Tess' daily uniform consists of a t-shirt, skirt, and leggings.
For Spring, we decided to make it a bit lighter and fun with lace leggings. These leggings are inspired by the lace gloves I wore at Easter when I was Tess' age. It was the 80's, okay.
Supplies:
1 yard Ivory Diamonds Netting
1 pair of leggings to use for pattern
Sewing machine with matching tread
Elastic
Paper for pattern
Scissors
Pins
1. Grab a pair of leggings to use as your pattern. Notice that the leggings only have an inseam, and a front and back seam. Fold the leggings in half so your two legs are one. (Look at top photo)
Trace your leggings, and be sure to add a couple of inches at the top for the waist band, and half an inch along the legs for your seam allowance. Write FOLD along the long straight side of your pattern. This is to remind you to place that edge along the fold of you fabric.
2. Take your fabric and fold it over on it self, just wide enough to fit your pattern piece. I folded the netting so the stretch was side to side of the leg, that way it would have more give when Tess was walking around. Make sure to line up your pattern so the fold is in the right place.
3. Cut out two pieces of netting, one for each leg. There is no right or wrong side to netting, so this is really simple.
4. Open up your two pieces, and pin together the front and back seams.
5. I tried this on my regular sewing machine and my serger. The netting won't fray, so you don't need to have a serger. When sewing the netting, lighten the tension of the presser foot, and stitch slowly. This will prevent any snagging or puckering.
6. Time to sew up the legs. Open up your leggings so the front and back seam are now lined up. Can you see two legs? Start at the bottom of one leg, and carefully stitch up to the crotch and back down to the bottom of the other leg. One long continues stitch. I do back stitch a few times in the crotch area to add a little strength. Try the leggings on your child and determine if you need to take them in any more. I wanted Tess' leggings to be a little fitted, but not tight.
7. Fold over the top to create a casing and add in some elastic for a waistband. Stitch it all together and your lacey leggings are ready to wear.
Check out this tutorial, and this tutorial. Both of these patterns sew leggings the same way I do, but with more photos and descriptions.
This cute girl wants to wear these all day every day. I might need to make a couple more pairs.
Thanks to Kollabora for providing the fabric.
