Olivia Leggings
The Olivia leggings are close-fitting and mid-rise, with a flared hem. Elastic tape in the waistband provides a comfortable, secure fit. They must be made from stretch fabrics, like the ones we chose: two rib knits from Divazus and a printed jersey from Magic Fabrics. This is a very easy sewing project, ideal for beginners who want to try making a simple, quick garment.
Project preview
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Sew close-fitting, mid-rise Olivia leggings with flared hems and an elastic waistband. The simple front-and-back construction makes this an approachable first stretch-garment project.
The leggings are shown with the cropped, short-sleeve Dakar T-shirt.
What you’ll learn in these classes
- Choose stretch fabric and a suitable jersey, stretch, or super-stretch needle.
- Sew the front and back rise seams, side seams, and inseams with stretch-compatible stitching.
- Form a waistband casing and leave an opening for the elastic.
- Thread the elastic without twisting it, check the fit, and secure the overlap.
- Distribute the waistband gathers and anchor the elastic at the side seams.
- Finish the flared hems with an elastic stitch or twin needle.
- Lengthen or shorten each pattern piece without changing the flare.
Fabric and notions
These leggings require stretch fabric. Woven fabric without stretch will not provide the movement needed to put them on and wear them comfortably.
Suitable choices shown or discussed include rib knit, jersey, printed knit, and other elastic knits. You will also need elastic tape for the waistband.
A roller presser foot can help limit stretching as the fabric passes under the machine. Test the selected stitch on a scrap before sewing the garment.
Make it your own
Choose a solid, print, ribbed texture, or retro stripe. Before hemming, try on the leggings to check whether the finished length needs adjusting.
The additional class explains how to move the flared hem up or down, redraw the edges from the knee area, and restore the hem allowance.
Pattern sizing
The pattern includes seven size groups from 2/3 through 14/15, with listed heights from 95 to 170 cm.
The chart provides chest, waist, and hip ranges plus the specified waistband elastic measurement for each size group.
The construction class is paired with a separate length-alteration class. A4 and A0 pattern files and an information sheet with sizing and materials guidance are included.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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