Tutorial Tuesday: how to make leggings/shorts out of outgrown knit dress

I have twin girls who are growing faster than I can keep up with. I have donated a lot to our local church, but there are clothes I just cannot bring myself to get rid off, especially if they are barely worn. If you happen to be afraid of knit fabrics (let's face it, most of the clothing in your home is probably made of knit), repurposing is a great way to experiment and test the waters without using any money.

To make leggings or shorts out of outgrown knit dresses, here is how:

I took a pair of leggings that still fits perfectly and traced it on a parchment paper (or you may use freezer paper). Fold the leggings to whatever length you choose. Make sure you smooth out the leggings in order to trace it correctly. Add about a 1/4 to 1/2 inch to the side seams to account for seam allowance and 1 to 1 1/2 inch on the waist for elastic casing.

Cut the paper and lay it on top of the dress. At this point, you need to figure out for yourself the best way to fit your pattern in order to use as much as the dress as you can. I found that I may not have enough of to make 4 leg pieces. I slid my pattern over in order to get rid of the side seam allowance and use the dress seam allowance instead. Great, huh? Less sewing! Note also, that if you are flexible about the length, you can shorten or lengthen your leggings in order to use the dress hem. Again, less sewing!

After you've laid out your pattern and pinned it, it's time to cut! After you cut one leg, turn your pattern paper over to cut the other leg.

You will end up with 2 pieces (the side seams are already done since you used the dress' seams).

The next step is to sew! When it comes to sewing pants, you may choose whatever method you want. There is more than one way.  

NOTE: Because this is knit, you need to use zigzag stitch on everything if you don't have a serger. 

Option 1: Turn your leg pieces right sides together and sew each of the inseam. Then turn one leg piece right side out, and insert it inside the the other leg piece, line up the inseams. Pin and sew the curve/crotch together. This is what I have done here. 

Option 2: Open up your 2 leg pieces, lay one on top of the other (right sides together) and pin. Sew the crotch (the top curve part) together stoping at the point. After you've sewn the crotch, you open it up and sew each leg inseam. 

Either option you chose, you will end up with pants (hopefully!)

The last step is to fold 1 inch (or to whatever elastic size you choose to use) over on the waist in order to create an elastic casing. I used a 3/4 inch non-roll elastic. Leave an inch opening to insert the elastic. Use a safety pin on each side of your elastic in order to help feed it in the casing. Once your elastic is in, overlap by about an inch and sew using a zigzag on each end. Sew your opening close.

ELASTIC: Measure your child's waist (snugly, not lose)  and then subtract somewhere between 2-4 inches and that's the amount you need. 

Guess what? Since you just used the seam and hem of the dress, you're all done!

You've just used knit (maybe for the first time) and you've up-cycled an old shirt. GO YOU!

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Thank you to Isabel of Stubborn Monkey's for this week's Tuesday Tutorial. Stop by and say hi and let her know Chic, Threads & Things sent you.

This is a modified version of the tutorial that is originally posted here by the same author.