Master The Art Of Crafting Soft Jogger Pants With These Tips

Are you tired of wearing uncomfortable and restrictive pants? Look no further! In this guide, we will show you how to make your very own soft jogger pants that are not only stylish but also incredibly comfortable. Whether you're lounging around at home or running errands, these pants will be your new go-to. So grab your sewing machine and let's get started on this DIY project that will upgrade your wardrobe and revolutionize your comfort level.

Selecting the right fabric for soft jogger pants

When it comes to making soft jogger pants, selecting the right fabric is crucial. The fabric you choose will determine the overall comfort and durability of the joggers. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect fabric for your soft jogger pants:

• Look for fabric with a high percentage of natural fibers: Natural fibers such as cotton, bamboo, or linen are known for their softness and breathability. These fibers will feel comfortable against the skin and allow air to circulate, preventing overheating.
• Consider the weight of the fabric: The weight of the fabric will determine how light or heavy the jogger pants feel. For soft joggers, you'll want to use a medium-weight fabric that is lightweight enough to be comfortable but still has enough substance to give the pants structure.
• Opt for fabrics with a slight stretch: Jogger pants are meant to be comfortable and easy to move in, so look for fabrics that have a slight stretch. Fabrics with spandex or elastane blend are great options as they provide flexibility and give the joggers a flattering, form-fitting look.
• Check the fabric's durability: Since jogger pants are typically worn for casual activities and lounging, you'll want to ensure that the fabric is durable enough to withstand regular wear. Look for fabrics that have a good reputation for durability, such as denim, ponte knit, or sweatshirt fleece.
• Consider the finish of the fabric: The finish of the fabric can affect the overall feel and appearance of the joggers. For soft jogger pants, choose fabrics with a brushed or sueded finish. This finish creates a soft, velvety texture on the fabric's surface, adding to the pants' coziness.
• Pay attention to care instructions: Before purchasing the fabric, check the care instructions. It's essential to choose fabrics that are easy to care for and can withstand regular washing. Fabrics that are machine washable and require minimal ironing are ideal for jogger pants.

Some fabric options that meet all these criteria are French terry, jersey knit, and cotton fleece. These fabrics are soft, breathable, and have a slight stretch, making them perfect for soft jogger pants. They also come in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to choose the style that suits your preference.

Now that you know how to select the right fabric for soft jogger pants, you can confidently create a pair that's not only comfortable but also stylish. Happy sewing!

Measuring and cutting the fabric for your jogger pants

Making your own soft jogger pants can be a fun and rewarding project. One of the first steps in creating your perfect pair of joggers is measuring and cutting the fabric. This process may seem intimidating at first, but with a few simple tips, you can easily tackle this task like a pro. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to measure and cut the fabric for your jogger pants.

Gather the necessary materials:

• Fabric of your choice (preferably a soft and stretchy material like cotton jersey or French terry)
• Measuring tape
• Fabric scissors
• Straight pins
• Pattern or basic measurements (waist, hips, inseam length)

Determine your measurements:

• Measure your waist: Wrap the measuring tape around your natural waistline, which is located above your belly button and below your ribcage. Write down this measurement.
• Measure your hips: Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips, usually around the hip bone area. Write down this measurement.
• Measure your inseam length: Start from your crotch and measure down to the desired length of your jogger pants. This measurement will determine the length of the legs.

Prepare the fabric:

• Lay your fabric flat on a clean, flat surface. Ensure that it is free from wrinkles or creases.
• Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing each other. This will create a fold on one side, resembling the shape of your jogger pants.

Use a pattern or create your own:

• If you have a pattern, follow the instructions provided to cut out the appropriate pieces for your size. Place the pattern on top of the fabric, aligning the edges with the fold, and pin it in place.
• If you don't have a pattern, you can create your own by marking the measurements directly onto the fabric. Use a fabric marker or chalk to draw the waistline, hips, and inseam length. Remember to add seam allowances to these measurements for sewing.

Cut the fabric:

• Using sharp fabric scissors, carefully cut along the lines or edges of the pattern. If you're cutting without a pattern, cut along the marked lines you made in the previous step.
• Take your time and cut slowly to ensure accuracy and avoid any mistakes. It's better to cut slightly larger pieces than needed, as you can always make adjustments later.

Lay out the cut fabric pieces:

• Once you've finished cutting, unfold the fabric and lay out the cut pieces flat on your workspace.
• You should have two mirror-image pieces for the front and back of the pants, as well as two smaller pieces for the waistband and cuffs if your pattern includes them.

Now that you've successfully measured and cut the fabric for your jogger pants, you're one step closer to completing your project. Remember to keep your measurements accurate and take your time to ensure precise cutting. In the next steps, you'll be ready to sew the pieces together and add any desired details. Get ready to enjoy the comfort and style of your very own handmade joggers!

Sewing and assembling the pieces of your jogger pants

Now that you have cut and prepared all the necessary fabric pieces for your jogger pants, it's time to start sewing and assembling them. This process involves connecting the various parts, such as the front and back panels, waistband, cuffs, and pockets, to create a finished pair of pants. Follow these step-by-step instructions to sew and assemble your jogger pants successfully.

Step 1: Sew the Inner Leg Seams

Start by placing the front and back panels right sides together, aligning the inner leg seams. Pin them in place to ensure that they line up perfectly. Using a sewing machine or serger, stitch along the inner leg seam from the crotch down to the ankle. Repeat this process for both legs.

Step 2: Prepare the Waistband

Fold the waistband in half, with the right sides facing each other, and pin it in place. Sew along the short ends to create a loop. Then, fold the waistband in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press it to create a crease in the center.

Step 3: Attach the Waistband

Align the raw edges of the waistband with the raw edges of the jogger pants' waistline, making sure that the center crease of the waistband lines up with the back seam of the pants. Pin the waistband in place, distributing the fabric evenly around the waistline. Stitch along the pinned edge, using a stretch stitch or a zigzag stitch to allow for flexibility.

Step 4: Create the Cuffs

Fold each cuff in half widthwise, right sides together, and sew along the short ends to create loops. Then, fold the cuffs in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press them to create creases in the center.

Step 5: Attach the Cuffs

Align the raw edges of the cuffs with the raw edges of the jogger pants' ankle openings, matching the center crease of each cuff with the side seam of the pants. Pin the cuffs in place, making sure to distribute the fabric evenly around the ankles. Stitch along the pinned edge, using a stretch stitch or a zigzag stitch.

Step 6: Add Elastic to the Waistband

Depending on your desired fit, cut a piece of elastic that matches the measurement of your waist. Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and thread it through the waistband casing, making sure not to twist it. Overlap the ends of the elastic by about one inch and sew them securely together. Close the opening in the waistband casing, either by stitching it closed or using a hidden hand stitch.

Step 7: Finish with Pockets (Optional)

If your jogger pants include pockets, now is the time to attach them. Simply align the pocket pieces with the front panels of the pants, right sides together, and stitch along the curved edges, leaving the top of the pocket open. Repeat this step for each pocket.

Step 8: Hem the Pants

Finally, fold and press the raw edge of each leg opening by ¼ inch towards the wrong side, and then fold it over by another ½ inch. Pin the hem in place and stitch close to the folded edge to secure it.

Congratulations! You have successfully sewn and assembled your very own pair of soft jogger pants. Put them on, feel the comfort, and enjoy the satisfaction of wearing handmade clothing.

Finishing touches: adding elastic and hemming the jogger pants

After carefully sewing together the main components of your jogger pants, it's time to add the finishing touches. In this tutorial, we will show you how to add the elastic waistband and hem the bottom of the jogger pants for a professionally finished look.

Step 1: Measure and cut the elastic

Start by measuring your waist and subtracting about 1 inch. This will be the length of your elastic. Cut the elastic to this measurement.

Step 2: Create a waistband casing

Fold over the top edge of the pants by about 1 inch and press the fold. This will create a casing for the elastic. Make sure the fold is even and straight.

Step 3: Sew the casing

Sew along the bottom edge of the fold, leaving a small opening of about 1 inch to insert the elastic. Use a straight stitch and backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the stitching. Remember to leave the opening!

Step 4: Insert the elastic

Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and feed it through the casing, making sure it doesn't twist. Slowly and carefully guide the elastic through the casing until it comes out at the other end. Remove the safety pin.

Step 5: Secure the elastic

Overlap the two ends of the elastic by about ½ inch, making sure they are not twisted. Use a zigzag stitch or a straight stitch to sew the ends of the elastic together, securely attaching them.

Step 6: Close the opening

Now that the elastic is securely attached, close the opening in the waistband casing. Use a straight stitch to sew across the opening, joining the two sides of the casing.

Step 7: Try on and adjust if necessary

Try on the pants to test the fit. If the elastic feels too tight or too loose, you can easily adjust it. Simply remove the stitching at one end, cut the elastic to a shorter or longer length, and sew it back together. Make sure to secure the ends of the elastic with stitching again before closing the opening in the casing.

Step 8: Hem the pants

To hem the bottom of the jogger pants, fold over the raw edge by about ½ inch and press it. Then fold it over again by about 1 inch and press it again. Pin the fold in place and repeat for the other leg.

Step 9: Sew the hems

Using a straight stitch, sew along the folded edge of the hem, securing it in place. Sew all the way around the leg opening, making sure to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the stitching.

Step 10: Trim any excess threads and iron

Lastly, trim any excess threads from the elastic waistband and hems. Give your jogger pants a final press with an iron to make them look crisp and polished.

Congratulations! You've successfully added the finishing touches to your jogger pants. Now you can enjoy wearing your comfortable and stylish creation.

Frequently asked questions