Sewing leggings

[francoluna]

I'm thinking of whipping up some comfy leggings from my reversible fabric. I want them totally wearable on either side, so I'm planning flat-felled seams. But I'm stuck on the waistband. I was thinking of folding the fabric like bias tape. Any tips on how to make it look good? And what's the best way to sew these things together?

 

[Young_Luc]

If you want it reversible, skip elastic casings... they'll always show. Cut a tall strip, fold it in half, then stitch it on as a band. It gives you a smooth edge both ways and stretches nicely. Works way better than wrestling with folded bias tape.

 

[Jillian]

It may be difficult to sew the bottom of your legs with a flat felled seam. Maybe use a French seam and big stitch it flat by hand, mimicking a jeans stitching?
As for the waist, use two pieces, sewn together to match each side. Or do a "yoga pants" style band, two layers, one for each side?

 

[d'vigilante]

Just cut a strip from the same fabric. Then sew it into a loop and attach it so the edges are hidden inside. This keeps both sides looking neat without bulky elastic showing. attach the waistband after the legs are sewn so everything lines up evenly.

If the fabric is stretchy, you can rely on that for comfort or add elastic between the layers before sewing it closed.