When I ordered the fabric for this project I had a totally different pattern in mind. Once the fabric came I realized that it’s too thick to make what I had wanted. I remembered hearing great reviews about McCalls 6173 – Leggings pattern, so I decided on that one instead.
I’ve gotta say even though it is thick – I love the print of this fabric! It’s just so much fun. It’s called Skull Print Scuba Bodycon Stretch Jersey and it’s body con, so it’s supposed to be very form fitting.
When I started this pattern my measurements were waist – 38″, hips 40″ so I went with a size Medium. I didn’t do a regular 5/8″ seam allowance, instead I did 1/4″ on my serger. I went with view C because it was extra long and very simple. I have to say, these are LONG! That’s rare for me to say about any pants since I’m already 5’10”. The inseam on view C is 37 1/4″ long! Granted, they are supposed to be scrunched up at the bottom, so keep that in mind.
To do the maternity hack I lowered the front rise 2″ and raised the back 3″. From there I just used a ruler to redraw the sides. I just drew a line from the back top to the front top. Pretty much that simple. It seemed to work perfect! I should have added some width to the rear end, it’s a bit tight back there!
So far I’m all about wearing under the belly pants. The ones that have a panel and go over your belly are great but I think under is more comfortable. I’m sure that will change the larger I get.
This was the easiest pattern I’ve EVER made. I can’t even stress how easy view C is! It took me 3 hours to cut the paper pattern, lay out the pattern on the fabric, cut the fabric and sew it. All of that, start to finish in 3 hours! It probably would have been even faster but I had a friend over and we were chitty chatting. So if you want crazy-insane-easy this is it!
I have a feeling I’ll be making this pattern over and over again. I love it and I love how fast it comes together. The other edit I made was that I did 1″ elastic in the waistband instead of 3/4″. That meant I folded over the waistband casing 1 1/2″.
Pregnant or not – make this pattern! It only requires 1 1/2 yards of fabric or less. I ordered a bit more with my project, so I ended up making 2 pairs of pants. The first pair was non-maternity and barely fit because of my belly. The second pair is much better on my growing stomach. Also, I’d love to make a tight fitted dress with this fabric, it would look amazing.
You don’t have to have a serger for this pattern, it just makes it quicker and easier. I love how the finished edges look.
Let me know if you end up making this or already have. I can’t wait to find more fun knits to make more leggings!
Awesome! I’ve been wanting to make these since last fall 🙂 I love love love your fabric print!! I always preferred to wear my pants under my belly my entire pregnancies.
Your hair looks great too 😉 and yay for the baby bump!
You really should make them – so crazy easy and fast! Thanks for all the compliments 🙂 I’ve been noticing the baby likes to be really low in my tummy and I can feel him moving the waistband HAHA
I’ve made this pattern before and you are right, super easy and quick! Love the fabric you chose. These make me want to make more now!
Do it!!! If you want to sew something and be super quick – these are it. I can’t believe how accomplished I felt in such little time LOL
Cute! Love the fabric. 😀
I’m currently in the wearing-things-over-the-bump phase (29 weeks) (but then, last pregnancy I could only wear dresses as everything tight near the ‘bump’ was uncomfortable. Guess each baby is different, even while they’re on the inside! 😉
Some days over the bump is fine and I’m happy but other days it’s annoying, itchy, smothering! LOL But I’m sure as I get bigger I’ll like over the bump for more support. Today I didn’t even feel like getting dressed, so I’m in gym clothes!! Yay for being pregnant though <3 I can't wait to meet this little guy!
You look so fantastic. Being pregnant agrees with you. Great leggings.
Awe thanks! I have to say 2nd trimester is 100x better than the 1st! LOL
I love your fabric and the pants look great. I love the fact that they’re more like pants than leggings but that’s probably because of your fabric choice. I need to buy this pattern and make me a pair. Super cute hair color and baby bump.
I do like that they are pants like than super tight leggings. Just something a little different 🙂 Go buy it and let me know how you like it! And thank you 🙂
Talk about pants of fabulosity!!! I love them to bits! 🙂
Awe! Thank you!!!
I’ve been spying this fabric and other similarly patterned for ages and it’s great seeing it sewn up. It’s tempting me even more to splurge on some for myself. Your ickle bump is looking beautiful too. Pregnancy suits you, you’re lucky, I was a blubber mountain when I was pregnant.
It is very thick, so keep that in mind! It’s bodycon, so it’s supposed to be tight fitted. I think it works great for these leggings/pants. It’s not as stretchy as knit fabric though. Thanks btw 🙂 I’m only 20 weeks in, so I’m sure things will get blubbery soon enough!
Great info! I am thinking of taking a class with my 9 year old daughter at a sewing expo and was wondering if she’d be up to it. She’s sewn a lot of doll clothes but nothing big. After reading your post I think she will be just fine in the class! Thanks and hope everything went great with baby!!!
I think she would do great! And they are never too young to start. Let me know how it goes 🙂