Kwik sew 2723 seemed a good starting point for a couple activewear tops for my pregnant niece who teaches pilates. The final fabrics used are courtesy of Funki Fabrics. Funki Fabrics loved the idea of making maternity activewear.
You’re correct to say ‘that’s not a maternity top pattern‘. I used the top to develop a colour blocked version while adding the additional room in the front bodice for the baby. Voila – a basic maternity top.
Between the two of us we found some lovely styles online and we made up a pinterest board with maternity activewear ideas.
Modified top version #1
The first version has colour blocking at the neckline. There is room for the growing baby curves.
The neckline block was wide but I wanted the neckline block to be sharper so I redrew it.
This test version was an ok length but a bit more length made ‘Mum’ and myself happy. I added a safe 10cm to the hems.
To my surprise the built in shelf still worked on the test version so I kept this for the next version.
Top # two:
You can see the changes I made to make this Mom/baby-friendly.
I’ve used flare acid (RUB142) for this print.
You can see the ribbon and toggle we’ve used to allow Mum to adjust the hem.
I’ve used a three-thread overlocking stitch on the seams so the seams are finer.
Every single pattern change is on the front bodice piece below.
This adjusted pattern also have an additional 10cm hem.
I added seam allowance with the magnet below. Kwik Sew patterns have 6mm seams and the magnet below allows me to add seam allowance while cutting the pattern.
The main skill to get the arm and neckline finishes neat and firm is to use clear elastic.
Below is the paler version using the same grey neckline.
Again you can see the toggle and ribbon used for this hem.
I’ve used Holy Smoke pink/aqua TS594 for this top.
We decided that a hem with cord or ribbon and not elastic would allow ‘Mum’ to adjust this top to suit her shape as her shape changes. I’m still looking for decent cord and colourful toggles to go with both tops.
Modified pants
This modification was a bit trickier because I’ve got not idea regarding shape but there are plenty of Youtube videos showing how to cover the baby bump by modifying existing jeans/pants.
So I developed Kwik sew 3988 in a medium size to check where the baby band should sit.
There are some cool inset spot on this pattern and a gusset so I thought this pattern would be easier to modify for a changing waistline. ‘Mum’ is still wears ‘small’ in Kwik Sew so the only change was for ‘baby’ hence the front pants and waist bands are different.
When I checked the test version, the belly needs room, hence the curve from the hips to the waist. The centre front seam is a lot shorter.
And here’s how the maternity front pants piece looks. I’ve used the measurements that I saw on YouTube.
And the finished pants using Charcoal nylon NE3024 now has a very long and wide waistband for the baby bump. The waistband is long so it’s worn folded over itself. No elastic is needed and the hem is left unfinished!
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| Wishing you all the best with the bubs. |
Thank you Funki Fabrics for these fabrics. It was really difficult to pick a pattern from the range you guys offer and continually update.
I also want to thank the ladies who go to Bobbin and Ink sewing sessions. The Mums in the group were really helpful in developing the ideas for making these activewear patterns useful. Their real life experience and Juliet checking my pattern drafts along the way, was invaluable.
About the fabrics
Funki Fabrics are a polyester print base and they are also:
- Ultra chlorine resistant
- Pilling resistant
- Shape retention
- Two way stretch
- UV protective
Read Susan’s activewear post if you’re ready to sew your own activewear.
