Transforming Old Sweatpants into Trendy Joggers ✨
Hi there! I’m Luna, a passionate fashion designer, and I have this habit of keeping old clothes, especially textiles, so I can give them a fresh twist. I’m sure many of you have old sweatpants lying around and wonder what to do with them. Well, wonder no more! Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite tricks on how to convert those baggy sweatpants into trendy joggers.
From Baggy Sweatpants to Chic Joggers
Let’s face it, 2020 was a year where leggings and sweatpants became our best friends. So, I thought, why not upcycle those old, baggy sweatpants into stylish joggers? I’ve crafted multiple joggers from sweatpants, and today, I’m going to share two unique methods:
- Adding a rib-knit cuff (great for sweatpants with some stretch)
- Introducing elastic in a casing (ideal for sweatpants with minimal stretch)
Let’s Begin With The Basics
To start, turn your sweatpants inside out and wear them. Pin them along one leg to get your desired fit, ensuring your ankle opening is spacious enough, especially for pants with limited stretch. (Pro tip: Pin them so it’s easy to take them off without any ouchie moments!) Once you’ve marked your desired fit with pins, outline the shape using a fabric marker or chalk.
Once you’re satisfied with the outline, use a long basting stitch to sew the seam. After sewing, turn them right side out to check the fit. If everything looks good, reinforce the seam using your preferred method. I love using my serger as it provides a robust and durable stitch, especially for activewear. Once one leg is done, replicate the changes on the other leg.
Option 1: Rib-Knit Cuff Transformation
For those looking to lengthen short sweatpants, this method’s for you!
Materials Needed:
- Old sweatpants
- Knit ribbing
- Sewing machine (and a serger if you have one)
- Stretch stitch and ballpoint needle
- Essential sewing accessories (pins, measuring tape, markers, etc.)
The go-to material for joggers is a stretchy knit fabric known as rib-knit, commonly used for stretchy cuffs. Once you have your rib knit, measure around your ankle, add an inch for seam allowance, and determine the cuff’s height. Now, cut and prepare your cuff and sew it to the sweatpants. Ensure the cuff’s right side faces the sweatpants’ right side. Once attached, trim any excess fabric and admire your handiwork!
Option 2: The Elastic Addition
If you’re a beginner or have sweatpants with minimal stretch, this method is a breeze.
Materials Needed:
- Old sweatpants
- Sewing machine with a stretch stitch and ballpoint needle
- Bodkin or safety pin
- 1/2″ braided elastic
- Essential sewing accessories
Determine your joggers’ desired length and mark the spot for elastic insertion. Stitch the hem but leave a small gap to thread the elastic. Measure the elastic around your ankle, add an inch for seam allowance, and thread it through. Once in place, sew the elastic ends and close the casing. Voila! You’ve just transformed your old sweatpants into fabulous joggers!
Key Takeaways
| Methods | Materials | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Rib-Knit Cuff | Old sweatpants, knit ribbing, sewing machine, accessories | Sweatpants with some stretch |
| Elastic Addition | Old sweatpants, sewing machine, elastic, accessories | Sweatpants with minimal stretch or beginners |