I finally decided to jump in head first with activewear. A lot of you have asked for a while now why I didn't sew my own workout clothes since I'm in the gym on the regular. I scoffed at the idea because workout clothes are so easily accessible. But the type of workout tights I like can be pretty pricey -- we're talking around $100 a pop! So, if I can make something remotely similar for a fraction of the cost, I'd a happy girl.
Mood has a wonderful selection of performance fabrics. This fabric is an Orange and Blue Python Print Compression Tricot. I used a Black Performance Spandex for the contrast. They're both antibacterial and anti-microbial and dri-wicking which is so necessary for activewear.
My pattern is the seamed leggings from McCall's 7482. And that's why I picked them -- for the seamed detail. I cut the size 14. But as we know with workout tights, they have to have a LOT of negative ease to fit properly. So I ended up taking these in about 4" in the crotch seam.
To sew these, I made them completely on my BERNINA 1300 MDC serger. I used a 2-thread, left needle flatlock stitch. I went into more detail about this stitch on my post on WeAllSew.
And I did a full sew along video to show how to perform this stitch.
I've worked out in these tight 3 times since I made them and I'm in love. And the most IMPORTANT thing about them, they're high-waist! No muffin top and no buttcrack! I made a solid black pair too!
The top is McCall's 7663. I love the way it looks because there's a Lululemon top very similar. So the style is on point.
I cut the size 14. I made the top out of the same fabric as the black contrast on the tights. I used a 2-thread, right needle flatlock stitch for the top.
I wanted the flatlock stitch on this to be narrow instead of the bold decorative look of the pants.
I'm feeling good about what I made, and could kick myself for resisting this for so long. I'm glad I took the plunge and I'll definitely be adding more me-made workout clothes to my wardrobe.
