Adapting Legging Patterns for Bigger Nappies!

Below is a quick and easy fix that you can do to give your handmade leggings a little more room for those little bums with bigger nappies.

You Will Need:

• Your Pattern (traced off if you wish to keep the original)

• A Ruler or Pattern Master

• A piece of Tracing Paper

• A Pen/Pencil

• And some Tape

Estimated time: 1 hour

Once you’ve got your pattern laid out (or traced out if you aren’t using your original) add in the original sewing lines to the centre back seam and the waistband. The pattern in this case has a 1cm seam allowance, and a 2.5cm waistband.

Then, draw a straight line running vertically through the leg to represent the side seam, this is found (in the case our PPS leggings) by locating the notch at the hem and angling up at 90 degrees. Next draw in a horizontal line approximately 2 two thirds down between the top edge of the waistband and the crotch points. This represents the hipline and the widest point of the bottom.

Trace off the section representing the back waistband and centre back rise to the side seam line and the hip line. Then trim down the seam line and hipline.

The next step is to pivot this new piece to create some room in the pattern. Secure where the top edge of the waistband and side seam meet and then pivot your tracing upwards and outwards creating approximately 7mm-10mm space at both the side seam/hip line and the centre back rise seam, as shown below. Secure the changes with tape.

Once secure we need to draw the seam lines back in. (Shown in pink) Using a pattern master or ruler gently taper the waistline from the centre back to the side seam with a soft curve. Then, gentle taper the centre back to re-join the top at waistband to the crotch at the base. You’ll find you have a little curve popping out, which is the extra volume for the bottom circumference.

Once this is done you can cut out the pattern and you’re ready to go! Feel free to shout if you have any questions on enquiries@patternpaperscissors.co.uk I’d be happy to help.