How To Turn Sweatpants Into Joggers?

How To Turn Sweatpants Into Joggers?

If you’re planning to go for a jog and need something comfortable, why not get creative and turn your sweatpants into stylish joggers? You don’t have to break the bank in order to look great while doing it either!

This blog post will provide step-by-step instructions on how to turn sweatpants into joggers that are meant for running or just lounging around.

From choosing the right fabrics, length customization, and more – learn exactly what you need to know in order to take your sweats from leisurely wear into everyday athletic apparel.

What Are Joggers?

Joggers are a type of athletic clothing designed to keep you comfortable while exercising. They are usually made from lightweight, breathable materials such as cotton and synthetic fibers, providing comfort and flexibility for running, jogging, or other activities. 

At the same time, joggers often come with features that can help support your feet or improve your performance. This might include cushioned insoles for extra cushioning, reflective elements for safety in low-light conditions, or elasticized cuffs to ensure a secure fit. 

Joggers also come in a variety of colors to match any outfit! Whether you’re looking for something comfortable to wear on a run or just want something stylish to lounge around in at home, joggers are an excellent option for the whole family.

How to Turn Sweatpants Into Joggers?

With the Pandemic still ongoing, sweatpants have become a staple for staying comfortable during work from home and running errands. But, if you want to add some style or variety to your wardrobe, turning your sweatpants into a pair of joggers is a perfect idea. Not only is DIYing easy to do, but it’s also sustainable as you repurpose existing clothing. So, here are two easy methods on how to turn sweatpants into joggers.

Method 1: Turn Sweatpants Into Joggers with Cuffs

The first method is to add cuffs to your sweatpants. We’ll show you how to turn your sweatpants into stylish joggers with cuffs.

Not only will your sweats look more fashionable, but you’ll also get to wear them out and about with confidence. So grab your sewing kit, and let’s transform your boring old sweats into something new and exciting.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before we start the transformation process, you will need to gather some supplies. You’ll need a pair of sweatpants, a ruler, scissors, elastic, and a sewing machine.

You can choose any color of elastic you want to match your sweatpants or give them a contrasting effect. Make sure the elastic is one inch shorter than your ankle circumference.

Step 2: Mark Your Cuff Length

The next step is to mark your sweatpants’ desired cuff length. Use a ruler to measure the length of the cuff and mark it with chalk or a fabric pen.

For a tapered look, mark the cuff length the same distance from the ankle on both the inseam and outer seam. If you want a more gathered look, place the length higher on the inseam.

Step 3: Cut Off Excess Fabric

Use scissors to cut off the excess fabric from your sweat, making sure to follow the marks you made in step 2.

Be sure to cut straight and carefully so that you don’t cut too much of the material.

Step 4: Sew the Cuffs

Now we are getting to the most exciting part of the project, sewing the cuffs! First, take the elastic and fold it in half. Stitch the ends of each elastic piece together.

Divide the cuff fabric in half and mark it as the midpoint for reference. Then sew the non-folded edge of the elastic right side down on the inside of the fabric.

Stretch the elastic as you sew to ensure a snug fit. Once completed, fold the fabric back over the elastic and overlap with the wrong sides together.

Sew the seam down, making sure you’re only sewing through one layer of the pants. Repeat the process on the other leg.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once the cuffs are in place, you can clean up the edges by trimming any stray threads to ensure a neat finish. Try on your new joggers and make any final adjustments to ensure a perfect fit.

Voila! You now have a stylish pair of joggers made from your old sweatpants. This technique is not only a great way to upgrade your wardrobe but also environmentally friendly, as it repurposes old clothing.

Method 2: Turn Sweatpants Into Joggers by Adding Elastic 

The second method is for those who don’t have a sewing machine at home. To transform your sweatpants into joggers without a machine, all you need is some elastic and safety pins!

Here are five steps to help transform your sweatpants into stylish joggers.

Step 1: Mark Where The Pant Legs Should Be Shortened

The first step to turning your sweatpants into joggers is to determine how much fabric you want to remove from the bottom of the pant leg. Put on the sweatpants and fold the ankle up to where you want the jogger to hit.

Make a small mark or use a piece of chalk to indicate where you want to cut the fabric off. Once you’ve marked both pant legs, take them off and lay them flat on a table or ironing board.

Step 2: Trim Off The Pant Leg Bottoms

Using sharp scissors, carefully cut off the bottom portion of the pant legs along the marks you made in step one. Make sure to cut straight across both legs to keep the length even.

Once you’ve removed the excess fabric, your sweatpants should now have the desired length and shape for joggers.

Step 3: Hem The Bottoms Of The Pants And Make The Elastic Casings

Fold the fabric at the bottom of each pant leg up by about 1/2 inch and iron it down to form a neat hem. Work your way around each leg, folding and ironing as you go.

Once the hems are complete, fold up another inch and iron that down as well. This will create a casing for the elastic. Pin the hem in place to keep it secure.

Step 4: Place Elastic Inside The Ankle Casings

Now, it’s time to add the elastic. Cut two pieces of elastic to match the diameter of your ankle. Take a safety pin and attach one end of the elastic to it.

Thread the safety pin through the casing and push it all the way through until it comes out the other end. Once both pieces of elastic are in place, overlap the ends and sew them together with a sewing machine or by hand.

Step 5: Close The Hem Openings With Sewing

Finally, it’s time to finish up. Sew the openings on each hem closed by using a sewing machine or just hand-stitching.

Make sure to reinforce the stitches at the ends of the elastic so they don’t slip out of the casing. Once you’ve finished stitching each hem, your new joggers are ready to be worn out and about!

There you have it! With just a few simple steps, you can turn your old sweatpants into chic joggers that are perfect for any casual occasion.

Not only will you get a brand-new pair of pants without breaking the bank, but you’ll also get the satisfaction of creating a piece that is uniquely your own.

So go ahead and put those two methods into action right now and use this tutorial on How To Turn Sweatpants Into Joggers!

FAQs

What Kind Of Pants Can You Turn Into Joggers?

You can turn any type of pants that have a baggy or loose fit into joggers. Sweatpants and track pants are the most common types of pants that are turned into joggers as they are typically made out of a comfortable and stretchy material, making them perfect for lounging around or running errands.

You can also turn denim jeans into joggers, but keep in mind that the process may be a little more difficult and time-consuming.

How Can You Get Wide Sweatpants Legs To Fit A Jogger?

To reduce the width of the legs, you’ll need to use your sewing machine to taper the legs. Start by trying on your sweatpants inside out and use pins to mark the spot where you would like to taper the legs.

Then, using your sewing machine, sew a straight stitch from the thigh to the ankle on both sides of the pants. This will help create the tapered jogger look you’re going for.

How Can You Make Your Joggers Unique?

One way to make your joggers unique is to add some creative designs or patterns to them. You can use fabric paint to add designs such as stripes, and polka dots, or even create your own fun designs.

Another idea is to sew on patches or embroidery to give your joggers a personalized touch. If you’re feeling crafty, you can also distress your joggers for a trendy and edgy look.

What If You Don’t Have Elastic For The Cuffs?

If you don’t have elastic for the cuffs, you can use rib knit fabric as an alternative.

Cut the rib knit fabric into strips that are the same length as the cuffs and sew them onto the cuffs with your sewing machine. This will help keep the cuffs in place and create the classic jogger look.

How To Make Joggers Tighter At The Bottom?

To make the joggers tighter at the bottom, you can add elastic cuffs. Measure the circumference of your ankle and cut a piece of elastic that is slightly smaller than that measurement.

Sew the elastic onto the inside of the cuff and fold the cuff over the elastic. Then, sew the cuff to the pants using your sewing machine. This will help give your joggers a tighter and more fitted look at the bottom.

Conclusion

Now you know how to turn sweatpants into joggers in just a few simple steps. With these methods, you’re now able to customize your wardrobe rather than discard it.

It takes minimal effort and supplies to transform your pants from lazy weekend wear into something stylish. You can turn any old pair of sweatpants into joggers that look unique, cool, and one-of-a-kind.

References:

How to Make Sweatshorts (with Pictures)

Sweatpants – Wikipedia