My girls love leggings. We have leggings in every color. But I really want some that have a cute print and a little more personality. I saw these adorable tights at Wal-mart and really found myself wishing they were leggings. This is about the time I realized that I have a sewing machine and I kind of know how to use it. I began to think of ways I could DIY TIGHTS INTO LEGGINGS. So I bought them and rushed home to try the idea that was in my head. This is one of those times when the idea worked perfectly!
Supplies:
Tights (old or new)
Sewing Machine
Matching Thread
Scissors
M&M’s and Diet Coke {optional, but why sew without them}
Instructions:
1. Cut the heel and toe off and throw them away.
2. Make sure the remaining squares are cut straight on top and bottom. Cut the little squares in half, like above.
3. Zigzag stitch the ends of each strip. This photo only shows the bottoms zigzagged, but I ended up doing both sides. Zigzag the bottom of the tights too. So, now you should have a “ruffled” hem on all pieces.
5. Slide one of the strips on the leg just above the ruffled hem.
6. Stitch into place right down the middle.
7. Slide the other strip above the first one and stitch into place. Repeat everything on the other leg of the tights and you are done.
On the other tights I just did the zigzag stitch ruffle hem and left them like that.
I love both pairs! They are adorable and SUPER quick and easy.
Check out My Craft Channel for more fun DIY videos!
Post by: Becky
Oh my! That is so cute. Love it. Thanks for sharing this tutorial, Becky!
You are so sweet. Thank you.
This is such a great idea! They look just darling. Thanks for sharing, I’m going to try these for sure! 🙂
Hi Kara, I am so glad you like them. I can’t wait to make more. They really are super fast and easy!
Thank you so much for this! I have a little girl who is infamous for putting holes in the toes of her tights even though the rest of them still have a lot of wear. Now I can make her footless tights that she can wear, and pass down to her little sister! 🙂
Exactly, Becky. This is such a good way to get the most wear out of their tights. I am all about the hand-me-downs.
LOVE THIS!! My daughter has recently boycotted any and all tights but will wear leggings every day! This is perfect! I know what I’m doing this weekend!!
Haha. I am glad this is a good solution for your daughter. I am happy to help. 🙂
these are adorable! i think this would also work great on those tights that are too small! that way the crotch isn’t down to their knees because the bottom of the tights are restricting them from staying up! 🙂
That is a great idea! So often the girls grow too tall too fast and their tights are still in great shape. Thanks for commenting!
Knock it off!! These are too darling, what a great idea. And why doesn’t my WalMart have those houndstooth tights?!
I am so glad you like them, Disney. I had to go back to Walmart twice before they restocked them. Good luck.
Love these. My 5 year old has decided she doesn’t like tights. Now I know what to do with all the ones she has. Thanks.
You are so welcome. Have fun making them…once you start it is kind of addicting. I am on the search for more tights. 🙂
Becky, this is so clever! Pinning and sharing on my FB page…♥
Thank you, Desiree. You are so great!
Genius! My skinny little girl has MANY tights that are too short but still fit fine otherwise… she’ll be getting some new leggings as soon as I can get an overlapping nap!
Melody, you are so sweet. Have fun creating and good luck with the overlapping nap thing. 😉
So many comments said what I wanted to say, this is such a good idea. Now to get the m&m’s 🙂
Thank you for taking the time to comment anyway, Tiffany. Comments make my day…almost as much at M&M’s.
Why stop with the little ones? I can’t wait to try this with my own tights!
If you do, please send a photo. I would love to see how they turn out on an adult! Great idea!
Thank you all for the sweet comments. I am SO glad you like them!
Diet coke and M and Ms.. AWESOME!
Those came out super cute!! Can’t wait to try it with all my girls’ leftover tights!
Diet Coke and M&M’s are sewing essentials, right? 🙂
My daughter will only wear skirts and dresses. So we are always trying to make tights and leggings last longer. This is a perfect idea. I have six or seven pairs of tights I am attacking tonight!! Thanks for sharing.
I love this idea! but do you know if this works on ballet tights too?
I haven’t tried ballet tights…I think I would do a straight stitch before I cut off the foot, just to prevent tights from running. Then do the zigzag stitch.
This is so pretty!! love it..
If it works for little girls, why won’t it work for adults. Will have to try it on a pair I stuck my toes through.