Hey, everyone! It’s Jessica, from Snickerdoodle Stew, and I’m here today to introduce a new segment on Pattern Revolution! I’ve been working on making healthy habits this year, and one of the things I’ve added back into my repertoire is running. I’m not an ultra marathon runner by any stretch of the imagination, but I get out there 3 times a week (most weeks) and I have a few 5K races under my belt. I run for ME time! I grab some good tunes, get out as early as the light will allow, and have a little time to myself before I have to dole out the rest to everyone else.

Since January I’ve lost 20+ pounds and all of my workout gear from last summer is to the point where it’s too big to wear and still be comfortable. I’m sticking my baby toe in the waters of self-care sewing where active wear is concerned, so I thought I’d bring you all along for the ride! Running Stitches is going to be a series that shows you how to sew activewear for yourself- everyday patterns that translate well to fitness fabrics, pattern hacks for gear while you’re on the move, and other tips and tricks!

My first project is a top because I’ve been replacing my running tights more frequently, and all of my tanks from last summer are two sizes too big! It’s a great problem to have, but I wanted to stretch my skills and sew something from scratch. I chose the Santa Fe Top from Hey June Patterns. I love that there are SIX different versions of this pattern to sew up, and not a ton of pieces to print for each one. I also love that it has a bit of a swing to it, so it’s not too clingy.

I made very few adjustments to the pattern. I used neck and arm bands instead of the binding pieces included, but Adrianna gives instructions on how to figure those. I wanted to make sure I had enough coverage on the bottom of the tank, so I did a small, ¼” hem, instead of the ½” hem that the pattern calls for. I would probably make the tank just a smidge longer for my personal preference when I sew this in something to wear for everyday. I love the width of the shoulders. Lots of coverage for a sports bra if yours has ratchet straps like mine!

My fabrics came from Imagine Gnats and this was my first time buying athletic fabric, so now that I’ve got that under my belt, I know what to look for when I shop again. The purple is a 4 way stretch, called Activewear Perforated Knit. This works for pretty much any knit top pattern you could imagine! It’s lightweight and breathable, and it’s NOT sheer! The black is Cool Max Wicking fabric, and while it has some stretch, it doesn’t stretch enough to use it for a whole knit top. It worked great in this application but would be more suited for patterns that use woven fabrics, like running shorts. Hmm….maybe those will be next! The neck and arm bands are from my cotton lycra stash.

Overall I’m really happy with how my first Running Stitches project turned out! I’m looking forward to challenging myself more in the coming months and learning more about how to adjust patterns for my ever-changing body shape. I hope join me for more adventures in athletic sewing!

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