Gymnasts and ballet dancers need leontards, but they are expensive.If you want to make your own leotards, you will save money and they may fit you better than others.If you want to make a pattern using an existing leotard, you need to cut out your fabric and sew the pieces together.
Step 1: You should choose a leotard that fits you.
An old leotard with sleeves can be used to make a pattern.The person who will wear the leotard should be able to wear it.If you don't have a leotard, a 1 piece swimsuit will work.
Step 2: The leotard should be folded in half.
The sleeves are stacked on top of each other so position the folded leotard so that the front side is visible.To trace the body of the leotard, fold the sleeves in.Put the leotard on the pattern or butcher paper.An outline of the folded leotard body can be created with a pen or pencil.To create a sleeve pattern, unfold the sleeves and trace around them separately.It's a good idea to trace along the edges of the leotard.
Step 3: Take a measurement and draw a line from the edges.
You can find this location by using a ruler or tape measure.Draw a line with chalk that follows the outline of the leotard.The seam allowance will be provided by this.Make sure the line goes all the way around the leotard.Attach the "front" piece to this piece by cutting it out.
Step 4: The pattern for the back of the leotard needs to be repeated.
Use a pen or pencil to trace the outline after folding the leotard in the opposite direction.The second line should be outside of the outline for the seam allowance.The back of the leotard may have a lower back than the front.To indicate what it is, write "back" on the back piece.
Step 5: Draw the straps and the seam allowance.
You don't need to do this part if the leotard is a tank top style.Measure the length and width of the leotard with a ruler or measuring tape.Add the seam allowance and draw a strap on the paper.If the straps are 11 by 1.5 in (27.9 by 3.8 cm), then draw a strap that is 21.2 by 5.1 cm.If you want to know the pattern for your straps, cut out this piece and mark it.
Step 6: Choose fabric that has some give to it.
It is possible to make a leotard with stretch fabric such as spandex, or stretch cotton.It is important for the fabric to give, but it should also be strong.You can choose from a color or print of your choice.If you only need 1 yd to make your leotard, you should get 2 yds just in case.
Step 7: The pattern pieces need to be placed on the folded fabric.
Place the front and back body and sleeve pattern pieces on the fabric by folding it in half.Align the front, back, and sleeve paper pattern pieces with the folded edge of the fabric.If using, position the strap pattern away from the folded edges.Before you place the pattern pieces on the fabric, make sure there are no bumps.
Step 8: Put weights around the outer edges of the pattern pieces.
If you use pins, make sure to insert a pin every 2 to 3 in along the edges of the pattern pieces.If you use pattern weights, place a weight about every 3 to 4 in along the edges of the pattern pieces.Make sure the pins are in line with the edges of the fabric.It will be easier to remove them when you sew the leotard.
Step 9: Cut along the edges of the pattern pieces with sharp scissors.
You can use the outside of the paper pattern pieces as guides.Don't cut through the folded fabric by cutting out a front and back piece along the fold.The straps should be cut all the way around.Don't create jagged or crooked edges!This will affect sewing.
Step 10: The front and back leotard body pieces need to be put together.
Make sure the sides are facing each other.Line the sides, leg openings, and crotch portions of the front and back pieces.Don't pin along the leg openings, armholes or neckline.These must stay open.
Step 11: The sides, crotch, and shoulders are where you should sew a zigzag stitch.
Don't sew the neck, arm, and leg openings closed!The zigzag stitch setting should be set for your sewing machine.Place the pinned leotard pieces under the presser foot.To start sewing, lower the presser foot and apply gentle pressure to the pedal.Press the reverse lever to backstitch after sewing all the way across the edges.As you sew, remove the pins.You may damage your sewing machine if you sew over them.
Step 12: To sew from the raw edges of the straps or sleeves, fold them in half.
Make sure the right and the left sides of the print are facing out.Continue using the zigzag stitch to connect the raw edges of the straps.The straps should be left open.As you sew, make sure to remove the pins.If your leotard has a tank top style, you can skip the straps or sleeves.
Step 13: Attach the straps to the top corners of the pieces.
The right sides of the leotard should be facing out.The topmost corner of the leotard is where the strap ends.The end of the strap should be hidden in the leotard.Press the reverse lever to backstitch across the end of the strap.This should be done for each of the straps.Don't sew the arm or neck opening closed as you do this!Attach the straps with loose threads.
Step 14: Attach the sleeves to the armholes.
The leotard body should be turned inside out and the sleeve put into it.The seam on the armpit area of the leotard needs to be matched with the seam in the sleeve.Place a pin all the way around the armhole and sleeve with the right sides together and the raw edges even.Then, sew a zigzag stitch around the edges of the leotard body.As you sew, make sure to remove the pins.To complete your leotard, repeat for the other sleeve.After sewing, turn the leotard right side out and trim the excess threads.