Stop Spending Money on Leggings Patterns that Don’t Have Everything You Want
Learn to draft (and sew) leggings and add details like stripes and pockets to customize to your fit, style, and functional needs.
Bundle and Save with these two Leggings Courses.
You Deserve More
Commercial and even independent sewing patterns assume your body is shaped like some “average” body. The reality is NO ONE is exactly Average. So, pattern companies decide what proportions to use, and how to resize the pattern they start with.
Then they need to decide how many size options they will offer, and what the size gap will be between the sizes.
After that, they decide what style variations to include. You may find a simple basic legging paired with a tunic.
Or, you might find a legging-only pattern with a couple of length options and maybe two style line options.
To get a wide variety of styles you need to buy a lot of patterns.
Patterns are Expensive
Draft your own for a fraction of the cost.
Custom Leggings Drafting and Sewing Bundle
Get the fit and features you want using your own measurements, proportions, and preferences.
Save Money on Patterns
Get the styles you really want.
This Bundle contains two online courses.
Customized for You
Measure yourself to get a custom-fit legging for your body. Learn what measurements are used where, and why. You’ll also learn how to adjust your pattern for your own comfort and fit preferences.
Exceptional Variety
Learn how to draft leggings with 3 rise-heights and 7 leg lengths. 3 Waistband styles, two pocket options, and even asymmetrical designs. No simple legging pattern has this much variety.
Choose Your Fit
Do you want a close fit for working out? Do you want more compression for shapewear-like fit? Or are you looking for a semi-close-fit legging to lounge around in?
Expand your Skillset
Learn Fashion Sketching for Leggings
Learn Basic Pattern Drafting
Create a Sloper
Sewing Leggings on a Sewing Machine
Use your Serger to get a “ready-to-wear” look
Tips for working with nylon/spandex
In These Two Courses I’ll Walk You Through
Design sketching, basic pattern drafting, pattern alteration, and sewing on both the serger and a sewing machine.
In Basic Leggings You will Learn how to
Measure
Getting good measurements is paramount to drafting a good pattern. Learn what measurements you need and how to take them. I even toss in some tips for getting decent measurements if you have to do it solo.
Draft
Learn the basics of drafting a legging, including best-practices, and industry terms. Auxiliary to this, you’ll also learn about stretch fabric and how to choose for your pattern. Or, perhaps, how to draft your pattern to the fabric of your choice.
Customize
There are two types of customizations that you’ll learn. The first is how to make the initial draft fit YOU better, or more to your liking. And the second is how to draft some common, variations in leg length and rise height.
In Adding Details to Leggings You’ll Learn how to
Sketch Design Ideas
Get tips and tools to sketch design ideas.
Learn some tricks to creating sewable designs even in the sketching phase (the least invested phase). Learn what to consider when color blocking.
Create Patterns from Sketches
Turn your sketch into a pattern using your sloper.
Get hints about seam allowance and grainlines. Understand your pattern, and how the fabric you choose can affect it.
Sew Your Creations
Learn how to draft and sew 3 different waistbands and multiple leg stripes.
Learn two different ways to draft and sew a pocket into your leggings.
Let’s talk about cost.
You can buy a bunch of commercial patterns and sew them, or try to alter them to make the designs you want.
Or, you can spend the money on this course bundle and learn to make your own patterns, and essentially have an endless variety of designs to make.
If you’re on the fence about making leggings, take this into consideration: commercial leggings with features (not the $15 one-size-fits-all on Amazon) can run from $65 to over $100, for a single pair.
Leggings generally don’t take more than 2 yards of fabric. Even high-end pricey fabric is usually less than $30/ yard. So with just two pairs of leggings, you’ve saved money. And that’s if you splurge for the pricy fabric. I tend to test my patterns (and get very useful leggings out of them) with less expensive fabric.
This Course Covers a LOT
Over 6 hours of instruction, countless tidbits, and hints for measuring, drafting, and sewing.
Measurements
Body Measurements are the cornerstone of both choosing a pattern and drafting a pattern. Even if you just want to purchase a pattern, you’ll need some measurements. Learn how to measure yourself, solo if necessary. Use the included course materials to document your measurements for future reference.
Fabric
Fabric choice can make or break a garment. Learn how to choose the fabric for your legging, including measuring stretch percent. Your fabric choice will influence how you draft your pattern. You’ll learn why and how, and how to adjust your pattern if needed if using a different fabric down the road.
Tools
Pattern drafting uses different tools from just sewing. You’ll learn what is needed, and optional for measuring, drafting, and creating a sloper. You’ll also see some of my favorites, including rulers and paper.
Pattern Drafting
This is what this course is all about, how to draft a pattern. You’ll learn some best-practices for getting a good initial draft. You’ll also learn how to make your initial draft into a sew-able pattern. This includes truing, pattern marks, and seam allowances. Plus general guidance on drafting hem allowances and a simple elastic waist.
Pattern Preservation
A sloper is an awesome thing to have if you want to use your basic leggings draft to create a variety of styles including some more advanced styles not covered in this course. If you want to make fitted dance pants, leggings with pockets or funky style lines, you’ll want to create a sloper so you don’t end up ruining your legging patter when you add to your style collection.
Sketching Ideas
Learn how to use a croquis (I’ve included some for you to use) to sketch your ideas before creating a pattern. Explore style lines on paper and the relationship with sewing order.
Sewing on a Serger
Learn to use a serger (if you have one) to get close to the “ready-to-wear” look. I will cover the stitch used and some caveats about it. I’ll show you how to draft your pattern for this particular stitch. And give tips to sew the seams, both actual sewing and sewing order, that will help you get a better result.
Pattern Alterations
In the Adding Details Course, you will use your sloper to create a variety of styles. You can copy the styles I create or create your own using my instructions and guidelines. You’ll even learn how to draft (and sew) a pocket.
BONUS: Sewing
While I could just assume you know how to sew up leggings. I’m not. The Basic Leggings Drafting course includes a bonus chapter with step-by-step instructions to sew your leggings on a sewing machine – No Serger Required. You’ll need to know this to create a test fit as well as a final garment.
Enjoy these Course Features
I currently use the FreshLearn platform for my courses. If that should change, I will continue to look for a platform that offers the same or better student experience.
On-Demand
Sewing is fun. But not everyone has time every day for a certain number of hours per day to work on a project.
I get it.
Go at your own pace. Repeat lessons.
Pause, Rewind, Replay.
Work on the course when you have time to work on the course.
Does Not Expire
With your one-time payment, you will have access to this course as long as I can keep technology available for you to access it.
Unlike other courses, your access doesn’t expire. If, for some reason, I have to take down the course, you’ll be given a download option.
Instructor Availablility
I’m just a comment or email away. Throughout the course, you have the option to leave comments (and ask questions).
Chances are, if you have a question, you aren’t the only one.
If you aren’t comfortable leaving a public comment, you can email me with your question.
Basic Leggings Course Curriculum
Check out the list of lessons. There’s almost 7 hours (6.9 hours) of video instruction. Plus you get a printable download.
Course Introduction
Course Introduction and Download
Taking Measurements
- Chapter 2 Introduction
- Tools Needed
- Measurements Needed
- Tips to Measure Yourself
- Fabric Stretch and Negative Ease
- Calculations Needed
Drafting the Legging
- Chapter 3 Introduction
- Materials Needed
- Making the Initial Draft Part 1
- Making the Initial Draft Part 2
- Draft a Test Fit Pattern
- Making a Mock-Up — Tips
Pattern Adjustments for Fit
- Chapter 4 Introduction
- Evaluating the Mock-up for Fit Part 1
- Evaluating the Mock-up for Fit Part 2
- Drafting the Adjustments Part 1
- Drafting the Adjustments Part 2
Preserving Your Patttern
- Chapter 5 Introduction
- What is a Sloper?
- Paper and Storage Options
- Finalizing the Sloper
- How to Transfer (to Tag)
Length and Rise Modifications
- Chapter 6 Introduction
- Rise Modifications
- Leg Length Modifications
- Finalize Your Sewable Pattern
Course Wrap-Up
- Chapter 7 Introduction (What’s Next)
Bonus: Sewing Simple Leggings
- Chapter 8 Introduction
- Cutting the Fabric
- Sewing the Legs and Crotch
- Finishing the Elastic Top
- Hemming the Legging
Adding Details Course Curriculum
Check out the list of lessons. There are over 14 hours of video instruction and discussion.
Course Introduction
Course Introduction and Download
Brainstorming Ideas
- Chapter 2 Introduction
- Croquis Overview – Preparing to Sketch
- Sketching Ideas
- Sketch (Design) Finalization
Pattern Drafting Overview
- Chapter 3 Introduction
- Drafting Materials Needed
- Choosing Fabric
- Stitch Selection
Draft Design 1 - Simple Workout Legging
- Chapter 4 Introduction – Design 1
- Design 1 – Tracing the Sloper and Setting Up
- Design 1 – Laying out the Design
- Pocket Construction Options
- Design 1 – Drafting the Pattern Pieces
- Design 1 – Documenting Sewing Order
Draft Design 2 - Contoured Waist and Mesh Insert
- Chapter 5 Introduction – Design 2
- Design 2 – Tracing the Sloper and Setting Up
- Design 2 – Laying out the Design
- Waistband Construction Options
- Design 2 – Drafting the Pattern Pieces
- Design 2 – Documenting the Sewing Order
Draft Design 3 - Asymmetrical Design (and Pointy Shapes)
- Chapter 6 Introduction – Design 3
- Design 3 – Tracing the Sloper and Setting UP
- Handling Asymmetry (Options)
- Design 3 – Laying out the Design
- Design 3 – Drafting the Pattern Pieces
- Design 3 – Documenting the Sewing Order
Sewing Legging Design 1
- Chapter 7 Introduction – Design 1
- Sewing Design 1 – Fabric Cutting
- Sewing Design 1 – Pocket Preparation
- Sewing Design 1 – Sewing a Flatlock (Side Seams)
- Sewing Design 1 – Attaching the Waistband
- Sewing Design 1 – Front and Inseams
- Sewing Design 1 – Finishing the Leggings: Waist Elastic and Hem
Sewing Legging Design 2
- Chapter 8 Introduction – Design 2
- Sewing Design 2 – Fabric Cutting
- Sewing Design 2 – Pocket Assembly
- Sewing Design 2 – Waistband Assembly
- Sewing Design 2 – Assemble the Verticals
- Sewing Design 2 – Leg Assembly Flat
- Sewing Design 2 – Legging Assembly
- Sewing Design 2 – Waistband Attachment
- Sewing Design 2 – Hemming the Legging
Sewing Legging Design 3
- Chapter 9 Introduction – Design 3
- Sewing Design 3 – Fabric Cutting
- Sewing Design 3 – Pocket Assembly
- Sewing Design 3 – Sewing Tentacle to Right Frong
- Sewing Design 3 – Center Back Seam and Bottom Tentacle
- Sewing Design 3 – Right Tentacle to Back and Left front to Back
- Sewing Design 3 – Bottom Tentacle to Back Left
- Sewing Design 3 – Center Front Seam and Inseam
- Sewing Design 3 – Hemming the Legging
- Sewing Design 3 – Adding the Waistband
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the Class Expire? Will I lose Access to the Content?
No. The class doesn’t expire. I want to say this is a forever class or “lifetime” access. But I cannot promise technology over that kind of timeframe. What I can promise is that, should technology get wonky, I will do what I can to make the content available to you “forever”.
Is there a time limit to complete the course?
No. You can go at your own pace. You can skip lessons you don’t need, you can rewatch lessons you want to see again. And I will help with questions that you put in the discussion to the best of my ability.
And you can come back to the course time and time again to make many different tote bags.
I’ve been sewing for decades, and have developed a somewhat obsession with pants. I struggle so hard to find pants that fit me in stores. Leggings are easier, they stretch.
In addition to wanting pants that fit (which seems like such a tall order), I also want pants that fit my personal style.
And that is a tall order. I rarely see exactly what I want, in stores. Affordable.
So, I decided to learn how to make them myself.
And that meant learning pattern drafting to get me to the point where I can at least make clothes for me that fit.
But also learning how flat patterns “work”. There are parts of flat patterns that just aren’t intuitive for me, so I have to really think about how they are supposed to wrap around the body and fit all the curves.
And I love pushing myself to figure out how to make fun or.. creepy… bottoms. I especially want pants, with pockets that are Useful. And that goes for my leggings as well.
I can’t wait to meet you, and help you on your journey as much as I can. This is just the beginning.
I have used a basic-legging pattern as a spring board for many different dance and activewear designs.
It’s amazing the different styles you can make from a simple pattern.
The catch is, you need that simple pattern. And while I bought mine years ago, I haven’t had any luck recently finding a simple legging pattern from any online pattern retailers.
All the styles I found have style lines or color blocking. Which doesn’t work if you want to make your own styles. Or, if you just want a simple straight-forward legging to wear under a tunic, dress, leotard or shorts. To be honest, I can think of many different uses for this simple legging pattern that doesn’t involve much more than changing leg lengths and rise heights.
But if you do want to make more elaborate designs those patterns can’t be easily made into pants like my capri ruffle pants, and my layered ruffle pants. While a simple legging can.
And I would love to teach you how to design unique leggings to workout in, hang out in or dance in. But, I can’t do that if you can’t get your hands on a simple legging pattern with no side seam.
Quite frankly, I’m not surprised that a super simple legging pattern is hard to find, but I am a little disappointed.
So, I’ve take it upon myself to learn to draft a pattern, so I can share that knowledge with you.
It’s easier than you might think!
