TUTORIAL: Sugarplum Capris *Free Pattern*

Who doesn’t love ruffles?…they just make things happier.  When I wear ruffles myself, I think I probably have a little bit more bounce in my step… they just do that.  Add more bounce!

Everywhere we go someone comments on her ruffle capris.  I usually avoid the whole “I made it “ conversation if I can, but recently, I was just too proud of these fun pants to pass it up  :)  I still don’t know if the woman who asked about them got it… that I actually made them.  She said, “Oh, you added the ruffles to leggings?” 
 I think that is my main fascination with making clothes…that they are unlike anything else you can buy….and you can make them in whatever cool fabric you can get your hands on!


And these definitely don’t have that ‘handmade’ look to them anyhow! 

They are of course, loaded with ruffles on the bottom and adorned with a comfy yoga style waistband… or, she can wear them high-waisted too!


My obsession with making them turned out several different types of knit.  They all worked really well, but I think my favorite fit is with the blue jersey.  It’s a thinner material and buttery soft, perfect for a running and bouncing.  The white ponte roma is not as stretchy but is a luxurious knit and I’m reserving those for special occasions.  The sprinkle interlock capris probably have the most stretch and will be perfect for running on the beach or even just lounging around the house.    Hope that info helps you when picking out knits for this pattern!



Let’s make your sugarplum a pair too:

**This template is for a size 3/4 toddler, but you can always adjust up/down where needed**

• 3/4 yard of 60” knit 
• Sugarplum Capri template (4 pieces), taped together and cut  *front and back pictured above*
• 1/4” seam allowance

Cut the pieces pictured above.  Make sure you keep your main pieces (front, back and waistband) with the grain


Sew a front and back together at the sides, RST using a 1/4” seam


Transfer the ruffle line markings to the front of each capri panel


Ruffle all the 2”x22” strips at the top using a 1/4” stitch line

Add the first ruffle to the bottom ruffle line and pin in place.  Stitch the ruffles to the capri using the gathering stitch that was used for the ruffles


Add the second ruffle and stitch in place


Add the third row!  Now sew the other capri panel in the same manner

Place the two panels RST and pin and sew as pictured above

Now they look more like capris!  Using the diagram above, stitch the inside legs.

Take you 18”x9” piece and sew it down the short side RST


Turn it right side out and wrong sides together to form a high-waist waistband



Pin the waistband to the capri top raw edge.  If there are any gaps , just stretch as you sew.



Wear them high-waisted…


Or turn the waistband down for a yoga pant style.

Happy {ruffle} making!

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