DIY Polka Dot Leggings (with fabric paint)
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
With St. Patrick’s day right around the corner, I wanted to make a little something for my missy so she would be “pinch-proof.” Since she already had this cute little green top, I thought green polka dot leggings would complete the outfit. (Plus it gave me another chance to use the free legging pattern I released a while back.)
(Looking for more free patterns? Be sure to check out my free patterns and tutorials page here.)
I searched and searched online for the perfect green polka dot print stretch knit fabric, but was just not finding anything that I liked. I did, however, have this white spandex lycra knit in my stash and a bucketful of fabric paint! I figured, why not just paint them myself? I’m glad I did because the finished result was super cute!
Painting the polka dots on the fabric was really very quick and easy. I have a couple more yards of this fabric left over and can’t wait to make a few more items.
The pattern I used for the leggings is free and in sizes 3 to 12. (Get it here.) Want to try painting fabric yourself? I have just a couple of tips/reminders to share.
How to paint on fabric:
Materials you will need: (I linked to what I used so you can see it)
- Knit fabric (looks like she is out of stock on the white, but I linked to the off-white so you could see it.)
- circle foam brushes
- fabric paint
- ruler (love this ruler, the lip fits on the edge of my cutting mat and help me line up my cuts/fabric)
- fabric marker
- Free legging pattern (of course you don’t have to make leggings, this would be an adorable top too!)
Instructions:
1. To keep my polka dots from looking messy, I used my ruler and fabric marker to draw lines in a grid pattern. It took a few extra minutes to draw the lines, but it was worth it based on how nicely lined up the polka dots turned out.
2. When you’re cutting the pattern (shorts/leggings/pants) out of the fabric, make sure you remember to flip the pattern over/upside down otherwise after you cut the front pieces or the front/back pieces won’t match up. (Yes, I forgot to do this and had to paint another piece of fabric…)
3. Follow the fabric paint directions on drying time and sew the pattern up as normal!
Oops, mom just took one picture too many!
No close-ups pictures of the pants today, they are very happily traveling to Grandma’s for Spring Break! Whoo hoo!
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Chelsea @ Making Home Base says
Cute! I've been wanting to do this with tights!!
Kathy Moody says
These are adorable, and such a great idea! I love it. Thank you so much for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent last week. So sorry I am just now visiting. Have a great weekend. 🙂
Hugs
Kathy
Carrie says
So cute!! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!
Shaffer Sisters says
I was just stopping by and loved your post on the girls pocka dot leggings!! They look so easy to make. I have some nieces that would love something like this!!
Becca Acker says
Those are so cute! What a cool idea. 🙂
Shruti says
This is so adorable. Love the color too. I am a new blogger but an old crafter. I would love if you visit my blog sometimes, http://www.shruti-diybyme.com/
Andrea Pannell says
CUTE!!! I think my girls would love this!
Desiree @ The 36th AVENUE says
ADORABLE! Featuring it tomorrow on my blog…♥
Kim @ Two Ten Designs says
My daughter is in love with polka dots, and these are just so cute! I am loving these pants! And the high ponytail 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Kim
Lauren says
How adorable! I'm a big polka dot fan, too! Love the photos of your little model, too. I'd be thrilled if you'd link up at this week's Off the Hook!
Sherry of Pondered Primed Perfected says
Adorable! Love polka dots 🙂
amy mayen says
Cute!
Cassi Brightforest says
I love them, how did they wash up? Is the paint areas stiff?
Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom says
It's a little stiff, but soft. (If that makes sense…) It doesn't feel any different than any other heavily screen printed t-shirt…
~Jamie
Rachel- R & R Workshop says
These are soo cute!! What a great idea!!
Rachel(R&R Workshop)
Chelsea@getyourcraptogether says
These polka dots are amazing! Thank you for sharing! I'd love for you to check out our Pattern Party! Those with patterns and templates to share are invited to link up!
http://getyourcraptogether.blogspot.com/search/label/Pattern%20Party
Jessica Anderson says
These pants are adorable! I would have never thought to use fabric paint to do something like this on PANTS! 🙂 I'll be signing up to get your emails. Jessica (cutesycrafts.com)