Contrast Leggings - Modification Tutorial

Contrast Legging Modification

I've seen lots of contrast leggings from companies like Lululemon and Athleta.  I love those companies and love their leggings.  I thought it might be fun to try my hand at making some contrast leggings for myself instead of purchasing them.  

Side note:  those shoes are not mine!  They are my daughters cheer shoes.  I had to wear them because she took MY shoes to school with her for tennis.  So sorry about the ugly white shoes, I'll get her when she gets home!  Stinker!

Let's get started on the tutorial for Contrast Leggings.  You can make these in no time at all and go for a run.  ( BTW, you will NEVER catch me running!  They are cute though!)

Print the Basic Leggings pattern and transfer to wax paper or parchment paper.  Be sure to transfer markings from the pattern.  The most important marking is the line down the middle.

Cut the pattern piece in half, down the center line.

 

Now we need to figure out the triangle placement.  I used the size XS length line for the bottom marking of my triangle.  (I also measured roughly to be sure the triangle would fall somewhere behind my knee or on my calf.)  This is all personal preference so you get to choose where it goes.  

Draw the triangle (or any shape) on the "back" pattern piece.  I put the top of the triangle at the point that I measured for the back of my knee. The bottom of the triangle is at the XS capri line.  You will also need to add a 1/2in seam allowance to the top and bottom of the triangle.  (You can see that I made a separate pattern piece for the triangle.  That is where I added the seam allowance to the top and bottom of the triangle.)

Place the pattern piece on the fabric, be sure to cut 2 pieces RST.  I folded up the triangle that I just drew and cut the "back" leggings with a slant at the bottom that will be the top of the triangle.  Cut out the triangle piece in a contrast fabric, with the seam allowance added.  You will also need to cut the bottom part of the leggings, from the bottom of the triangle to the hem.

You should have 2 "front" pieces, 2 "back" pieces with a slant (1/2" seam allowance added), 2 triangles with 1/2" seam allowance, "back" bottom piece and waistband.

Here is the triangle with the seam allowance  added and the pant pieces.

Be sure the triangles are facing the right direction and attach them to the pants "back" at the slant, RST.

Iron.  You can also topstitch at this point.

Now attach the two bottom pieces at the bottom of the triangle.  Below you see 2 "back" pieces with the triangle attached.

Attach the back piece to the front piece at the side seams.  From this point forward, you can follow the pattern directions.  (Your leggings should look just like the pattern piece except it now has a triangle contrast.)

And, ta-dah!  Contrast leggings.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Did you know there are other legging modifications that you can check out?   Click here to see how to make two toned leggings.  You can also find a tutorial for making the leggings with a mega ruffle here.  And finally, find out how to add a simple ruffle here.

XOXO,

Kara

{Tutorial} Sequins Leggings!

Who here is ready for the New Year!? It's coming right around the corner and odds are there's a party coming along with it. Save yourself the "but what do I wear??" drama and sew up these sparkly leggings!

Sequins not your style? Use this tutorial to make a two-toned version. Mix solid and print, two solids, or even add a stretch lace overlay! 

Just like the original Jocole Leggings pattern, this sequins modified version sews up fast, and makes a BIG impression! Let's get started:

Grab your printed pattern piece, and get ready to see it in an all new light. See that line down the center?  Yup. There's been a built in two-tone-legging guide there this WHOLE TIME!

You can opt to cut along this line, and add your seam allowance while you're cutting fabric, or you can use wax paper like I'm about to to make two separate pattern pieces for this project. 

Unroll your wax paper over top the front half of the leggings pattern piece. Line up it's edge 3/8 inches past that guide line. This is our seam allowance. Grab your marker and trace along the pattern piece. 

Grab your pattern piece again, and mark 3/8 inches past the guide line again - towards the front of the legging this time. Fold along this new line, and now we'll have a back piece for our two tone leggings!

Cut 2 back, 2 front, and 2 front lining (if applicable).

 The sequins are attached to mesh, see-through fabric, and the whole thing is super itchy! So we'll spare ourselves that discomfort and cut a lining for the front sequins panels. 

Lay out your front pieces atop their respective linings:

Lining up along our side seam, lay your back piece on top of your front pieces (right sides together). Top stitch this seam towards the back.

Stitch these 3 layers along the inseam.

Now.. because our sequins fabric is itchy, we don't want to fold a traditional hem and have it scratch up our ankles. So grab your ruler and scissors and cut off 1 1/4 inches off the bottom. Keep these ends and bring them over to your cutting table.

Measure the length of your ends (measurement X), and cut (on the fold) two cuffs 3 inches tall by X. 

Stitch your cuffs on the short side and them fold in half, wrong-sides-together. 

Slide the cuff onto the end of your leggings, and clip or pin all raw edges together. 

Now refer to your pattern instructions for your last few steps (though for the same reasons we didn't hem the pant legs, I don't suggest doing the elastic-waist option. I'm partial to the yoga waistband anyway! Woop woop, built-in-girdle!) and meet me back here in two shakes of a lambs tail for a sequins legging dance!

Now wasn't that easy?? And you've got a glittery new wardrobe piece to rock on new years! Or while doing housework. Let's be honest. Shiny things make everything better :)

Here's a Gold/Black version I did a few weeks ago, and a gold/gold version I made for my daughter. What versions will you make??