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Top 10 Sewing Patterns

Top 10 Indie Activewear Sewing Patterns

April is Move More Month in the UK – a month-long focus on inspiring activity beyond exercise, teaching the human necessity of movement and sharing tools and resources to support individuals, businesses and schools in this quest.

We don’t need much of an excuse to sew, but feeling comfortable while exercising is a great one in our book. I’ve found myself in a yoga class wondering why I picked such impractical things to wear (loose tops that don’t go well with downward dog!) or been on hikes where I wonder why I am wearing clothes that aren’t designed with movement in mind. Not being the most athletic of people, I think getting what I am wearing right is the first hurdle I need to tackle to make exercising more appealing!

We have some wonderful activewear indie sewing patterns in the shop that would be perfect for feeling comfortable while exercising. These designs could be worn for physical activities, or for an off-duty sports-lux look. So now on to the patterns…

True Bias Hudson Pants

The Hudson Pants from True Bias is possibly one of the most popular sewing projects out there! These are the ultimate joggers. They’re a little bit smarter than standard sweatpants. You can make them full-length or mid-calf length. Once you’ve made one pair you’ll be making them for the entire family – there are Hudsons for men and children too!

Sizing: UK 8-20 or UK 16-32

Format: PDF and Paper (UK 8-20)


In the Folds Hove Jacket

Probably our coolest pick of the bunch, the Hove Jacket by In The Folds is a loose-fitting hooded jacket sewing pattern with a sportswear vibe. With two different styles (sleeveless or long-sleeves), it’s the perfect layering piece. We love the pleated back detail and the fact that all seams are finished with bias binding or Hong Kong binding for a beautiful and high-end finish. It’s a great piece for throwing on for a brisk stroll or to wear on your way to an exercise class.

Sizing: UK 6-28

Format: PDF


Helen’s Closet Avery Leggings

Woman wearing the Avery Leggings sewing pattern by Helens Closet. A leggings pattern made in nylon and cotton spandex or bamboo and rayon jersey fabric featuring no outer seam and elastic waistband.

The Avery Leggings by Helen’s Closet are the ultimate leg layer! They are simple to sew while still featuring unique details that make them special. They have no outer leg seam, so you end up with a nice, smooth leg for layering. The Avery Leggings can be worn anywhere from yoga to the workplace and are a great wardrobe staple. I have made a few pairs and I live in them… lounging on the sofa is a sport, right?!

Sizing: UK 6-34

Format: PDF


Friday Pattern Company Arlo Track Jacket

Woman wearing the Unisex Arlo Track Jacket sewing pattern by Friday Pattern Company. A lightweight jacket pattern made in knits, French terry or sweatshirt fleece featuring a sport collar, front pockets and front zip closure.

What about a lightweight layer with a sporty feel? The Arlo Track Jacket from Friday Pattern Company features a sport collar, interesting seamlines, comfortable front pockets and plenty of colour-blocking potential. This is a unisex pattern and looks great on all gender expressions! I have made this pattern and I love wearing mine on my daily walks. It would be a great piece to have to hand for hiking as you can easily tie it around your waist when you get too warm.

Sizing: UK 6-34

Format: Paper and PDF


Cashmerette Belmont Leggings and Yoga Pants

Woman wearing the Belmont Yoga Pants sewing pattern by Cashmerette. A yoga trouser pattern made in mid-weight four-way stretch knit fabric featuring a capri length hem and fold over waistband.

Performance meets style with the Belmont Leggings and Yoga Pants from Cashmerette. Sew the ultimate wardrobe essential, with full-length leggings that have a clean hidden elastic finish. Salute the sun in a classic pair of yoga pants featuring a capri length hem and foldover waistband, which can be worn up or down. This pattern will keep you moving all day long.

Sizing:  UK 14-34

Format: Paper


Roxie Bralette, Sports Bralette and Swim Top

Woman wearing the Roxie Bralette, Sports Bralette and Swim Top sewing pattern from Madalynne on The Fold Line. A bra pattern made in stretch lace, stretch mesh, lycra or jersey fabrics, featuring an asymmetrical silhouette, high neck overlay, wide bottom band and no bust darts.

The Madalynne Roxie Bralette is a sleek, asymmetrical bralette that features a high neck overlay and wide bottom band. If you quite like wearing a bralette when you’re working out, this is for you. It offers both support and comfort, and this pattern can be used for sewing a swim top!

Sizing: Band sizes 30-44 and A/B, C/D, (DD)E/F, G/H and I/J cups

Format: PDF


Sirena Patterns Elizabeth Leggings and Hot Pants and Sophie Fitted Tank and Bra

Women wearing the Sophie Fitted Tank and Bra sewing pattern from Sirena Patterns on The Fold Line. A sports bra pattern made in nylon/spandex, activewear knits, jersey/spandex fabrics, featuring princess seams, front and back scoop necklines, under bust elastic band and an opening in the upper back.

If you want to sew your own workout set, these patterns are a fabulous choice. The Sophie Tank and Bra is a practical sportswear pattern will provide you with an excellent fit while still being fashionable. The elastic band under the bust, in the case of the bra, will help you feel comfortable. The fitted tank has practical side pockets. Both styles have princess seams and an opening in the upper back.

The Elizabeth Leggings give you two options –  cropped leggings or hot pants that both feature a high waist (4″ waistband), zippered pocket at the waist and side pockets. They are also comfortable and the clever features make them extra practical!

Sizing: UK 8 – 20

Format: PDF


Made My Wardrobe Della Leggings and Lottie Top and Bra

Woman wearing the Della Leggings sewing pattern from Made My Wardrobe on The Fold Line. A leggings pattern made in medium weight knit fabrics, featuring a high waist and full length leg.

Another great option if you want to make a full activewear set is these two patterns by Made my Wardrobe. The Della Leggings are a comfy pair of high waisted leggings. They are super quick and easy to make and only require one pattern piece! You can make full-length leggings, cycling shorts or short shorts from this pattern so you can pick what suits your sport.

The Lottie Top and Bra is your classic sporty base layer. It has a flattering racerback shape and can be made full length or as a bra with an elasticated underband. The bra is not underwired but does provide a lovely amount of support across sizes so you can feel safe while you stretch!

Sizing: UK 6 – 24

Format: Paper and PDF


Sew Over It Kingsly Top and Huby Leggings

Woman wearing the Kingsly Top sewing pattern from Sew Over It on The Fold Line. A sports top pattern made in lightweight active wear knit fabrics, featuring a scoop neckline, racerback and dipped front and back hem line.

Our final choice for sewing a workout set is this pair of patterns by Sew Over it. Kingsly features a breezy fit, pretty curved neckline extending into a sporty racerback, and a dramatic dipped hem at the front and back which rises at the side seam. Topstitched binding at the neckline and armholes finishes the raw edges and creates a professional-looking garment that’ll make you look as good as your post-exercise endorphin-filled self feels!

Drafted with comfort in mind, the Huby Leggings are designed to help you feel at ease whilst exercising. With no side seam, a wide waistband (with two construction options) and two lengths to suit all weathers, the Huby Leggings are comfy and versatile. Sew them in a technical Lycra fabric for your marathon training, or pick a soft cotton jersey for snuggly loungewear.

Sizing: UK 6 – 20 and UK 20 – 32

Format: PDF


Fehr Trade Activewear Sewing for Beginners e-book

An E-book, Activewear Sewing for Beginners from Fehr Trade on The Fold Line. A book about how to, select appropriate activewear fabrics and elastics, cut out your pattern, sew robust seams on a standard sewing machine or overlocker/serger, troubleshoot any issues like wavy seams or skipped stitches, and effectively test the fit of your activewear in motion.

If you want to swot up on your activewar sewing skills before you get stuck into a pattern, this beginner-focused e-book from Fehr Trade is for you! This e-book will take you through how to select appropriate activewear fabrics and elastics, cut out your pattern, sew robust seams (on a standard sewing machine or an overlocker/serger), troubleshoot any issues (like wavy seams or skipped stitches), and effectively test the fit of your activewear in motion.

NOTE: There are no patterns included in this e-book.

Format: E book

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3 thoughts on “Top 10 Indie Activewear Sewing Patterns

  1. […] to sew, but feeling comfortable while exercising is a great one in our book. We have some wonderful activewear indie sewing patterns in the shop that would be perfect for feeling comfortable while exercising. These designs could be […]

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