Workout Outfits with Kwik Sew 4163 and 4181

If I loved working out as much as I love sewing, I would probably be a marathon runner!  But alas, I do not, and even though working out is always on my to do list, it hasn't made it to the top of the list for a while.  I actually do like yoga and running, but I've had a foot issue plaguing me for several months that has dampened my enthusiasm quite a bit.  To try to get my mojo back for exercise, I decided to make myself some new workout clothes.  So, I ordered two Kwik Sew patterns during their last sale- 4163 and 4181. I had three pieces of nylon/lycra knits- one coral, one printed, and one black.  I had ordered 1-1/2 yds of the coral and the print, and just one yard of the black.

Let's start with Kwik Sew 4163.  Although I loved the end results, I did find some problems with the pattern.  First of all- the shorts on the model look like a great length, right?  On me, they were obscenely short- like bathing suit short.  So, those were a wadder.  Fortunately, I had enough fabric to try again.  So, I made the pants- not wanting full length ones, I trimmed 7 inches off of the length, and they hit me right at the knee.  I'm guessing that if I made the full length ones, that they would also not be as long as the ones in the cover photo.  The fit was generous, and I ended up sizing down about two sizes to get that snug ready-to-wear fit.

I had a little left of the black knit, and  made them into a solid pair that were 6" longer than the shorts cutting line.  These hit me at about mid thigh.  So, if you are making the shorts/pants- measure a pair of shorts or pants that you like, and then adjust as needed.  I am tall, so it might be just me, but I would be careful!

Next the top, the fit on the top was perfect, except for one thing- the neckband was too long.  It wouldn't lay flat, and since I had serged it, so there was no ripping it out.  I decided to get rid of the excess by making a little v-neck fold at the center front.  I love the back detail.

Next time I make this, I'll cut the band about an inch shorter.  I do love everything else about it!  Next up was Kwik Sew 4181. 

This one went perfectly.  The little V in the front is just an applique, so it's not complicated at all.  Since I made this after the first pattern with the band length problem, I cut the bands an inch shorter and they were perfect.   I did not use the shelf bra piece, as I plan on wearing a real sports bra. 

The only thing that I would change is that I chose to use contrasting thread for the hem, and I don't like it.  I thought it would tie in the black inset, but it is just a little too messy.  Next time, I'd use a thread the same color.

Again, the back view is really cute, and this time I made sure to center the chevron.  I still have a lot of fabric left of the print and the coral, and will probably make a zippered jacket to wear over these when it's a little chillier out. When you are mixing like this, a little fabric goes a long way!  I think that you can actually save money sewing your own workout wear because it takes so little fabric.

So, now I'm all set- gym membership, cute workout clothes- now no more excuses! Just do it!

Happy Sewing!

Ann