Jalie: 2920 (Leggings, Stirrup Tights and mini-skirt)  - Type:Activewear  | | Viewed 247 times
| 8 more reviews | Review rated Helpful by 2 people Very Helpful by 9 people | | Reviewed by: | Lucy in Virginia | 
 | About Lucy in Virginia | | VA USA | | Member since: 12/20/07 | | Reviews written: 43 | | Sewing skills:Advanced Beginner | | Favored by: 3 people | | patterns reviewed: 37 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 12/27/12 7:37 PM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | 
Jalie Pattern Info | | Pattern Rating: | Highly Recommend | | See other patterns in this category: Activewear Skirts | Available for sale on PR: $12.75 (See envelope)  | | | | Fabric: | Supplex ® [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Pattern Description:
From the pattern envelope: Ankle length leggings (A), stirrup tights (B) with encased elastic waist and pull-on self-lined (no hemming) mini-skirt (C) with exposed elastic at the waist, that you can wear with your favorite tops for a layering effect.
Pattern Sizing:
All sizes in one pattern from size 2 for little girls all the way up to size FF women. I cut a size V in length with a size X in width. Since my fabric was super stretchy, I probably could have gotten away with a size V everywhere.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
A note about Jalie: Although the construction pictures are included in the pattern, you need to download the instructions from their website; and they are a bit minimalist--as if they went to the Burda School of Sewing Instructions. But still, these were super easy. In fact, I had to read them about 3 times to make sure they were as easy as I thought they were!
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Likes:
--Well, this was a super fast and easy pattern to sew and yet it looked great when made up, which is not always the case with easy patterns. I think now that I've sewn it once and made all the adjustments I want, I'll be able to cut and sew up in an hour.
--1 pattern piece, ladies!
--No outside seam. Makes for a very smooth and classy fit on the outside.
--The pattern called for 1 1/2 yards of fabric, but I had enough left over that I think I'll be able to make a sports bra or racer back top or even shorts.
Dislikes:
--1/4 inch seams. Does anybody love these? I was just too lazy to add to them, but they turned out fine.
Fabric Used:
The pattern calls for a fabric with 70% stretch. I used Supplex from Fabric Mart online. This fabric is super soft and make sure you have no hang nails or dry skin as it can snag. I was hoping for something a bit firmer (like those bicycle shorts) to hold in lumps and bumps, but after wearing it to the gym today, I decided it was too heavenly feeling to care about such little things.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I added 1 inch to the length just to make sure it would cover my ankles. I think this worked well.
This was a muslin, which is wonderfully wearable, but after sewing up and wearing, I decided to add a 1 inch prominent abdomen adjustment, like this. I've lost 5 inches from my abdomen since Thanksgiving (thank you Atkins Diet), but I've a ways to go still!
Special sewing techniques:
I sewed this on both my sewing machine and my serger. I used several techniques to sew these, which may be helpful to those new to specialty knits. Many of these techniques come from Sandra Betzina's outstanding book More Fabric Savvy:
--Needle: 75/11 Stretch (for both sewing machine and serger)
--Machine Foot: Walking Foot
--Stitching techniques: Triple straight stitch (sewing machine) on all seams first. (Don't skip this step, it's a must. Ask me how I know. LOL!); 4-thread overlock (serger) to finish all seams.
--Beginning a seam: I wrapped about the first inch or so of a seam in Sulky Water Soluble Stabilizer to keep my machine feed dogs from eating the fabric. Then I cut away the excess and steamed away the leftover bits. You could just use a piece of paper if you don't have this, but you have to use something because with such tiny seams, your feed dogs just won't be able to resist.
--Crotch: To reduce bulk in the inside seams, I turned the seams in opposite directions. This also helps you achieve on the outside perfectly matched seams!
--Elastic casing: To reduce bulk, I followed a Sandra Betzina method of joining (not overlapping) the edges together and zigzaging with a piece of the fashion fabric in the back. Then cut away the excess fabric. Here's the finished top of the elastic; and here's the finished back of the elastic. Then I zigzaged the elastic to serge-finished edge, folded and cover-stitched (serger) for the casing. I love how stretchy the cover-stitching is!
Oh, and make sure you add a label or contrasting thread to the back, as it looks just like the front!
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes!
Conclusion:
I wanted a pair of leggings to wear to the gym. Now that it's winter, the equipment is just too cold to sit on in a pair of shorts. I nearly had a heart attack when I saw the price of these leggings at Sports Authority. My fabric cost $13.49; the pattern cost $11.47; and the thread and elastic were already in my stash. Once I make this again, the average cost will go down even more. I wore these today at the gym, and they looked and fit like a dream and they kept my legs oh so warm!
This was my first Jalie pattern and I can see why so many PR members love them. The no nonsense, "only-the-easiest" construction methods combined with fashionable styles remind my of Kwik Sew patterns. I love my leggings and I highly recommend this pattern. All pictures here.
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8 Comments
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Great job - and great $$ savings. Terrific review. Jalie does have great patterns.
12/27/12 9:00 PM
Great job! I've always liked Jalie patterns and this one looks like a great basic!
12/27/12 9:34 PM
Great job! I need to try some leggings. I wear them all the time but haven't sewn any!
12/27/12 10:42 PM
Wow, a very thorough review. I like your tip on the water soluble stabilizer for the seams. Thanks for all your construction hints. The leggings turned out great!
12/28/12 0:21 AM
great review I love the Jalie patterns too
12/28/12 3:02 AM
Wonderful 'Very Helpful' review!
12/28/12 9:12 AM
Great leggings and excellent review! I love this pattern and have used it multiple times.
12/28/12 1:27 PM
Nice leggings and great review! Looks like a very useful pattern.
12/30/12 12:14 PM