Women's Athletic Top
An athletic top for everyone! Over the past few weeks, we’ve been focused on the little ones going back to school. Now it’s time for us to get back to an active lifestyle. So, if you’re active and love sewing, this will make you incredibly happy—you’ll enjoy sewing and working out even more […]
Video class
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Sew a double-layer athletic top with a rounded front neckline, crossed back straps and a wide exposed elastic band below the bust.
It is designed for activities such as yoga, Pilates, cycling and hiking, as well as sleeping or lounging.
The instructor specifically notes that this design does not provide the level of support needed for running.
Pair it with handmade leggings for a coordinated set.
What you’ll learn in these classes
- Work with athletic Lycra using a stretch or ballpoint needle.
- Join the doubled front and back pieces with consistent seam allowances.
- Stabilize the neckline, armholes and straps with narrow clear elastic.
- Apply elastic binding with a binding foot or a standard zigzag setup.
- Close the side seams through all four fabric layers.
- Attach a wide underbust elastic band so its upper edge stays secure.
- Use the alternate binding method when clear elastic is unavailable.
Fabric and materials
Choose elastic athletic Lycra rather than ordinary jersey with limited spandex. The instructor warns that regular knit may compress the bust instead of supporting it properly.
The sample uses elastic binding, narrow clear elastic for stabilization and underbust elastic at least 2.5 cm wide to reduce rolling when the arms lift.
A walking foot is useful for the layered stretch fabrics, although the class also explains sewing with a standard machine and zigzag stitches.
Make it your own
Use either side of a reversible elastic binding or choose contrasting thread for a visible interior finish.
If you do not have clear elastic, the second class shows a two-pass elastic-binding method and a direct folded-binding alternative.
If printed patterns are new to you, see How to Use a PDF Sewing Pattern.
Sizing
The downloadable pattern is available in women’s sizes S, M, L, XL and XXL. Select the size that best matches your measurements before cutting the athletic fabric.
The materials include the pattern, a complete construction class and a separate demonstration of the alternate elastic-binding method.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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