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Cotton jersey for leggings? (to copy American Apparel leggings)
rfsews Beginner CA USA Member since 11/21/06 Posts: 140	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/8/13 4:15 AM I want to make some leggings - not for activewear or exercise, just regular leggings for outfits. I’ve been buying American Apparel cotton jersey leggings for $28 (!!!) because I wasn't sure if I will be able to get the right fabrics. After buying another pair tonight (yup, spent another $28), I wanted to ask for PR opinion on fabric selection because I’m pretty sure I can get two pairs from 2 yards of 60" knits! The AA leggings are listed as cotton jersey with 95% Cotton, 5% Elastane. Would any cotton jersey with that content work? I’m thinking of trying this solid knits from Girl Charlee. I have McCalls 6173, but also considering getting Kwik Sew 3463 since it has good reviews.
tlmck3 Advanced Beginner IL USA Member since 7/11/05 Posts: 3615	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/8/13 7:19 PM It will probably be fine if that's the percentage of lycra you've been using and you've been happy with the leggings. I usually prefer a 10% lycra content for leggings for the extra stretch and recovery. Get a swatch and see if it stretches to match the knit guage marked on the back side of the Kwik Sew pattern. Spandex House is a good source and their 10% cotton lycra knits run around $8 a yard. ------ I am going for a level of perfection that is only mine... Most of the pleasure is in getting that last little piece perfect...Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just keep showing up and doing the work. Chuck Close, painter, printmaker, photographer Hope has two lovely daughters: Anger and Courage St. Augustine
Judy Kski   Intermediate FL USA Member since 10/26/08 Posts: 1020	Login to reply to this post In reply to rfsews << Like this post Date: 1/9/13 1:04 AM This will work fine for what you're looking for. The 5% lycra is the same as the 5% elastane; it's the stretch component of the fabric. Even if you're not using it for exercise, I'd still make sure it's got 4-way stretch fabric. That way it won't bag out in the knees. Instead it will be very comfortable to wear all day. Girl Charlee will send free swatches so if you want to compare the weight of the fabric to your American Apparel leggings, order a swatch before you buy. ------ Judy
rfsews Beginner CA USA Member since 11/21/06 Posts: 140	Login to reply to this post In reply to Judy Kski << Like this post Date: 1/9/13 3:03 AM Judy - Thank you for reminding me that Girl Charlee sends out free swatches! I just requested the swatches so hopefully they will work out!
Silknmore   Advanced WI USA Member since 9/30/06 Posts: 251	Login to reply to this post In reply to rfsews << 1 member likes this. Date: 1/9/13 9:40 AM For leggings, my preference is 4-way stretch and a mid-weight knit that's heavier than t-shirt knits. The problem is that it's hard to find as most online stores don't specify the weight. Let us know what you find. Annette ------ Silknmore http://fabricateandmira.wordpress.com/

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