The Easy Leggings Pattern You’ve Always Wanted

I’ve sewn a lot of leggings patterns in the last few years but I’ve finally found my favorite easy pattern – the Clara Leggings by Jalie Patterns. I had some strikeoffs to sew for The Styled Magnolia and needed some leggings in a hurry!

The seamless front is magic! I didn’t know such a thing was possible. I was concerned the lack of a front seam would cause problems in the crotch, but the back gusset makes all the high kicks possible without risk of exposure.

My first pair was this statements stripes print in supplex. This fabric has amazing stretch so it’s perfect for the Claras. The Cora Tights I made in February were so tight, I wanted my leggings to have less negative ease. It’s for this reason I sized up. I think I could have stayed with my original size. The fabric is very stretchy (while also having great support) so I don’t think there would have been a risk of popping a seam (I have popped several on my Coras, unfortunately.)

The way the Claras are designed, you will have more back inseam length to ease into the front…so the stripes don’t quite match up between your legs. I think it’s worth it to have your stripes go straight across the front without any interruption.

Besides being an awesome pattern, the Clara Leggings come together so quickly. I’m kind of a slow sewist (especially the first time I sew a pattern) but if you’re quick you might be able to cut and sew in 60-90 minutes.

I did size up the waistband. If you have a sensitive tummy, consider going up one size in the waistband, but not more. Without a bit of compression your pants will come sliding off! I love the fabric – it feels very high end, soft, stretchy, supportive and the colors are just as vibrant in person. One thing to note — do NOT iron this fabric (only with a cool iron) because it melts. Ask me how I found out…

Petite Adjustments Made – I removed length from the front/back inseam, the rise and I cut off 1″ from the top of the waistband. I’m so short that the reduction in waistband height STILL means that these leggings are high waisted. Instead of going off the size chart for elastic, I measured around my waist to check the length and added an inch or so.

My second pair is made from TSM’s floral Yoga Polyester Spandex. This fabric is great for yoga, swimwear, and loungewear. Some swim knit is shiny, this is not. It has a great matte finish, doesn’t slip too much when you sew, and has great stretch and recovery. This particular print isn’t being offered in YSS at the moment, but Meagan may offer it in other bases soon!

I. LOVE. THIS. PRINT.

Do you know how hard it is to find the perfect floral print? I have scrolled through hundreds – no THOUSANDS of florals online in the last few years and most of them don’t make my heart sing. This print makes my heart sing!!!

I actually got stopped in the New York City subway last week (while on my way to the Garment District for some fabric shopping). A lady complimented me on my leggings and asked where I got them. I told her, “Well…I’m a seamstress and I made them.” I learned she is seamstress, too! We both agreed how hard it was to find amazing florals and I shared with her where I got this print.

I have no reservations in recommending this fabric to you guys. Meagan strives to source the best activewear fabrics and she takes amazing attention to detail to ensure that you are getting the best quality for your money. The first time Meagan got the supplex stripe strikeoffs, the base just wasn’t up to par. Instead of putting the fabric up for preorder right away, Meagan took the time to resolve the problems with the base with the supplier and postponed the preorder. Gotta admire a fabric shop with integrity!

In case you are wondering, I paired the supplex stripes with an old gap t-shirt and the Ficus Cardigan. I wore my floral yoga leggings with the Classic Tee from Love Notions.