How to Create Your Own Wrestling Pants

• Step 1

  Cut out pattern pieces and lay them on the fabric according to package directions. If you are using your own pants to make a pattern, turn them inside out and fold so that the inseam is to one side; the rise/crotch will make a J shape. Lay them on newspaper, with the long outside seam along a folded edge of the paper. Draw an outline about 5/8 inch away from their edge, to give you a seam allowance. When you cut it out and open it, you will have a double-wide leg with J's on either side.

• Step 2

  Pin the pattern to the fabric and carefully cut out two pieces. Unpin pattern.

• Step 3

  Fold one leg in half lengthwise with the right side of the fabric in. Pin, then sew, the inseam using an overlock stitch on your serger. If you don't have a serger, use the zigzag stitch on a regular sewing machine. Repeat this step with the other leg.

• Step 4

  Turn one of the legs right side out. Tuck it into the other leg, matching the inseams together. It should look like you only have one tube. Sew the U-shaped crotch together. Pull the tucked-in leg out of the other, and you will have pants. Now you just have to finish them off.

• Step 5

  Set up your serger to hem instead of serge. If you need help with this, see the handbook that came with your machine. Turn the hem of one leg under and sew; repeat with the other leg. Turn the waist under 1 inch and sew, leaving an opening to feed the elastic through. Attach the safety pin to one end of the elastic and feed through the waistband. Sew the ends of the elastic together and close the opening.

• Step 6

  Customize your pants with appliqués, screen-print designs, sequins or fabric paint. The possibilities are endless. Develop your wrestling persona and make pants to match.

• 3
• Pattern for sweatpants or pajama pants, or pair of purchased pants 2 yards Lycra-Spandex or similar fabric Newspaper Black marker Straight pins Dressmaker shears Overlock serger machine 4 cones thread, suitable for stretch fabrics ¾-inch elastic, length of waist measurement plus 1 inch Small safety pin
• Pattern for sweatpants or pajama pants, or pair of purchased pants
• 2 yards Lycra-Spandex or similar fabric
• Newspaper
• Black marker
• Straight pins
• Dressmaker shears
• Overlock serger machine
• 4 cones thread, suitable for stretch fabrics
• ¾-inch elastic, length of waist measurement plus 1 inch
• Small safety pin
• You can use other fabrics besides Spandex. If you prefer more breathable pants, try jersey or thick T-shirt cotton and make the pants loose and flowing.
• You can use other fabrics besides Spandex. If you prefer more breathable pants, try jersey or thick T-shirt cotton and make the pants loose and flowing.

References & Resources

• Sew Girls Forum
• Design Ideas