PIMP YOUR PATTERN: SKATER WAIST LEGGINGS

To make your leggings pattern a little more fun, why not add a funky elastic waist? 

Measure 1.5" (4cm) down from the top of your leggings pattern piece, then cut down the marked side seam and fold under.  This will form your new pattern piece. 

(NOTE: For my next pair I only took 3/4" (2cm) off the top which centres the elastic more on the waist and the top of the elastic sits 3/4" (2cm) higher than the normal waist height.  This is because my little darling has a pot belly and it prevents it from folding down under her tummy)

Cut waistband length according to the leggings pattern.  This tutorial uses 1.5" (38-40mm) elastic available in the BOO! shop.

Cut and sew the leggings as normal until you get to the waist. 

Use the method from the skater skirt pattern to add a flip waist elastic waistband!

WRONG SIDES FACING, stitch, then flip!!! 

As you are sewing the waistband stretch out the leggings and the waist elastic (for both rows of stitching, this will reduce the chance of the thread snapping when stretched to put them on.

That's it!!  Easy huh!

Lucy from Beetles, Bugs & Butterflies has made these gorgeous ones as well using the black/silver waistband elastic from the BOO! shop.

PIMP YOUR PATTERN: SPANDEX SKATER SKIRT

Want to use your spandex fabric and techniques from the Leggings pattern to make a funky skater skirt?

Want a super quick sew with no hemming?

Then you are in the right place! 

My lovely assistant will be helping today! 

Approximate requirements for spandex and pattern cutting table. 

Why can't I just use the elastic waist measurements from the pattern?  

Good question, I am pleased you asked! 

Technically you can, in fact you can do whatever you want to do!  The reason I have a separate measurement table is because spandex stretches and woven fabric does not.  With woven fabrics (like cotton), the waist opening needs to be bigger to allow for the skirt to pass over the hips, with spandex, you make the waist opening smaller than waist size since it stretches.  Using the measurement table from the blog will ensure you get a nice smooth waist to your skirt which is more flattering to most shapes and it will save you some fabric too! 

STEP 1

Use measurements from the Skater Skirt pattern to determine what size you need to make (or mixed measurements).

STEP 2

Use the pattern cutting table above to mark the appropriate line on the pattern piece for waist and length.

STEP 3

Cut skirt out of fabric using the elastic waist skirt layout (2 pieces on fold with seam allowances)

STEP 4

Change overlocker settings for knit sewing (or stretch stitch on sewing machine).

Increase left needle tension, decrease looper tension if using woolly nylon on the loopers (2 dials on right).

I have marked my overlocker so I remember the settings for next time I sew spandex!

Decrease stitch length and increase differential dial.

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STEP 5 

Place skirt right sides together and align at hemline.  Use the leg flip technique from the DYO Leggings (Pins) pattern to sew the skirt side seams on both sides.

STEP 6

Create elastic waistband and attach using measurements & instructions from Skater Skirt pattern.

 And done!!

Here are some I prepared earlier.

This is how it will look if you use the measurement table from the blog, notice the waistband is not really gathered?

This is how it will look if you choose to use the elastic waist measurements from the Skater Skirt pattern, gathered at the waistband.

If you are in Australia or New Zealand, I have some very cool fabrics and elastic in my store to help you get your knit on!  Visit the shop here.