Let me introduce the Aila Leggings, my first garment sewing pattern. It’s a versatile pattern designed for optimal fit and flexibility, and suitable for any type of activity. The PDF pattern comes in seven different views with lots of style options so that you truly make the Aila Leggings your own.
The design
I wanted to create a high-end stretchy knit pattern, with contemporary, fashion-forward detailing. When designing this pattern, I was very inspired by higher-end RTW activewear and set out to figure out cool construction methods that could easily be done on our home sewing equipment.
The pockets
The Aila Leggings comes with two different waistband pocket options, a zipper pocket and a criss-cross version. Both pockets are big enough to fit a cellphone and the criss-cross version actually consists of two overlapped pockets, so that you can keep your phone in one and things like keys and gym card in the second one.
Fit and sizing
The leggings are close-fitting, with negative ease and the pattern is suited for a curvier body, i.e for someone with a rounder tummy and/or fuller hips, which is a body type that is not always served well in the athletic wear space. I’ve also noticed that it’s quite common having to size up when it comes to leggings, compared to what size we normally wear in clothes. So I wanted to make a pattern that is true to size, with the one caveat that the fabric choice also affects the fit, which is why there is a fabric guide in the instructions as well!
Size range: EUR 34–52 (US 2–20)
Size chart and garment measurements
The lengths
The Aila Leggings has four different lengths, bike shorts, capri, 7/8 and full length. All versions include proper hem allowances, so it’s super easy to pick your preferred length. The pattern also has three shorten/lengthen lines, and as someone who always has to alter the length, I really appreciate pattern designers who add these so I wanted to make sure I did too.
The waistband
The waistband is high and super comfortable and the pattern has two different waistband options, one regular and one drafted for a rounder tummy. I’ve had so many leggings waistbands cut into my tummy, ride down and create a really uncomfortable muffin top situation. Hence why I decided to create a second option for those of us with a rounder tummy, so that everyone can have a waistband that fits well, regardless of our body shape.
Colour blocking
The pattern also has a two-panel option so that you can play around with colour blocking, mesh inserts and prints. This option really opens up for some fun colour and fabric combinations.
Speaking of prints, I designed the leaf print myself that is used on some of the samples. It’s printed on the Spoonflower Sports Lycra and Spoonflower was kind enough to sponsor me with the fabric for these samples. I’m a big fan of the Sports Lycra, it has the perfect weight for leggings the colours are soo good, and they stay true wash after wash.
And if you like the print I designed, you can actually use it too. Just head over to my Spoonflower Studio Shop and check it out.
Drawstrings
You can also add drawstrings to the leggings, for a fun, ballet-inspired, detail.
I’m so excited and proud to share this pattern with you! If you want to learn more and get your copy of the pattern, just head over to my shop to get your copy!
