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Faux Leather Leggings

Back in December, The Preacher and I were passing through Chicago and we had time for a quick stop at Vogue Fabrics. We used to live on the south side of Chicago and I made quite a few trips there during those years. Now we pass through Chicago to visit family, but we're usually on a schedule with kids along. This trip was leisurely and without kids! Perfect opportunity.

When I got in the store I was a little torn about what approach to take - look for the best deals or look for fabrics that I wouldn't normally have access to. I ended up doing some of both. One of the unusual fabrics I picked was a black stretch faux leather. They had several nice choices. All of the faux leather at Fabricland feels pretty plastic-y (stiff and shiny) to me. But, this one is a very good imitation of real leather both in appearance and feel. Of course, that's very hard to capture in a photo.


Inspired by this pair of jeans, I sliced and diced a legging pattern that I've used before (Burda 01/2011 #130). All the seams are symmetrical even though it doesn't look like it in the picture. The back of the legs are made from black ponte knit (also purchased at Vogue Fabrics). For the waistband, I made a separate casing from the ponte for 2" wide elastic. It feels substantial and sits smoothly around my middle.


This faux leather was pretty easy to sew. It is pretty thin, soft, and pliable and it has a knit backing. The backing allowed it to move through the machine without any "stickiness" and it also makes the leggings very comfortable to wear. I did have to let out the inseam a bit, but the needle holes disappeared really well. That was a surprise to me, but I think it's because of the thinness and the knit backing.


I doubt that I would have ever purchased a pair of RTW leather leggings, but I really enjoyed the process of making these and like the end product. They're warmer than regular leggings and more comfortable than jeans. And if (when?) I spill anything on them I can just wipe them clean! Perfect.
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Comments

  1. Sharon SewsFebruary 17, 2014 at 10:48 PM

    I was just thinking today how much I want to sew a pair of faux leather pants (with a ponte back) and then here is your post! I'm having a hard time finding decent faux leather so maybe I'll check out Vogue Fabrics. Love yours by the way!

    ReplyDelete
  2. knitmachinequeen (KMQ)February 18, 2014 at 9:32 AM

    I really like these. They are very "biker chic!"

    ReplyDelete
  3. SewCraftyChemistFebruary 18, 2014 at 10:55 AM

    LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnnetteFebruary 18, 2014 at 12:11 PM

    I've been eying some that are similar and I love your pair! I wonder if I could pull these off.

    ReplyDelete
  5. SEWNFebruary 20, 2014 at 11:39 AM

    These are fabulous. Love them!

    ReplyDelete
  6. AudreyFebruary 22, 2014 at 8:55 AM

    Love these leggings.They look fabulous on you.

    ReplyDelete

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