Sewing your own activewear is a rewarding way to create workout clothing that fits comfortably and moves with your body. A matching sports coord set is practical for everything from gym sessions and yoga classes to outdoor walks and everyday athleisure wear, making it a versatile addition to any handmade wardrobe.
The Winslet's Athletic Set Sewing Pattern (Tank Top & Biker Shorts) combines two beginner-friendly activewear projects into one coordinated outfit. With a relaxed athletic tank featuring side mesh panels and high-waisted biker shorts, it's an excellent project for sewists looking to build confidence working with stretch fabrics while creating a stylish matching set.
Why Sew a Athletic Set?
- Create a coordinated athletic outfit from a single sewing project.
- Enjoy a comfortable fit designed for movement and everyday wear.
- Make activewear that suits your preferred colors and fabric combinations.
- Learn useful stretch-fabric sewing techniques that can be applied to future projects.
- Sew versatile separates that can be mixed and matched with other wardrobe pieces.
- Build confidence sewing knit fabrics with beginner-friendly construction.
Why Choose the Winslet's Athletic Set Sewing Pattern?
The Winslet's Athletic Set Sewing Pattern is designed for sewists who want to create a stylish and functional activewear outfit with an easy-to-follow sewing experience.
- Skill Level: Very Easy
- Includes a relaxed athletic tank top with side mesh panels.
- Features high-waisted biker shorts with a wide waistband for a comfortable fit.
- Designed as a coordinated activewear set that can also be worn as separate garments.
- Ideal for workouts, fitness activities, and casual athleisure wear.
- Available Sizes: US 02 - US 32 | UK 06 - UK 36 | EU 36 - EU 64
Supplies & Notions
Gather the following supplies before you begin sewing:
- Main knit fabric
- Polyester-spandex mesh fabric (for the tank side panels)
- 3-ply polyester thread
- Sewing machine
- Serger or overlocker (or use a zig-zag stitch as recommended)
- Flatlock machine or twin needle
- Sewing needles suitable for knit fabrics
- Tape measure
- Fabric shears
- Thread cutter
- Pins
- Tailor's chalk
- Iron
- Binder attachment (optional for the tank)
Fabric Recommendations
Recommended Fabrics:
For the top, use light to medium weight knit fabrics with 30 - 50% stretch, such as jersey, pique, scuba, stretch velour & stretch velvet.
For the shorts, use light to medium weight knits, such as cotton, polyester and viscose blend knits with elastane, stretch velour & stretch velvet.
Sample Fabric:
The model is wearing the top made of 5% poly spandex interlock fabric as a main fabric, a double-knit jersey which is a reversible medium-weight type of knit fabric.
For the side panel of the top, we recommend a 5% polyester-spandex mesh fabric.
The model is wearing the shorts made of poly spandex single jersey fabric.
Size Charts
Check the size charts and measure yourself to select the correct size, using the garment and body measurement tables in the guide.
Verify how much fabric you need by referencing the fabric yield table in the guide.
Pattern Inventory: What Pieces to Prepare
Tank Top
- Front – cut 1
- Back – cut 1
- Back Yoke – cut 1
- Side Upper – cut 2
- Side Bottom – cut 2
Biker Shorts
- Front and Back Bottom – cut 2
- Front Waistband – cut 1
- Back Waistband – cut 1
If printing at home, use the A4/US Letter pattern files. For copy shop printing, use the A0 pattern files.
Pattern Marking
Transfer all pattern markings before removing the paper pattern pieces.
The guides include markings for:
Tank Top
- Grainlines
- Neckline
- Shoulder
- Armhole
- Side seam
- Hemline
- Back yoke
- Center back notch
- Side panel notch
- Cut-and-sew notches
- Cut-and-sew lines
- Seam allowance references
Biker Shorts
- Grainlines
- Front and back crotch
- Inseam
- Side seam
- Hem
- Center line
- Front waistband notches
- Side waistband notches
- Center back waistband notch
These markings help align the pieces accurately during construction.
Cutting Layout
The guides include cutting layouts for both 45-inch and 60-inch fabric widths.
Before cutting:
- Position all pattern pieces with the grainline parallel to the selvage.
- Follow the layout diagrams for your chosen fabric width.
- The illustrated layouts are non-directional.
- Purchase additional fabric if using directional prints or fabrics with nap.
- Pin pattern pieces securely before cutting.
- The illustrated layouts use the smallest size as an example.
The tank guide also notes that the side panel pieces may be cut from mesh or another compatible knit fabric.
Fabric Cutting and Preparation
Before sewing:
- Prewash and press your fabric if appropriate.
- Lay the fabric flat without stretching it.
- Arrange the pattern pieces according to the cutting layout.
- Ensure all grainlines run parallel to the selvage.
- Trace and cut the fabric carefully.
- Clip all notches accurately.
- Transfer all pattern markings to the wrong side of the fabric.
- Test stitch length and tension on a fabric scrap before beginning.
- Ensure contrast fabrics used for the tank side panels are compatible with the main fabric.
Seam Allowance
Use the seam allowance included in the pattern pieces as specified in the sewing guides.
Ready to Sew Your Own Athletic Set?
The Winslet's Athletic Set Sewing Pattern makes it easy to create a comfortable and stylish matching activewear outfit. Combining a breathable athletic tank with supportive high-waisted biker shorts, this beginner-friendly project is perfect for expanding your handmade wardrobe with garments you'll reach for again and again.
Whether you're sewing your first activewear project or adding another coordinated outfit to your collection, this pattern provides an enjoyable sewing experience and versatile finished garments. Download the pattern today and start creating your own custom sports coord set.
Explore More Sewing Patterns
Browse our Coord Set Sewing Pattern Collection for more stylish handmade workout clothing, including leggings, sports bras, athletic tops, shorts, and coordinating activewear sets.
Join the Community & Get Support
Share your finished Athletic Set Sewing Pattern on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com.
