I’ve always had trouble finding workout leggings to fit me and I didn’t want to spend $100 on a pair (*cough* Lululemon *cough*) so I finally decided to make my own!
Both of the leggings are the Greenstyle Creations Strides pattern. The pattern comes with clear instructions and was fairly easy to sew up. The part that took the longest was top stitching the seams. Since I don’t have a coverstitch, I used two of my machine’s decorative stitches for the top stitching and I think it turned great! I love how the honeycomb stitch looks but it took a looooooong time to do. For the purple pair I used another stitch which still looks nice but was much faster to sew.
The black pair is made with some lighter weight athletic fabric from Joann’s, which I don’t recommend. This fabric is thin and shows every little lump and is definitely NOT squat proof. I think this fabric would be better suited for a top. The purple pair is made with supplex from Surge fabric. The supplex is nice and heavy, which provides a bit of compression and is overall a much nicer and comfortable feel.
Interested in making your own? Here are some fabric and pattern stores to get you started!
Athletic fabric, like any type of fabric, comes in varying weights/thicknesses. Heavier/thicker fabric will offer more compression and support, while lighter weights are great for activities like yoga or just lounging around. My favorite fabric for leggings is supplex. For tops I like to use lighter weight fabrics with more drape, such as modal, rayon spandex, or a lightweight circular knit.
Athletic Patterns:
- Greenstyle Creations: One of the most popular active wear patterns companies with lots of great patterns
- 5 Out of 4 Patterns: Several tank patterns and a legging pattern
- Jalie
- Fehr Trade: The pattern designer has even written a book, Sew Your Own Activewear.
Athletic Fabric:
- Surge Fabric
- The Fabric Fairy
- Bow Button Fabrics
- Zenith and Quasar
- Joann Fabric’s Loungeletics fabrics, it’s heavier weight than what I used
- So Sew English
- Phee Fabrics
