It took little more than a split-second after making my first pair of Sloan Leggings (for this pattern review on Upcraft Club) to realize that I was going to be making lots of these leggings. Guys, these are the only leggings I will ever wear. Ever. I’m gonna die in a tattered pair of handmade sloan leggings. The pattern is from Hey June Handmade, same as my Cheyenne tunic. I just can’t get enough of Hey June’s patterns.
I love these leggings, mostly because the fit and feel is fantastic. Add to that the potential to make leggings out of fabric of my choosing (as long as it has some spandex content) and the options seem endless. For this pair I made basic black leggings out of laguna knit fabric. In my continuing efforts to not buy anything new I was coming up short on leggings. I got a hole in one pair of black leggings a while back and haven’t been able to find a used pair anywhere. People don’t really bring their old leggings into consignment or thrift shops. So, it has been just thrilling to find these.
Check out this waistband. First of all, it is wide and fits beautifully from the top hip to the waist. Plus, it has an awesome hidden pocket. I made a small but ground-breaking adaptation to the waist, which is that I used swimsuit fabric (tricot nylon) for the inside lining of the waistband and it keeps the waist nice and snug on my hips.
See that swimsuit material? I didn’t need much at all but it makes a big difference. Plus, it feels slinky and good.
Also, while I sized into the Large, I made this pair as a Medium and I like the Medium a lot more, they fit just right. It feels great to have conquered such a wardrobe essential. I can easily make these in less time than it would take to get in a car, drive to a store and buy a pair.
I am so excited about these leggings that I convinced Rock Paper Scissors to let me teach a leggings class. For my class sample, I stitched up a funky pair of leggings in Art Gallery knit fabric that would be perfect for working out. Aren’t they so fun!?
If you live in North Jersey, you should absolutely come make leggings with me in March. It comes with an honorary membership to the ‘leggings forever’ club. No joke.
The pattern also includes a second option for leggings that are sportier looking. They are designed with a kind of stripe up the side that widens at the hips and around the waist. It’s very cool looking. I have some fabric set aside for a pair of those, as well.
I am also wearing a new top in these pictures. I made yet another Plantain Tee…my tenth. If you can’t already tell, I really commit to things when I like them. This one is made with a super lightweight tissue jersey making it incredibly comfortable but a little clingy. It’s another wardrobe essential, just a simple striped top.
It’s not an overly exciting shirt but it is the kind I reach for on a regular dealing-with-life kind of day. Putting the leggings together with the shirt and I’ve got the perfect Sunday morning ensemble. These things are important.
By the way, these photos were taken by the lovely Melanie Tuazon, and I can’t express what a treat it is to take pictures while looking at a real person. The whole routine of standing alone in front a tripod is capital letters AWKWARD! Plus, Melanie is really good at making me laugh. Thanks MT!
Note: This post contains affiliate links. This just means that in addition to supporting an independent pattern designers, a purchase through these links also support me…at no additional cost. Win-win!
AAAAAAHHHHHH! This is such a great post! It’s so cool to see these shots live on the blog! And they take me back to that super fun afternoon in the woods. Hugs!
Hugs to you too! That was a blast. Look at my super happy face! Thanks again chica.
These leggings look like a “must have”. Are you using a serger to sew your knits or a regular sewing machine?
I use a regular machine! I use the lightning stitch and a jersey knit needle. I find it works better than my serger, actually.
Ohhhh so cute! I made a pair of sloan leggings too and I love them. Mine are galaxy though. 😀 Super smart idea to put swimsuit fabric on the inside of the waistband!
GALAZY!! UM, that is ridiculously awesome? Do you wear them to workout?
Fabulous!
Thanks!
Love it – looks so great on tou
You are too sweet S!
I love these!!! Can you give guidance on where to buy legging quality knit fabric?
Oh, it’s tough. These are made with fabric with 5% spandex but the pattern recommends 10% spandex. I have found these worked out fine. Otherwise, I am still experimenting.
I love these and I loved the pair I spied at Rock, Paper,Scissors yesterday, great job! Sloan leggings for everyone ( but first me )!
Oh my gosh I snorted so hard I hurt myself at that comment about being buried in Sloans . Wish I could drop by your class, it’ll be so fun! Thanks for sharing your Sloans!
I aim to please! It would be such a blast to have there during class. I love that idea!
I wish I could take your class. I live in the area but have a pesky job I have to go to each day Maybe you can do a weekend or night series next. Thanks for sharing your blog with us.
Oh darn those pesky jobs!
I absolutely love my Sloan leggings!! I’ve made sooo many pair for both inside and outside the gym. I’ve modified the waist line to include a 4 inch elastic for the waistband because I do so much bending at the gym and don’t like pulling up my pants
Great idea!
So glad that I stumbled across this post to get that great tip about the swim suit material! I just bought the pattern and some fabric for these leggings, kinda behind the times, but I’m really excited to make them up. Yours look fabulous!
OH, I’m so so glad it helped you! It makes a huge different and brings these leggings to perfection level!