I am attempting the fold over yoga pants, a style I really love. But, I'm not quite sure how to deal with the waist. How do you construct the fold over top part so that the seams don't show???

LINE it with a lining compriomsed of the top 8 inches of the pant.

NO matter how much everything gets checked time and again- soemthing gets missed. That includes the article on fold over yoga waistlines.

The text is here: the full article is attached in pdf format in the Class area under fold over waists.

How to Construct: Fold Over Active Wear Pants, and Capri’s



The fold over waist extends the waist up as high as you would like to fold it back down. Set the waist level where you like it. Use 20-40 % of your fabric’s maximum stretch. The default patterns are set to a mid rise waist level and a 20% stretch factor.

Use a soft stretch fabric with spandex.

Cut out as usual 2 fronts, 2 backs. Serge the interior seams if you are happy with the serging showing. If you prefer a more finished look, you can line the upper part of the garment with a separate lining. Using the same pattern pieces and cut 2 lining pieces each of the front and back (including seam allowances) from the waist to below the abdomen by 2-3 inches or as deep as the hip level. The lining may be the same fabric or a contrast color but it does needs to be the same stretch factor!

Construct the pant as you normally would- I prefer this simple sewing order for these stretchy garments

Center backs
Center fronts
Out seams just to the vent marks
Inseams hem to crotch

Now sew the linings at center front, center back and out seams.

Attach the lining to the waist in the round.

Try the pant on and fold down to the outside the lined fold over to the level you prefer to wear them. If desired and you feel it necessary you can then chalk the “waist” position and top stitch the folded fabric permanently 1.5 inches down from the fold to form a casing for an elastic waistband.. Open a 1.5 inch opening in the outseam allowance of the lining only, on one side, and draw thru a one- 1.25 inch wide waistband elastic. The elastic should be 2-4 inches shorter than the waist circumference of the waist. Stitch the two ends of elastic together and hand catch stitch the side seam opening to close. To keep the fold over from popping up as you exercise you may stitch in the ditch of each seam thru all layers.

If you are using the hem vent fold in the cut on vent facing and top stitch.

Hem (link)


© 2009 Kaaren Hoback, Dryden, New York, or Henderson, Nevada



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