Leggings patterns that work for fleece lined leggings
You can use any leggings pattern here as long as you adjust for the stretch which I’ll talk about in a sec.
If you can, patterns that have a crotch gusset are going to do better for you. The gusset allows for more freedom of movement. That extra range of motion can make for more comfortable leggings. Here’s some leggings patterns to consider:
- Patterns for Pirates Peg Legs: Hey it’s free, and there’s a free add-on pack with the gusset
- Greenstyle Creations Inspire Tights: a lot of options on this one so you can colorblock your fleece leggings!
- 5 out of 4 Patterns Ninja Pants: another free pattern with lots of choices here for all your legging needs. A gusset is one of the options.
Adjusting your pattern for stretch
Because of the lower stretch in specialty fleeces like Power Stretch, if you use a commercially designed pattern, you will likely have to adjust the pattern. First, try going up a size. You can also give yourself wider seam allowances. That’ll give you a little wiggle room to adjust the pattern.
Here’s how you can double check the fit before you cut out your fleece.
- Wrap the fleece around you. Place the the top of where you’d like the leggings to sit so that it’s fitted but not stretched out. Pinch the fleece and measure the distance between your fingers. Note how many inches you need for a comfortable fit in this part of your body. Repeat for the widest part of your thigh and calf too.
- Compare your measurements to the pattern. Check your fleece measurements against the same area on your leggings pattern. Make your seam allowances wider to give you the extra fabric you need. Baste your seams before you sew them. You may not need all of that extra wide seam allowance that you added, so baste your seam first
So now that you’re armed with some good pattern options and you know what fleece to buy for awesome DIY fleece leggings, will you give them a try?
More warm things to make!
- Winter sewing projects to sew right now
- How to make a velvet twist headband
- Jacket quick change: how to sew a detachable fur collar
Elizabeth Farr is the writer behind the Elizabeth Made This blog where she shares helpful sewing tips, step by step sewing tutorials and videos to help you explore your creativity through sewing. She has written sewing Eguides and patterns, been a featured teacher at Rebecca Page’s Sewing Summit and Jennifer Maker’s Holiday Maker Fest and her work has appeared in Seamwork and Altered Couture magazines. She also created a line of refashioned garments for SEWN Denver. When her sewing machine isn’t humming, she’s playing and teaching violin, and hanging around a good strategic board game with her husband and 4 kids.
Hi Elizabeth! I made fleece house pants a couple of weeks ago with some lime green fleece – so not my color, but they are warm! I know what you mean by wearing them all the time! Hey, do you still want to come if it snows? I have to let Dick know if anyone is going to show up. He doesn’t want to open up if no one comes. I may stay home with my mom – even though I need a vacation day. I may be too exhausted to lug everything in. Linda
Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2015 17:41:27 +0000 To: aalinda1@msn.com
Those are so cute! And they look very comfortable. I would wear them a lot too if I had a pair 🙂 I might have to make some!
Two seams, hem and elastic top. Done! Super fast.
Fleece leggings are a great idea, and sure look a whole lot better than the giant fleece PJs I’ve been wearing all the time! Thank you for all the tips…I might go make my own copy now (though I do not have such cute polka dots in my stash!).
I’ve been trying to layer them under “real” clothes to somehow legitimize their place in my wardrobe! Why not wear pjs all the time!
I need to make some of these pronto! Seriously, they’re smarty pants for cold days :D!
Wise move, Ginny! You won’t be sorry!
My favorite kind of clothes.. Cozy and cute. I’ve wanted to try this for a while.
Pingback: My sewing stash - Elizabeth Made This
Pingback: Me Made May '15, days 20-31 - Elizabeth Made This
Pingback: Scattered thoughts of a crafty mom: quand le legging devient pyjama | Marmaille et talons hauts
Hi Elizabeth, how have you found the Polartec Power Stretch to resist pilling, fluff and dog hair?
I can’t speak to animal hair, but it is a champion against pilling. I’ve not come across a fleece that holds up so well in the wash!