How to Sew a Leotard
- 1). Find a leotard pattern. Companies like Kwik Sew offer basic and more advanced patterns. Alternatively, you can unstitch an old leotard and use the different panels from that as a template. Iron the pattern on a low setting before using it. This will get rid of any creases or folds that might cause the template to be misshapen.
- 2). Place the pattern or template over the fabric you want to use for the new leotard. Make sure the template is straight on the fabric, otherwise you could end up with uneven stretch in the leotard. Pin the template in place, ensuring it is smooth, and place a paperweight on each side to prevent the fabric from moving while you are cutting it.
- 3). Cut the pattern slowly and carefully, ensuring you try and match the paper pattern or fabric template as carefully as possible. If the pattern directs you to make notches, do so while cutting.
- 4). Unpin the pattern or template from the fabric once you have finished cutting it. Before doing so, double check that the edges of the fabric you have just cut are in line with the pattern or template. If there are uneven edges, this could affect the final shape of the leotard.
- 5). Pin the different parts of the cut fabric together carefully. If the pattern has more than two parts, start by pinning together the main body first, ensuring both sides are lined up, before moving onto the sleeves. Follow the instructions on the pattern for joining the parts and make sure that the fabric on both the front and back is the right way around.
- 6). Consult your pattern for more information on how large the seam should be. Make sure your sewing machine is set for zig-zag stitching and begin sewing the seams together. Remember to remove the pins as you sew along the seam, otherwise, you could damage your sewing machine. Once you have finished the seams, you can add elastic as directed by the pattern.
- 7). Try on the leotard and check it fits well. If you need to readjust any stitching or seams, now is the time to do so. Once you are confident the leotard fits, you can hem the seams following the instructions on the pattern and add any decorations you want, such as beads, rhinestones or crystals.
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