I’ve got a new free pdf pattern for you today! A free basic legging pattern for girls, in sizes 3 to 14.
Ok, so this isn’t actually a brand new pattern – it’s an updated version of my previous legging pattern. I’ve added 2 new sizes (10 and 12) and raised the rise a bit since we are now liking the rise just a bit higher. (I also added a bit of length to the bottom of a few sizes.) ( UPDATE: as of 1/12/18, I’ve now added a size 14 to this pattern.)
Already have this pattern? Skip directly to the sewing instructions. (page 3.)

It’s the perfect season for leggings right now. Not too cold just yet and when the weather does finally turn, they’ll make a great layering piece!
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I’ve sewn several pairs over the last week and my missy and I have had fun coming up with a few new outfits! (Pretty much all the other items shown in these pictures are from Crazy 8 or Gymboree. Except for the embroidered sweater, that’s from Land’s’ End.
Blue leopard print fabric found here.
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We totally need a sweater in red as these striped leggings are perfect for the holiday season! (striped fabric found here.)
If you’ve never sewn leggings you should really give them a try. They are soo quick to make!! This particular pattern has only 2 seams and whether or not you choose to hem the bottom is up to you.
I’d like to chat a bit about fabric recommendations before moving on to the pattern download and sewing instructions. The fabric you choose will make a huge difference in how happy you’ll be with your results. Knit fabric comes in so many different weights, content and stretch. It is important to use the right fabric for this project. I’ve tried a few different fabrics and definitely have my favorites.
- You need to look for a knit fabric with at least 50% stretch and around 4% or more lycra/spandex for recovery.
- I love the cotton lycra from Funkalicious fabrics most of her 3/8″ Cotton Lycra Stripe Knit Fabric is pretty great.
- Kaufman Laguna knit is also good, but a bit thinner that the cotton lycra from Funkalicious
- Riley Blake Cotton Jersey has great stretch and recovery, is a nice weight and has a ton of cute designs
- The BOLT line is slightly thinner, but has great stretch and recovery for leggings.
- The “Premium Dots and Stripes” from NR Fabrics on Etsy are amazing to work with!!!
- If you are looking for ribbed knit for binding, the Fabric Fairy has a lot of good quality ribbed knit choices.
- I am sure there are other great fabric lines of great quality to choose from, but I have not personally tried them.
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Ready to sew a pair of leggings? Head over to page 2 to download the pattern or skip to page 3 for the sewing instructions.
Anne says
Cute leggings pattern! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for later today that features your free pattern: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/?p=90502 –Anne
Christine DANNEELS says
Thank you !
janet says
I have tried over and over to download the legging pattern. When i open the link you emailed me there is nothing there. Can you please help me with this. I am so looking forward to making my little girl some leggings for her birthday next week.
Walking in faith,
Janet
Jamie says
You have to have the free adobe reader installed. When you click the link, give your system a few minutes and the file will automatically open in adobe reader. If you use a pop-up blocker, that could also be causing a problem. That is the only way to receive the pattern. If you are still having issues, you may need to have a family member help you troubleshoot your pc.
Lara says
I am struggling to figure out how much material I will need for size 3. Money is tight and I am trying to be a good stewart.
Jamie says
The size 3 is about 24 inches long, so you are probably safe with about 3/4 yard of fabric. Make sure it has plenty of side to side stretch. I just added a little video where I talk about best fabric for these leggings and stretch content. See it here: https://youtu.be/bwRRp_RngoY
lis says
Thanks a lot for the pattern it’s wonderful and very well explained and ready to look for more. Thanks again for your kindness
Nynke says
Thanks very much for the pattern! I am hoping to use it very soon 🙂 You have probably put this somewhere, but I cannot find it (or maybe I am simply not sure how to read: 1/4 inch seam allowance and 1/2 inch bottom hem allowed, sorry). Are the seam allowances (and te bottom hem) included in the pattern, or should I add them to the pattern? Thank you very much!
Jamie says
Yes, the seam allowances are already added.
Joan Murdoch says
Thank you!!!!
Marian Grimwood says
Love the higher waist!
Jamie says
Me too!
joann says
Hello,
The pattern did not download for me after I ordered it. Please help, I would love to make my granddaughter some of these. She loves wearing leggings.
Thanks
Jamie says
It has most likely auto-downloaded to your computer.
things to try:
Make sure you have the latest version of the free Adobe Reader downloaded to your device. (Any other pdf reader, might render the pattern at a size other than intended for printing.) You can download the free version here: https://get.adobe.com/reader/
When you click on the link, depending on your device/operating system a few different things will happen:
Click the link ONCE and give your system a few minutes to work.
The link (pattern) might do 3 things depending on your computer settings.
A: You might get a pop-up asking for permission to download the pattern. or
B: The pattern might auto-open in the Adobe Reader and then you can save the pattern wherever you wish to store it. or
C: The pattern may also auto-downloaded where ever your computer automatically stores downloads. Check in that folder as well.
Tips to locate the pattern if you can’t find it on your pc:
If you clicked the link and it seems like nothing happened, your computer most likely auto downloaded the file to your download folder. Here are a few tips to help you locate that folder:
Navigate to the place where you can search all the files on your computer and type “downloads”. The search result should give you the download folder. Click on it.
Save
Once you are in the download folder, sort by date (most recent at the top) and you should see your most recent downloaded files. My preference is to open that file and re-save it to my pdf pattern folder, so I can always find it.
If this does not help, you may need to find someone local to help you figure out how to download the pattern.
Good luck,
Jamie
Sarah king says
hi. how do I know what size is suitable in UK?
Misty Star Vairma says
Is there a way that the instructions are in any other form than web browser? I’d like to print them and keep them with the pattern. From the internet there is just too much other stuff going on on the pages to print pretty. Thanks
Glenda Hyde says
I just copied the pattern ! I love leggings ! Thank you so much for the pattern ! GOD BLESS & Happy Holidays !
Bonnie says
I’ve tried to get the leggings pattern, but there’s no where to’check out’.
Jamie says
Try scrolling back to the top and look for the words “check out”