The Ayla sewalong starts next week. Before it starts we wanted to dive into fabric and notion suggestions so you can gather supplies.

FABRIC

Stretch %

The Ayla recommends fabrics with 20% or more stretch. To figure out what your stretch percentage is, cut a 4 inch piece of fabric, and hold it at each end. Line it up with the fabric stretch chart on the instructions, and pull the right end along the arrow. If it easily stretches to the 20% marking or beyond then it has enough stretch.

Weight / Types

The Ayla calls for medium to heavy weight stable knit fabrics such as ponte, double knit, french terry, knit jacquard and sweater knits. The fit is close to the skin at the waist and hips, so a nice bottom weight knit is really ideal. 

For the model samples, we used this wine colored bottom weight (12.5oz) ponte.

And this bottom weight plaid ponte. 

I've also sewn up samples in lighter weight pontes - in the 7-11 oz ranges - and they worked great too, they just had a bit less structure. I think the thicker fabrics feel a bit more work wear appropriate while a lighter weight fabric feels a bit more casual in my opinion.

I think that french terry is another great choice for a more casual take on the pattern. Something close to a wide leg sweat pant. I think it would be fun to make a matching sweatshirt for a cute and comfy set.

Loungewear sets are everywhere right now and so using a stable sweater knit could really cool. I imagine sewing up a pair with a matching Brynn cardigan or Marlo sweater for the cutest little loungewear set ever.

You can of course use other stable knit fabrics as well. I've had questions about stretch corduroy, stretch velvet and even stretch denim. Although I havn't tried those fabrics specifically, there is no reason why they wouldn't work. 

NOTIONS

You are also going to need a few notions to finish your Ayla pants.

Coordinating Thread

Be sure to grab some coordinating thread for your Ayla. I generally go for an allpurpose polyester thread. If you are sewing up view B (the paneled pant) be extra careful about color matching due to the visible topstitching.

Stretch Needles

Stretch Sewing Machine Needle

You are also going to want a sewing machine needle that is specific for stretch fabrics. The ballpoint end to these needles prevents it from damaging the fabric and creating holes.

Hand Sewing Needle

There are two options for hemming the Ayla pants. If you choose to hand sew the hem for a higher end look, you will need a hand sewing needle to do this.

1.5" Elastic

The waistband is finished with 1.5" wide elastic. Any 1.5 inch elastic should work, just know that different elastics have different amounts of stretch and some are stronger than others. The instructions give a suggested elastic waistband length for each view and size, but it's always good to measure the elastic on your waist yourself and adjust as necessary.

That is it! This is a simple, beginner friendly pattern where the fabric and notions should all be easy to source.