fold the waist band in half and pin to the top edge of the legging.
Sew using the zig-zag stitch!
I honestly wore these leggings the rest of the day and the day after. I love the material and they fit so perfectly.
This hi-wick microfiber fabric doesn’t come in many bright colors, but I am actually obsessed with this blue/gray shade. Amp up the color in your outfit with a fun patterned workout top or headband.
Real talk — this shot took me about 10 times until I could get my legs up in the air for Kurt to shoot before I fell.
Have any favorite workout tips or tricks? Share them with us on Instagram + use the hashtag #iamcreative!
