Finally! The post many have been waiting for! I'm here to teach you how to add not one, but two, different types of waistbands to my free sewing baby legging sewing pattern! And don't forget that pattern also comes with a shorts option so it's perfect for summer! I will show you how to add a simple waist band with elastic and, my personal favorite, an elastic-free fold over option. Plus, I've got a few tips for upsizing the pattern!
You'll need
- Free pattern
- Knit Fabric
- Ribbing or knit with a high stretch content
Directions
- For the baby size provided cut a piece ribbing or stretch knit that is 7" by 18" making sure that the stretchiest part runs along the long edge. (Next size up 13" x 24")
- Follow the pattern posts instructions until you reach step
- With right sides facing, match up the two short ends. With a stretch or zigzag stitch and 1/2" allowance, sew along that short edge.
- Press that seam open and and turn your tube so that the raw edge is on the inside. Fold your waistband in half so that the raw seam is hidden and you have a 3" wide waistband.
- Slip your waistband raw edge up over your almost finished leggings. Match up the unfinished edges of your waistband and leggings and pin together. Note this requires a bit of stretching and lots of pins. Start by pinning the middle back, middle front, and two sides. Then gently pull and pin until there are several pins in-between those points.
- Using a serger or zigzag stitch sew the waistband to your pants, gently pulling so that the two fabrics meet without bunching as you stitch.
- Slip on, fold over, and enjoy!
How To Add A Waistband With Elastic To Leggings
You'll need
- Free pattern
- Knit Fabric
- 1" Elastic
Directions
- Cut a pice of knit fabric 4" wide and 22" long with the stretch running length wise. (4" x 24" for 2T)
- Follow steps 2-5 above. Note: it should be much easier to pin.
- Using a serger or zigzag stitch sew around the raw edging, be sure to leave a 2" gap in the back (you will close it all up after you add the elastic).
- Cut 17" of elastic (or measure your child's waist and add 1") and thread through the waistband with a safety pin.
- Make sure your elastic isn't twisted, then overlap it about 1" and sew it together with a zigzag stitch next to each raw edge.
- Lastly, tuck the elastic into your waistband, add a tag (optional) and sew the waistband closed.
Quick note: For these modifications I did not lower the top of the original pants pattern which means that the pants with an added waist band also have a higher rise making them extra "haremy" and great for cloth diapers. If you don't like that look simply cut an inch off the top of the pattern.
A few details on making these leggings for bigger kids: to create the next size up (18mo-2T) I simply added 1/2" to the outside edge of the pattern. I also increased the cuff by the same amount. Lastly, I chose to add length by making the cuff longer but you could also add it to the leggings instead.
Thanks so much for reading if you make a pair, or five, I'd love to see them! Tag me on Instagram @smallfriendly, find me on Facebook, or shoot me an email smallfriendly at gmail dot com.
Happy Sewing!
