Leggings are one of the most practical garments to sew for kids. They're comfortable, easy to wear, and perfect for everyday adventures, playtime, sports, or relaxing at home. Since they use stretch knit fabrics and require only a few pattern pieces, leggings are also an excellent project for sewists looking to build confidence when working with knit fabrics.
The Winslet's Avery Kids Leggings Sewing Pattern is a very easy pattern designed for beginners. It includes two versatile variations—leggings with ankle cuffs and leggings with a simple folded hem—making it easy to create different everyday looks. With clear step-by-step instructions and a comfortable elastic waistband, it's a fun and rewarding project for sewists of all experience levels.
Why Sew Kid's Leggings?
- Sew a comfortable everyday wardrobe essential for kids.
- Choose between two finishing options: ankle cuffs or a classic hem.
- Stretch knit construction provides comfort and freedom of movement.
- The elastic waistband makes the leggings easy for children to wear independently.
- Perfect for everyday wear, active play, lounging, and layering during cooler weather.
- A quick and beginner-friendly sewing project that helps build confidence when sewing knit fabrics.
Why Choose the Winslet's Avery Kids Leggings Sewing Pattern?
The Winslet's Avery Kids Leggings Sewing Pattern is designed to create comfortable, everyday leggings with two hem variations to suit different styles and seasons.
- Skill Level: Very Easy
- Design Features: Elastic waistband, close-fitting leggings, two variations with or without ankle cuffs.
- Available Sizes: New Borns to 10 Year Olds
Supplies & Notions
To sew the Winslet's Avery Kids Leggings Sewing Pattern, you'll need the following supplies and notions:
- Main fabric
- Rib knit fabric (only for the ankle cuff variation)
- 3-ply polyester thread
- Tape measure
- Fabric shears
- Thread cutter
- Fabric chalk or marking tool
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Ballpoint sewing needles
- Serger/overlocker (or a zigzag stitch as an alternative)
- Coverstitch machine (or a twin needle, narrow zigzag stitch, or straight stitch with a looser thread setting)
- Iron
Fabric Recommendations
The Avery Kids Leggings are designed for light to medium-weight knit fabrics (180–280 GSM) that provide 60–100% stretch with excellent recovery for comfort, flexibility, and durability. Recommended fabrics include:
- Nylon-spandex jersey
- Polyester-spandex athletic knit
- Cotton-spandex jersey
- Rib knit with spandex
The sample leggings shown in the guide are sewn using single jersey, which is recommended because it offers:
- A soft drape
- A smooth, wrinkle-resistant surface
- Breathability and comfort
- Easy sewing with ballpoint needles
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
The Avery Kids Leggings include two design variations. Prepare the pattern pieces based on the version you'd like to sew.
Leggings Without Ankle Cuffs (A¹)
- Pattern A¹ – Leg Panel — Cut 2 fabric
- Pattern B – Waistband — Cut 1 fabric
Leggings With Ankle Cuffs (A²)
- Pattern A² – Leg Panel — Cut 2 fabric
- Pattern B – Waistband — Cut 1 fabric
- Pattern C – Ankle Cuff — Cut 2 fabric
If printing at home, use the A4/US Letter pattern files. For copy shop printing, use the A0 pattern.
Pattern Marking
The pattern pieces include clearly marked construction guides to help with accurate assembly. Markings include:
- Grainline
- Waist
- Side seam
- Inseam
- Front crotch
- Back crotch
- Hem
- Top edge
- Bottom edge
- Seam allowance
Transfer all necessary markings to the wrong side of the fabric before sewing.
Cutting Layout
Arrange the pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams, ensuring the grainline arrows run parallel to the fabric selvage. The layouts are designed for both 45-inch and 60-inch fabric widths and are non-directional.
If you're using fabric with a nap or one-way print, purchase additional fabric to accommodate the directional layout. The illustrated layouts use the 8Y size for reference.
Fabric Cutting and Preparation
Before cutting your fabric:
- Arrange the pattern pieces according to the recommended cutting layout.
- Ensure every grainline arrow is parallel to the fabric selvage.
- Trace the pattern pieces if using fabric shears, then cut accurately.
- Cut all notches shown on the pattern pieces to help align the garment during construction.
- Transfer all pattern markings, such as circles, fold lines, and the center front, to the wrong side of the fabric using a suitable marking tool.
Seam Allowance
Use the seam allowances marked on each pattern piece. These are precisely included to ensure proper fit.
This pattern uses a 0.6 cm (1/4") seam allowance all around, a 1.3 cm (1/2") seam allowance all around the waistband pattern piece, and a 2 cm (3/4") seam allowance at the bottom hem of Leg Panel Pattern A¹.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
1. Sew the Front and Back Rise
1a. Place the two Leg Panels (Pattern A¹ or A²) with their right sides together.
1b. Align and sew the front crotch seam using an overlock stitch.
1c. Repeat the same process for the back crotch seam.
2. Sew the Inseams
Open the leggings so they lie flat.
Align the inseams with the right sides together and overlock each inseam from the crotch down to the leg opening.
3. Sew the Side Seams
Fold the leggings with the right sides together.
Match the side seams and overlock both side seams from the waist down to the leg openings.
4. Prepare the Waistband
Fold the Waistband (Pattern B) in half widthwise with the right sides together.
Overlock the short ends to form a continuous loop.
Fold the waistband in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together so the raw edges are aligned. Press lightly.
5. Attach the Waistband
Place the folded waistband over the right side of the leggings, aligning the raw edges.
Match the waistband seam with the center back seam and evenly distribute the waistband around the waist opening.
Stretch the waistband slightly as needed while overlocking it to the leggings.
Press the seam allowance downward toward the leggings after stitching.
6. Finish the Leg Openings
Variation A¹ – Hemmed Leggings
Fold each leg hem toward the wrong side along the hem allowance and press.
Coverstitch each hem from the right side to create a neat professional finish.
Variation A² – Leggings with Ankle Cuffs
Fold each Ankle Cuff (Pattern C) in half widthwise with the right sides together and overlock the short ends to form loops.
Fold each cuff in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together.
Place the cuff over the right side of the leg opening, aligning the raw edges and matching the cuff seam with the inseam.
Stretch the cuff evenly while overlocking it to the leg opening.
Repeat for the second leg.
Ready to Sew Your Own Kid's Leggings?
Leggings are a wardrobe staple that combine comfort, flexibility, and everyday practicality. With the Winslet's Avery Kids Leggings Sewing Pattern, you'll learn essential knit sewing techniques such as constructing stretch garments, attaching a waistband, and choosing between a classic hem or ankle cuffs for two versatile finishes.
Whether you're sewing comfortable playwear, layering pieces for cooler weather, or everyday basics, this very easy pattern provides clear, step-by-step guidance to help you create professional-looking leggings your child will love to wear. Download the pattern today and enjoy sewing a handmade wardrobe essential.
Explore More Sewing Patterns
Browse our Kids' Sewing Pattern Collection for more comfortable handmade leggings, joggers, shorts, overalls, and other everyday essentials for babies, toddlers, and kids.
Join the Community & Get Support
Share your finished Avery Kids Leggings on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com.
