Introduction
This instruction manual provides comprehensive details for the Simplicity 8491 "3 Hour Sportswear" sewing pattern. This pattern includes designs for misses' leggings in two lengths (ankle and above knee), a slim knee-length skirt with a back slit, and a very loose-fitting tunic with long or short sleeves. The leggings and skirt feature an elasticized waistline. This pattern is suitable for use with an overlock/serger machine for professional finishes. This pattern was originally dated 1993.
The leggings are specifically designed for stretch knits only. The pattern is multi-sized, offering cutting lines for two or three sizes, specifically AA(XS-S-M) and BB(L-XL).
Materials Required
Fabrics
- Leggings (Stretch Knits Only): Cotton interlock, cotton lycra blends. Refer to the "Pick-A-Knit Rule" on the pattern for stretch guidance.
- Skirt and Tunic: Cotton and cotton blends, batiks, silk and silk types, laundered silks, challis, cotton interlock, lightweight faille, crepe de Chine.
Important Fabric Notes: Not suitable for obvious diagonals. Extra fabric may be needed to match plaids, stripes, or one-way design fabrics. For pile, shaded, or one-way design fabrics, use with nap yardages/layouts.
Notions
- Thread
- Tunic: 1/4" molded shoulder pads.
- Look for Simplicity notions for additional accessories.
Sizing Information
Body Measurements (Inches)
| Measurement | X-Small (6-8) | Small (10-12) | Medium (14-16) | Large (18-20) | X-Large (22-24) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust | 30 1/2 - 31 1/2 | 32 1/2 - 34 | 36 - 38 | 40 - 42 | 44 - 46 |
| Waist | 23 - 24 | 25 - 26 1/2 | 28 - 30 | 32 - 34 | 37 - 39 |
| Hip (9" below waist) | 32 1/2 - 33 1/2 | 34 1/2 - 36 | 38 - 40 | 42 - 44 | 46 - 48 |
| Back-neck to waist | 15 1/2 - 15 3/4 | 16 - 16 1/4 | 16 1/2 - 16 3/4 | 17 - 17 1/4 | 17 3/8 - 17 1/2 |
Fabric Requirements (Yardage)
The following tables indicate the fabric yardage required for each garment component. Please note the symbols: *without nap, **with nap, ***with or without nap.
Ankle Length Leggings - Sized for Stretch Knits Only
| Fabric Width | X-Small (6-8) | Small (10-12) | Medium (14-16) | Large (18-20) | X-Large (22-24) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60"** | 1 1/4 yds. | 1 1/4 yds. | 1 3/8 yds. | 2 yds. | 2 1/8 yds. |
Short Length Leggings - Sized for Stretch Knits Only
| Fabric Width | X-Small (6-8) | Small (10-12) | Medium (14-16) | Large (18-20) | X-Large (22-24) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60"** | 3/4 yds. | 3/4 yds. | 7/8 yds. | 1 1/8 yds. | 1 3/8 yds. |
Skirt
| Fabric Width | X-Small (6-8) | Small (10-12) | Medium (14-16) | Large (18-20) | X-Large (22-24) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45"** | 7/8 yds. | 1 1/8 yds. | 1 3/4 yds. | 1 3/4 yds. | 1 3/4 yds. |
| 60"** | 7/8 yds. | 7/8 yds. | 7/8 yds. | 7/8 yds. | 1 yd. |
Leggings or Skirt Elastic
1 1/8 yds. of 1" wide elastic.
Tunic with Long Sleeves
| Fabric Width | X-Small (6-8) | Small (10-12) | Medium (14-16) | Large (18-20) | X-Large (22-24) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45"** | 1 7/8 yds. | 2 5/8 yds. | 2 7/8 yds. | 3 3/8 yds. | 3 3/8 yds. |
| 60"** | 1 3/4 yds. | 1 3/4 yds. | 1 3/4 yds. | 2 yds. | 2 yds. |
Tunic with Short Sleeves
| Fabric Width | X-Small (6-8) | Small (10-12) | Medium (14-16) | Large (18-20) | X-Large (22-24) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45"** | 2 1/4 yds. | 2 1/4 yds. | 2 5/8 yds. | 2 5/8 yds. | 2 5/8 yds. |
| 60"** | 1 3/8 yds. | 1 3/8 yds. | 1 3/8 yds. | 2 yds. | 2 yds. |
Tunic Interfacing
3/8 yd. of 22" to 25" fusible interfacing.
Garment Measurements (Finished)
These measurements represent the approximate finished dimensions of the garments.
| Measurement | X-Small (6-8) | Small (10-12) | Medium (14-16) | Large (18-20) | X-Large (22-24) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leggings Side Length (Ankle) | 37 3/4 ins. | 38 1/4 ins. | 38 3/4 ins. | 39 1/4 ins. | 39 3/4 ins. |
| Leggings Side Length (Short) | 19 3/4 ins. | 20 1/4 ins. | 20 3/4 ins. | 21 1/4 ins. | 21 3/4 ins. |
| Skirt Length | 23 3/4 ins. | 24 1/4 ins. | 24 3/4 ins. | 25 1/4 ins. | 25 3/4 ins. |
| Skirt Width | 36 1/2 ins. | 39 ins. | 43 ins. | 47 ins. | 51 ins. |
| Tunic Length | 29 3/4 ins. | 30 1/4 ins. | 30 3/4 ins. | 31 1/4 ins. | 31 3/4 ins. |
General Instructions
This pattern includes cutting lines for two or three sizes. Carefully select the appropriate cutting lines for your desired size. Always pre-wash and dry your fabric according to its care instructions before cutting to prevent shrinkage after garment completion.
Follow the pattern pieces for specific cutting and sewing instructions. Pay close attention to seam allowances and markings. Ensure correct fabric grain and stretch direction, especially for stretch knits used in the leggings.
This pattern is suitable for use with an overlock/serger machine for professional finishes, particularly for knit fabrics. If using a standard sewing machine, consider using a stretch stitch for knit garments.
Care and Maintenance
Care instructions for your finished garments will vary based on the specific fabric chosen. Always refer to the fabric manufacturer's recommendations for washing, drying, and ironing to ensure the longevity of your handmade items.
- For Stretch Knits: To maintain elasticity and prevent shrinkage, wash in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low heat or air dry. Avoid high heat.
- For Cotton and Blends: Machine wash warm, tumble dry medium. Iron as needed.
- For Silks and Delicates: Hand wash cold or dry clean. Air dry. Iron on low heat with a pressing cloth.
Product Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.5 x 0.2 inches
- Item Model Number: 8491 Size BB (LG-XL)
- ASIN: B005G48JXK
- Item Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Manufacturer: Simplicity
- Date First Available: August 5, 2011
- Brand: Simplicity
- UPC: 039363142188
- Color: White (pattern envelope)
Troubleshooting
If you encounter difficulties during the sewing process, consider the following:
- Sizing Issues: Double-check your body measurements against the pattern's sizing chart. Ensure you are using the correct cutting lines for your chosen size.
- Fabric Behavior: Ensure your fabric is suitable for the pattern (e.g., stretch knits for leggings). Verify the fabric grainline and stretch direction are correctly aligned with the pattern pieces.
- Stitching Problems: For knit fabrics, ensure you are using a stretch needle and an appropriate stretch stitch on your sewing machine to prevent skipped stitches or broken threads.
- General Assistance: For further assistance, consult general sewing guides, online tutorials, or contact Simplicity customer support.
Pattern Overview Image
This image displays the front of the Simplicity 8491 sewing pattern envelope. It includes detailed information on fabric requirements for leggings, skirt, and tunic, body measurement charts in both imperial and metric units, and garment finished measurements. The pattern is for Misses' sizes and is suitable for stretch knits for leggings.
