It is not a problem to buy a sports leotard for gymnastics, swimming or choreography in modern stores. There are specialized sporting goods departments where you can choose the right size, with or without a skirt. However, sometimes you have to sew a swimsuit with your own hands to create a unique outfit for performances. Here you can go in two ways - buy a base swimsuit and decorate it, or do the thing completely with your own hands.
It is necessary
- - bielastic jersey;
- - overlock;
- - sewing machine with knitted stitching and (or) zigzag;
- - pattern;
- - scissors;
- - a thin needle for knitwear;
- - a mannequin or block;
- - elastic band;
- - nylon braid;
- - knitted trim;
- - elastic thread;
- - companion fabric, sequins (if necessary).
Instructions
Step 1
Choose a piece of durable bi-elastic jersey for sewing a sports leotard, which will stretch well in two directions and hold its shape after washing. The fabric must be pleasant to wear.
Step 2
When designing a sports leotard, keep in mind that this thing should ideally fit your figure, while not restricting movement and not causing inconvenience with cramped armholes. Professional tailors use patterns taking into account human anatomy, so it is recommended not to build a pattern from scratch (especially if you are an inexperienced seamstress), but to use a ready-made pattern.
Step 3
You can do it easier - circle tight elastic panties and a T-shirt of a suitable size along the contour and leave the traditional seam allowances of 1.5 cm. You can cut the swimsuit both lengthwise and across - bi-elastic jersey will allow it.
Step 4
Cut out the details of the product and process the cuts on the overlock. To make the connecting seams sufficiently elastic, sew them with a special knit stitch, making no more than 7 stitches per 1 cm. If your machine is not suitable for this, make a frequent zigzag. Use very thin needles so as not to damage the knit stitches.
Step 5
Overlock the hem of the cut and armholes, slightly stretching the knit. On the finished seam, place elastic tape to match the color of the swimsuit and stitch it with a zigzag stitch.
Step 6
If necessary, cut a skirt out of knitwear, mesh or tulle (depending on the model chosen). Stitch and zigzag from the right side of the fine fabric. The bottom can be finished with a knitted trim to match the color of the swimsuit. When working with a rigid mesh, it is recommended to lay a nylon tape between the cuts and the edging.
Step 7
Pull the finished swimsuit onto a mannequin or last of the desired size and sew a skirt by hand to the "face" of the product using a spandex thread and an oblique zigzag for elasticity of the seam. Veil the connecting seam with elastic tape to match the color of the skirt or (if the style of the leotard allows) decorate it with sequins.
Step 8
If you want to sew inserts made of bielastic fabric of a different color to the finished swimsuit, use templates. Cut a hole on the canvas along them and apply an applique on it (it is cut out according to the same pattern plus a 1 cm seam allowance). Pin the shape with pins and sew with a tricot stitch or over the hem with elastic stitches. The joints of the main canvas and inserts are recommended to be decorated with sequins.
