Adding ankle stirrups to a stretch catsuit or leggings helps keep the legs smooth, secure, and performance ready. If your sewing pattern does not already include stirrups, you can easily draft and sew them yourself.
Step 1: Extend the Ankle
Extend the ankle hemline of your pattern by approximately 3½ to 4 inches (9–10 cm). This extension will form the stirrup section that wraps under the foot.
Step 2: Draft the Stirrup Shape
Each side of the stirrup should measure about 2 inches (5 cm) wide, including the ½ inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance. Leave about ½ inch at the original ankle line, then curve outward to form a smooth U shape that will sit under the arch of the foot.
Step 3: Sew the Leg Seams
Cut your fabric and sew the side seams and inner leg seams with right sides facing. Use a zigzag stitch, lightning bolt stitch, or serger for stretch durability.
Step 4: Close the Stirrup Loops
Stack the stirrup ends right sides together, aligning the seams carefully. Pin in place and sew using a stretch stitch or serger. This creates two secure stirrup loops.
Step 5: Finish the Edges
Hem each stirrup opening by folding the fabric toward the wrong side about ½ inch (1.27 cm) and topstitch using a zigzag stitch. For extra hold, you can insert narrow elastic inside the hem depending on the desired fit and tension.
Your ankle stirrups are now complete and ready for performance wear. This method works best with four way stretch fabrics such as spandex or lycra to maintain flexibility and comfort.