The lowdown on leggings: patterns, fabrics and tips

[@redkbikerider]

Very comprehensive video - as soon as a question came to mind you answered it! One suggestion I've seen for serger thread is only to change the seamline thread in the left needle as that's the thread that might show. I downloaded the free Patterns for Pirates 'Peg Leg' pattern a year ago but wasn't confident I could buy the right fabric online until you clarified what I should be looking for. That pattern has 4 length options and a size range that fits hips from 34" to 64"

[@charlottemccaig578]

I use only ecru thread in my serger and if I really need to I change the left needle or I just see another line of stitching on my sewing machine on stressed seams. I'd never have room for all the cones of thread I'd need on hand. I was just at an estate sale of a costumer and there were hundreds of cones in 20 colors in coordinating baskets....all opened and all rotted. Broke the second you pulled on it. Same with hundreds of yards of elastic. Such a shame.

[@thebigsewalong]

@@charlottemccaig578 😮that’s such an awful waste. I have a small collection of colors I use all the time and for the rest it’s black or white

[@thebigsewalong]

I always mean to do that but somehow I forget. I do have a small collection of serger threads in colors I use most often but otherwise I usually use black or white

[@alanna7782]

This was so interesting and helpful! I've never had any interest in sewing my own leggings before, but now I'm very tempted...

[@thebigsewalong]

I really resisted making leggings myself but I just couldn’t find what I wanted in ready made. I’m glad I finally made them though because A I love them and B they are super fast and easy to make after the first pair so they’re kind of a satisfying make

[@k3of5ks]

This was really helpful I really appreciate the time you took in doing this for us. Thank you!

[@thebigsewalong]

🥰 thanks K3!

[@cathyswope5174]

Super helpful, I need to make new leggings for fall so appreciate the timing too.

[@thebigsewalong]

😊

[@susanshaw9119]

I appreciate your posts and look forward to them. Always informative! Thank you

[@thebigsewalong]

Thank you Susan 🤗

[@laurischleusener558]

The polka dots are the best! Thanks for posting this video. I desperately need some leggings for my Tina Givens makes and Gudrun Sjoden ready to wear.

[@thebigsewalong]

Yes!! Leggings are great under these looks especially as the weather cools down (hopefully 😂)

[@pamelawilkinson177]

I appreciate how quickly you get to your topic. Well organized- so cool that you made so many!

[@thebigsewalong]

Thanks Pamela! I’ve learned if I don’t jump right in I’ll just ramble on forever 😂

[@attedragon]

This is a great post. Thanks so much for going over assorted fabrics and differences! So helpful. Thank you! Links are great too!

[@thebigsewalong]

My pleasure Atte!

[@judithritner9696]

Hi Gini😊, this was just a great video for so many reasons. The comparison of Juliet and Burda was really helpful. The Burda is hands down my favorite. The detailed information on the patterns, adjustments, fit , and so much helpful information on fabrics is amazing. I’ve never made much in the way of stretch garments, but with this I feel tempted to make some fabulous leggings like yours.🤗 oh, and bless you for your willingness to show your great if not perfect shape. I’m guessing quite a few of us wish we looked so good. You are just awesome! Thank you soooo much😊❤️

[@thebigsewalong]

🥰 thank you so much Judith. I was not exactly comfortable showing “all that” but this comment REALLY made me feel like it was worth it 🤗

[@AngelaKaySams]

Thank you G! I just ordered the Jalie Clara pattern and some super fancy fabric from emma one sock. I'm so excited!!!

[@thebigsewalong]

YAY! Aren’t those printed knits from EOS amazing?!

[@kerrygirl2003]

Wonderfully helpful, ty so much ❤

[@thebigsewalong]

Glad it was helpful! 🤗

[@sewmuchknitting2469]

Another great video chock full of info, thanks!! I have made leggings in the past, but need to add some to my wardrobe. Considering how often they are worn, buying the more $$ fabric usually pays off in the long run. Love Emmaonesock 💕

[@thebigsewalong]

Emma one sock is a solid fave especially those knots! But then I did just order two new pieces from her “dead stock” collection yesterday 😅

[@BethS-LA]

This is terrific--Thanks Gini!! The fabric recommendations are really helpful; I haven't made leggings but why not??? (FEAR. Fear of wasting my time. And you have eliminated it with some good fabric recommendations. (also, I'm a big fan of Jalie patterns---with my usual alterations, they fit really well.)

[@thebigsewalong]

I’ve always had good luck with Jalie and these leggings are no exception. Never thought I would make leggings but turns out they’re fun especially in really cool fabric!

[@phylliswilliams113]

Thank you. What are you wearing in this video? Live the neckline!

[@thebigsewalong]

Hi Phyllis that tunic is the Diane Ericson “river tunic” I followed her directions for creating my own neckline and I really love this one. It’s gotten a lot of wear 🤗

[@robyn3349]

Thank you, Gini! I am planning on making some leggings for winter wear under dresses and this is very helpful. (I am always glad to see you, but this time I kept thinking, "Are you OK, Gini?" Then, I realized I had you on slow speed. Lol! Be well!)

[@thebigsewalong]

😂😂😂

[@charlottemccaig578]

The polka dots and the comic print remind me of Rundholtz. I thought the polka dots were my fave (they'd look great with a deep turquoise or even denim) but now I think it's the last pair that give off a tropical vibe, they look really good on you, you can tell the fit changed. You are going to be set with fall leggings. I seem to remember reading that the Jalie pattern is their best selling pattern of all time...I know it got mentioned a LOT in blogs/videos/posts. Did you see the new pant from Sew Liberated? The Chanterelle? Chanterelle? I bought it because I like the pleated hem/leg shape on view B. Some testers made them too long, it looks so much cuter above ankle. Has a wide leg and shorts version too. I have high hopes for these. It's been too hot to sew and my window AC broke. It's been in the 100's for days but finally got a bit more tolerable, in the 90's. We need rain but I doubt we will see any from the tropical storm. As if we need any more natural disasters in California now we can add hurricanes, lol. Oh, Aura has a new pattern. My moratorium on patterns is going well, just bought those pants, 2 TSW patterns I didn't have, the Folkwear jumper (I went with a printed copy instead of a PDF) and The Whitlam Skirt from Muna & Broad. Yep, my "no new patterns" is going really well.🤣

[@thebigsewalong]

😂😂😂 did you get any of the storm? I can’t remember which part of CA you’re in. I haven’t seen the new sew liberated pant but I’ll go check it out, because, like you, I need more patterns in my life 😂 I really like that folkwear pinafore thing let me know how yours turns out I’m tempted to get that one Claude says “woof” (I think that means “thanks for the biscuits” 😂)

[@kimbest9572]

Thank you for going over these two legging patterns. I was going to cut a pair of existing 'bought' ones I am wearing, but am really liking the 'yoke' and high waist of the Helens Closet Pattern. Thank you also for showing the TG and Burda drop crotch pants side by side. I agree, I like the look of the Burda ones better. PS. Whatvis the top/dress you are wearing in this video? TG?

[@thebigsewalong]

I have to say these higher waist leggings are SO comfortable! I’m wearing the Diane Ericson “river tunic” in linen. I used her directions to sort of create my own neckline. This tunic is a fave and gets a TON of wear hugs😊

[@thebigsewalong]

And PS thanks for asking for the side by side of the TG/burda pants

[@tr5598]

Tha k you ..fabric content and the various typical concerns was VERY helpful

[@carolsorensen2876]

Thank you - helpful info!

[@thebigsewalong]

Glad it was helpful!thanks Carol 🤗

[@feelingsimplyquilty]

Bam! thank you for your honest review.

[@thebigsewalong]

🤗

[@sewmuchsewing]

Lots of great info there! Nope, no one wants baggy knees 😂. I love a good pair of leggings too. This lot should keep you going for a while!

[@thebigsewalong]

😊

[@karenciejek6566]

Very helpful

[@thebigsewalong]

😊

[@quil10it]

Super cute!

[@thebigsewalong]

Thank you! 😊

[@ronekelly4733]

Awesome pictures on the two pattern projects and the various fabric types. I loved the front and back views. True teacher teach the whole subject and not just what they think makes them look good and by the way I would trade your butt and legs any day 😅no judgment but you look good 👍. I am so disappointed when person don’t show the back view….I mean how am I supposed to understand the back construction view of the finished product.? 🧐Awesome tutorial 👏 🎉