Blinked and missed it, we’re now in 2025 – Happy New Year! Although I don’t believe in making unrealistic New Years Resolutions purely motivated by the amount of food I consumed in December (a lot), it is always a fun time of the year to pick up some new hobbies, which may very well be exercise based (and sewing based!).
Nothing will get me in the gym more than a fun new outfit, and as always, we are blessed with some very gorgeous (and some very simple) activewear pieces that we can make ourselves. So if you were looking for that extra inspiration to stick to your active New Years Resolutions this year, let this post be it!
1. Virginia Leggings
A staple in every workout (and non-workout) wardrobe, the Virginia Leggings by Megan Nielson are the ultimate basic legging that you’ll have on rotation for your workouts. The pattern comes with multiple options – longer length, cropped, shorts and with a thinner or my personal favourite, a wider waistband. If there are any parts of the pattern you want extra guidance on, you can check out the dedicated Virginia Leggings blog posts that go through each step in more detail.
Really recommend starting with this pattern if you’re newer to sewing and wanting to branch out into activewear (not least because you’ll get your monies worth time and time again).
2. Aura Yoga Mat Bag
So not technically sportswear, agreed. But the Aura Yoga Mat Bag by Named Clothing is the perfect accompaniment to any mat-based hobby you may have picked up this year.
It’s a simple cylinder shape with roll top closure and an adjustable shoulder strap, made for carrying any exercise mat and additional equipment you may need for your workout of choice. You don’t need too many elements, so this one would be great for sewists of all levels. What better to show off that you’re not only active, BUT also a great sewist than by rocking up to a gym class with a bag you made yourself.
3. Yoga Pants/Shorts
If you’ve picked up yoga or pilates this year, you’re in luck on the sewing pattern front because next we have the Yoga Pants by Jalie. The pattern is for both children and adults, which is very unusual and very welcomed for anyone with children in their lives wanting to get their monies worth (and you can match – fun!).
The style is the classic yoga pant style that has become part of athleisure wear in the past few years – fitted at the hips and thighs, with a slight flare from the knees down. The waistband is in two pieces, so you can experiment with contrasting/complementary colours if you fancy it.
You’ll want a good stretch fabric for this one, thick enough so that you’re not flashing anyone in your downward dog pose but with enough elastane that you’re not restricted when you’re doing the splits (or not, in my case).
4. Cropped Workout Top
Another from Jalie is the Cropped Workout Top, a very simple racer top with removable cups, perfect for all activities. Again, this pattern is adjustable for both children and adults so is a win-win on the value for money front. If you prefer, you could also extend the length of the pattern for a less cropped fit. Overall, it’s a very simple, very cute workout top that I have a feeling you’ll be reaching for again and again.
Both Jalie patterns come posted in paper form only (no PDF version). In this case, I recommend using tracing paper to trace over the original paper pattern with the size you need. This means you always have the original paper pattern to go back to if you want to use the pattern again in a different size.
5. Sirkka Jacket
Sirkka Jacket by Named Clothing is the perfect addition to the wardrobe of any outdoorsy exercisers amongst us. If choosing a waterproof fabric, this would make a very cool (and practical) hiking or walking jacket, with the detachable hood and elasticated hem and cuffs to keep you extra warm and dry.
The mix of practicality, detail and style in this pattern makes this so special. With all the elements to the jacket, it is pitched towards the advanced sewist so perhaps best not to jump straight in with this if you are new to sewing.
The pattern comes as a pdf, printed version or a ‘print on demand’ in UK sizes 4-28. A ‘print on demand’ pattern is a pre-printed and pre-folded widescreen printout of the pattern sent by post, along with getting the pdf version sent to your email.
Hopefully that’s got you feeling inspired to 1) get sewing, and 2) get moving. Personally, I will be doing both, with a sprinkle of finishing off the leftover Christmas chocolate. But life is about balance…
See you next time x
