How to Wash & Care for Handmade Athletic Wear You’ve sewn the bras, the leggings, the skirts, the jackets—and now comes the part no one talks about enough: how to actually take care of your handmade athletic wear. The good news? Athletic garments are tougher than they look. With just a few smart habits, your me-made activewear can last years, even with frequent wear and washing. Let’s break it down—simple, realistic, and no special laundry degree required. First Things First: Read Your Fabric Label (Not Just the Pattern) Patterns tell you how to sew.Fabric labels tell you how to care. Athletic fabrics vary widely, so always check: Fibre content (nylon, polyester, spandex) Manufacturer wash recommendations Most performance fabrics are designed for heavy use—but they still appreciate gentle care. Washing Handmade Athletic Wear 🧺 Turn Everything Inside Out This protects: Seams Elastic Printed or textured fabric surfaces Bonus: it helps remove sweat and deodorant buildup more effectively. 🧺 Cold Water Is Your Best Friend Wash athletic wear in cold water to: Preserve stretch and recovery Prevent colour fading Extend the life of elastic Cold water is tough on sweat, but gentle on your stitches. 🧺 Use a Gentle Detergent Skip harsh detergents and fabric softeners. Instead: Use a mild, sport-friendly detergent Avoid anything labeled “softening” Use less detergent than you think you need Fabric softeners can coat fibres and reduce moisture-wicking performance. 🧺 Wash Like with Like Whenever possible: Wash athletic wear together Avoid heavy items like jeans or towels Use a mesh laundry bag for bras or delicate pieces This reduces friction and stretching during the wash cycle. Drying Athletic Wear (This Matters!) 🚫 Skip the Dryer When You Can Heat is the biggest enemy of: Spandex Elastic Performance finishes Air drying helps garments keep their shape and stretch. 🌬 Best Drying Methods Lay flat on a towel Hang to dry (avoid stretching straps) Use a drying rack for bras and tanks If you must use a dryer: Choose low heat Remove garments while slightly damp Caring for Elastic, Waistbands & Straps Elastic-heavy areas deserve extra love: Avoid high heat Don’t wring garments Let waistbands dry naturally Well-cared-for elastic means leggings that don’t sag and bras that still support. Odour Control Tips (Because Athletic Wear Happens) If odours linger: Add a splash of white vinegar to the rinse cycle Avoid overusing detergent Wash soon after wearing when possible Odour buildup usually means detergent residue—not dirty fabric. Storage Tips for Handmade Athletic Wear How you store garments matters: Fold leggings and tanks Avoid hanging heavy garments by straps Store clean and fully dry This helps prevent stretching and fabric fatigue. When to Repair Instead of Retire One of the best parts of handmade clothing? You can fix it. Common easy repairs: Reinforce popped seams Replace worn elastic Add coverstitch or stretch stitch reinforcement A 10-minute repair can add months (or years) of wear. Caring for Your Handmade Wardrobe = Confidence When you care for your handmade athletic wear properly: Your garments last longer Your fit stays consistent Your sewing time pays off From bras and leggings to hoodies and jackets, good care habits protect every stitch. Final Thought: Wear It, Wash It, Love It Athletic wear is meant to be worn hard and washed often—handmade included. You don’t need to baby your garments.Just treat them thoughtfully, and they’ll keep up with you every step of the way.

Sewing Your Own Athletic Wear – Bras & Tanks: The Foundation of Every Me-Made Workout

We’re very excited to finally say it — we’ve released our very own athletic sewing patterns 🎉 Meet the Flow Bra and Flow Leggings/Shorts: two elevated, go-to patterns designed to work seamlessly with our Athletic Kits and fit beautifully into any handmade activewear wardrobe. Designed to Flow — From First Make to Favourite Staple When we designed our first two athletic patterns, we weren’t thinking just about beginners — and we definitely weren’t designing only for advanced sewists either. We designed them for: Makers who want clean, well-fitting pieces Sewists who appreciate less fuss and fewer seams And creatives who want a solid base they can wear as-is or hack into something more expressive Because simple doesn’t mean boring — and it definitely doesn’t mean basic. The Flow Bra  The Flow Bra was designed to be the kind of piece you actually reach for. Clean lines Minimal seams No complicated strappy back Easy to pull on and off It’s a great-fitting basic bra that offers support and comfort without overdesigning the fit. Perfect for everyday wear, training sessions, or layering under tanks — and an ideal starting point if you love to hack patterns into your own creative variations. The Flow Shorts & Leggings  For the bottoms, we wanted the same thing: a flattering, high-waisted fit that feels good on and shows off your fabric choices beautifully. The Flow Shorts/Leggings pattern delivers: A clean, high-rise silhouette Shorts or full-length leggings in one pattern A fit that works perfectly with both prints and savvy solids And because we can’t help ourselves… we did level it up just a little 😉There’s an optional mesh ankle insert for those who want: A subtle sexy detail A pop of contrast Or a way to elevate a “simple” legging without overcomplicating it The Perfect Pairing: Patterns + Athletic Kits These patterns were designed to pair effortlessly with our upgraded Athletic Kits. Base Kits are perfect for 1–2 pieces Think: Flow Bra + Shorts Elite Kits are ideal if you want 3–4 pieces Think: Flow Bra + Leggings + extras Whether you’re building your first matching set or expanding a handmade activewear rotation, the Flow patterns and Athletic Kits were made to work together. Basic, But Never Boring We like to think of the Flow patterns as elevated basics. They’re clean.They fit well.They don’t fight you while you sew them. But they’re also the perfect canvas — for bold prints, contrast panels, mesh inserts, or future hacks that make them uniquely yours. Because basic doesn’t mean bad.And simple doesn’t mean uninspired. Limited-Time Pattern Promo 🎉 To celebrate the launch of the Flow Collection: Until the end of January, when you purchase one of our newly upgraded Athletic Kits, you can choose either the Flow Bra or the Flow Shorts/Leggings Pattern for free with code FLOW. It’s the easiest way to get everything you need to sew a complete, well-fitting athletic set — without overthinking it. Ready to flow into your next make?Our patterns (and kits) are ready when you are!

We Upgraded Our Athletic Kits — Here’s Why They’re Better Than Ever Whether you’re about to sew your very first athletic garment or you’re well into your 50th (or beyond 👀), the right starting point makes all the difference. That’s exactly why we upgraded our Athletic Kits — making them more complete, more intentional, and easier to use no matter where you’re at in your activewear sewing journey. Why We Revamped Our Athletic Kits We kept hearing the same thing:“I love sewing athletic wear… but I hate hunting down all the extras.” So we took a step back and looked at what actually goes into a great activewear make — the right fabrics, the right elastics, matching thread, and those little finishing touches that make a handmade garment feel done. The result? Athletic Kits that remove the guesswork and help you focus on the fun part: sewing something you’ll actually wear. Two Styles. Same Solid Foundation. We offer Solid Athletic Kits and Printed Athletic Kits — both built with the same goal in mind: complete, high-quality kits that work for beginners and experienced makers. Solid Athletic Kits Perfect for timeless, versatile activewear staples. What’s Included in the Solid Athletic Kit Solid Athletic Knit Fabric Powermesh Fabric Knit Elastic – Total 2m 1" (1m) 1.5" (1m) Thread (colour-matched) Exclusive Sew-In Label Printed Athletic Kits For when you want performance and personality. What’s Included in the Printed Athletic Kit Printed Athletic Knit Fabric Solid Athletic Fabric Knit Elastic – Total 2m 1" (1m) 1.5" (1m) Thread (colour-matched) Exclusive Sew-In Label Choose Your Kit Size Both Solid and Printed Kits are available in two sizes, depending on what you’re making. Base Kit – Ideal for Smaller Projects Total fabric: 1m Each fabric cut: 1m x 0.75m (40" x 30") Ideal for 1–3 pieces such as a sports bra and shorts (size dependent) Elite Kit – For Bigger or Multiple Makes Total fabric: 2m Fabric cuts: 1.5m x 1.5m (60" x 60") Solid or Print 1.5m x 0.5m (60" x 20") Mesh or Solid Ideal for 2–4 coordinated garments like leggings, a bra, and a tank (size dependent) From First Make to Fiftieth If you’re new to sewing athletic wear, these kits give you a confident, stress-free starting point.If you’re experienced, they save time and decision fatigue. Either way, you’re getting a solid, thoughtfully upgraded kit — designed to help you finish strong and feel proud of what you’ve made. Ready to stitch something that works as hard as you do?Our upgraded Athletic Kits are ready when you are.

Swim season’s calling! ☀️ Learn how to sew your own swimsuit that fits, flatters, and doesn’t fall apart in the waves. Spoiler: it’s easier than you think.

Tired of leggings that creep, bras that squeeze, or shorts that ride up mid-burpee? Let’s fix that. These pro fit tips will have your handmade activewear hugging just right.

You’ve sewn the seams — now it’s time to make them shine. These easy finishing tricks will make your handmade activewear look ready for retail.

Looking for the perfect gift for someone who loves to sew? Whether they’re a seasoned seamstress or a beginner with a brand-new machine, thoughtful sewing gifts are always appreciated. We’ve rounded up our favourite ideas at three budget-friendly price points — under $20, under $50, and under $100 — so you can find something special no matter your budget. 🎁 Gifts for Sewists Under $20 You don’t have to spend a lot to surprise a sewing enthusiast! These affordable options are practical, cute, and sure to be used often. Sew In Labels – Add a little sass and personality to their finished projects. Magnetic Pin Cushion – Keeps pins organized and easy to grab. Fabric Marking Pens – Washable, vibrant, and perfect for precise designs. Sewing-Themed Enamel Pins or Stickers – Add a touch of personality to any sewing bag. Thread Snips – Sharp, compact, and essential for clean finishes. Thread Bundle - 5 spools of basic Gutermann colours (Black, White, Navy, Grey, Vanilla) 💡 Tip: Bundle a few small items together for a personalized sewing kit gift! ✂️ Gifts for Sewists Under $50 These mid-range gifts balance practicality with a little indulgence. Perfect for hobbyists who appreciate quality tools. Cutting Kit – A F+F exclusive that includes an Olfa Rotary Cutter, replacement blades and fabric weights. A rotary cutter is a must-have for cutting fabric accurately. Self Healing Mat – To go along with the Rotary Cutter Fabric Bundles – You can never have too much fabric - or better yet a Gift Card to their fave store so they can pick out their own goodies! Adjustable Sewing Gauge or Ruler Set – Helps achieve perfect hems and measurements. Cute Sewing Room Decor - Think vintage-style signs or a custom nameplate for their craft space 🧷 Gifts for Sewists Under $100 If you’re looking to splurge a little, these gifts are sure to impress and last for years. High-Quality Fabric Shears – A great pair of scissors makes all the difference. Sewing Organizer or Thread Rack – Keep tools tidy and within reach. LED Desk Lamp with Magnifier – Perfect for detailed stitching and late-night projects. Fabric Kit – Choose from our Swim or Athletic Kits. Perfect whether they’re trying a new sewing project or are an experienced sewist. Each kit includes the essential materials they need to create something new—except the pattern. Workshop Voucher – A fun way to inspire creativity all year long. Closet Core has some great online Sewing Classes. ❤️ Final Thoughts No matter your budget, a thoughtful sewing gift shows you care about their creativity and craft. From handy tools to beautiful fabrics, these gifts will make any sewist’s day brighter — and their projects even more enjoyable.

If your leggings look great until you squat (and then… not so much), this one’s for you. Let’s talk fabrics, needles, and stitches that actually like being stretched.