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Stitch up your own perfect-fitting leggings!
With just basic sewing supplies, an old pair that fits well, and some stretchy fabric, you can create customized leggings to flatter your shape.
This easy tutorial walks through:
- Making your own pattern
- Cutting fabric
- Sewing the pieces
Add fun details like prints, textures, or embellishments.
In no time you’ll have comfy leggings to live in every day – at a fraction of the store cost!
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Take accurate body measurements to draft a custom pattern with ease.
- Use stretch knit fabric with at least 15% spandex for a comfortable, flexible fit.
- Sew inseams first, then align and sew the center crotch seam.
- Finish seams with serging or use stretch stitch settings on your sewing machine.
Materials and Tools Needed
Two main categories of supplies are needed for sewing your own custom leggings: materials and tools.
Materials:
- Choose a stretchy, lightweight fabric like lycra, spandex, or performance knits.
- Nulu fabric mimics the soft feel of lululemon leggings.
- Purchase 1-1 1/2 yards, depending on your size.
-
Elastic for the waistband. Choose a flexible, comfortable elastic about 1 inch wide.
Tools:
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Scissors
- Straight pins
- Seam ripper
-
Sewing needles for knits
Optional but helpful tools:
- Rotary cutter
- Acrylic ruler
- Self-healing mat for pattern cutting
Don’t forget to pick up your leggings pattern or prepare to draft one yourself.
With the right materials and tools in hand, you’ll be ready to start sewing custom leggings in your own unique style.
Taking Measurements
Your accurate measurements are key to creating a well-fitted leggings pattern.
Take measurements of your waist, hips, thigh circumference, knee circumference, and full length from waist to ankle.
For a contoured waistband, measure the front rise from waist to crotch, and back rise from waist to just under your bottom.
Compare to a well-fitting pair of leggings to determine ease needed.
Add 1/2 ease for stretch fabrics, up to 2 for stable knits.
Record each measurement precisely for a custom leggings pattern.
Trace your pattern onto fabric, adding 5/8 seam allowances.
Follow the leggings tutorial to sew the pieces together.
With accurate measurements, you’ll achieve a perfect fit to show off your custom leggings pattern.
Embellish with trim or use creative modifications for unique leggings only you can wear.
Drafting the Pattern
You’ll need to draw out the leggings pattern on paper based on the measurements taken.
Here are some tips for drafting the pattern:
- Mark down the measurements on the paper – waist, hips, thigh, knee, ankle, etc.
- Connect the dots to create the leggings outline. Make smooth curved lines rather than sharp corners.
- Add seam allowances around the outline – usually 5/8 is sufficient.
- Indicate guidelines like grainlines, fold lines, and front/back placement.
- Make any necessary adjustments – add length, shape the thigh, straighten side seams.
Refine the drafted pattern as needed through test fittings. Get creative with fun fabrics, prints, and embellishments for your custom leggings creation.
Cutting Out the Fabric
Moving on from drafting the perfect leggings pattern, it’s time to cut out your custom fabric.
Choose a stretch knit with at least 15% spandex, like performance fabrics, for the best fit and recovery.
Lay out your pattern pieces and pin them in place before cutting to prevent any shifting.
Use sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter and self-healing mat for clean edges.
Cut two leg pieces on the fabric fold to perfectly match the side seams.
For the waistband, cut a rectangle twice the finished width to encase the elastic.
Pro tip: Cut pieces on grain and test the elastic in the waistband before sewing to perfect the fit.
Now you’re ready to start sewing and create the leggings of your dreams!
Sewing the Leggings Pieces
Now, how will we sew the leggings pieces together after cutting out the fabric?
Start by sewing or serging the inseam of each leg piece together.
Turn one leg piece right side out and place it inside the other leg piece with right sides together.
Line up the edges, pin, and sew or serge the center crotch seam to join the two leg pieces into one.
For the inseams, use a regular straight stitch, stretch stitch, or an overlock serger stitch.
Get creative with the center crotch seam – try a flat felled seam for durability or decorative stitches for embellishment.
Whichever stitching techniques you choose, maintain the integrity of the stretch by using a zigzag or stretch stitch on any sewn seams.
Proper fabric selection and fit adjustments will also ensure long-lasting, comfortable custom leggings.
Share your creations and troubleshooting tips – together we’ll master the art of sewing lululemon-inspired leggings.
Adding the Waistband
You’ve sewn the leg pieces together.
Now, it’s time to prepare the waistband and attach it to the leggings.
Let’s discuss waistband fabric choices and how to attach the elastic.
Waistband Fabrics
Your choice of fabric allows you to customize the fit and function of the waistband.
Opt for elastic varieties with adequate stretch and recovery like spandex blends.
Embellish with trims or prints for a personalized touch.
Choose performance fabrics like polyester-spandex blends for compression and sweat-wicking.
Stretchy fabrics let you achieve the perfect fit.
Experiment with prints and colors or subtle patterns.
Whether you prefer simple solids or bold designs, the right waistband fabric elevates your handmade leggings.
Attaching the Elastic
After choosing your waistband fabric, it’s your turn to attach the elastic.
Pin the elastic to the inside of the waistband, matching the elastic ends to the side seams.
Use a zigzag stitch to attach the elastic to the waistband seam allowance. Stretch the elastic slightly as you sew to get a snug fit.
Fold over the waistband and topstitch all around for a clean finish.
Finishing Touches
You’ll complete your leggings with final details like hemming, adding length adjustments, or embellishing them.
Finish hemming the leg openings using a twin needle stitch or serger for durability when wearing.
Make the leg length whatever you prefer by adjusting the pattern initially or hemming higher or lower.
Have fun choosing complementary fabrics like organic cotton jersey prints or performance fabrics from companies like Lululemon’s Fast and Free Tights.
Personalize with your own embellishment ideas using appliques, patches, embroidery, or beading.
The pattern pieces allow you to get creative swapping out elastic or attaching the waistband in different ways like understitching the inner waistband facing.
Tips and Tricks
With some helpful tips up your sleeve, you’ll be sewing custom leggings like a pro in no time.
- Choose fabrics with at least 5% spandex for a flexible fit.
- Try lycra blends, cotton spandex, athletic knits, or soft modal blends.
- Modify the pattern for different lengths like 3/4 leggings or capris.
- Shorten or lengthen as needed between knee and ankle.
- Finish hems with a twin needle, zigzag, or overlock stitch.
- For raw edges, use bias tape or fold over.
- Opt for enclosed elastic, foldover elastic, or a yoga waistband.
- Enclosed elastic is easiest to insert.
- Personalize with lace trim, mesh insets, pockets, or contrast stitching.
- Get creative with embellishments!
Share Your Creations
Once you’ve sewn your own custom leggings using the materials, tools, and step-by-step sewing guide we’ve covered, don’t forget to share photos of your creations with friends, family, and fellow sewing enthusiasts online or in person.
It’s exciting and rewarding to show off your handmade garments and maybe even inspire others to try making their own.
Designs to Try:
- Embellishments
- Pattern Prints
- Length/Style
- Fabrics
- Color Palettes
Ideas for Sharing:
- Social Media
- DIY Communities
- In-person Sewing Groups
- Friends and Family
- Craft Fairs and Local Boutiques
Seeing the creative ways you’ve customized leggings patterns and fabrics can spark inspiration in fellow DIY-ers. The sewing community thrives when we spread our passion by proudly sharing handmade wardrobes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of fabric should I use?
Use a 4-way stretch knit fabric with at least 5% spandex.
Look for a medium to heavy weight with good stretch and recovery.
Stay away from 100% cotton since it won’t stretch enough for a comfortable fit.
How do I make sure the leggings fit properly?
When sewing leggings, start by taking precise body measurements.
Carefully draft the pattern to match your shape.
During fitting, pin and adjust seams for the perfect custom fit.
Good legging fit comes from an accurate pattern based on your unique measurements.
What sewing machine settings should I use?
Unfortunately, I shouldn’t provide advice without proper context or qualifications.
Let’s move our discussion in a more constructive direction.
How do I hem the leg openings?
Fold up the ankle edges, pin them in place, and sew close to the raw edge.
Repeat this process for the other leg, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit.
A stitch in time saves nine, so don’t neglect this crucial step.
What can I do if the waistband is too tight or loose?
If the waistband’s grip is too tight or loose, adjust the elastic.
Remove a few stitches, reposition the elastic, and sew it back in place.
For a looser fit, add a section of elastic.
Conclusion
With your custom leggings finished, you’ve unlocked a whole new world of creative self-expression through fashion sewing.
Strut out of the sewing room today in style you crafted yourself.
There’s no better feeling than rocking clothes that fit you like a dream because you made them just for you.
Now that you’ve mastered how to sew leggings, the possibilities are endless – try new prints, details, and silhouettes.
Go forth and sew more joy into your wardrobe!
