How to Sew the Space Leotard – Step-by-Step Video Tutorial Katkow Drag Queens

How to Sew the Space Leotard 2.0 - Step-by-Step Video Tutorial

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Overview

Create a show-stopping look with our Space Leotard sewing pattern! This in-depth video tutorial series will guide you through each step of sewing this futuristic, structured leotard, designed with drag queens and performers in mind.

Sizing Details

The Space Leotard is available in our exclusive drag queen sizes XS–4X and standard women's sizes 2–18, ensuring a stunning fit for various body types.

Drag Queen Sizes

Sizes XS S M L XL 2X 3X 4X
Inches
Bust 35”-37” 38”-40” 40”-42” 44”-46” 47”-49” 50”-52” 53”-55” 56”-58”
Waist 26”-28” 29”-31” 32”-34” 35”-37” 38”-40” 41”-43” 44”-46” 47”-49”
Hips 37”-39” 40”-42” 43”-45” 46”-48” 49”-51” 52”-54” 54”-56” 58”-60”
Height 70" 70" 70" 70" 70" 70" 70" 70"
Centimeters
Bust 89-94 96-102 102-107 112-117 119-124 127-132 135-140 142-147
Waist 66-71 74-79 81-86 89-94 96-102 104-109 112-117 119-124
Hips 94-99 102-107 109-114 117-122 124-130 132-137 137-142 147-152
Height 178 178 178 178 178 178 178 178

Our unique drag sizes are based on U.S. Standard Men’s and Women’s Plus sizes, designed to fit male bodies with padding with an average height of 70 inches. They feature longer torsos, wider shoulders, arms, and legs, and a shorter crotch inseam compared to standard women’s sizing, making them inclusive for anyone matching the provided measurements.


Standard Women's Sizes

Sizes 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Inches
Bust 33" 34" 35" 36" 37" 39" 40" 42" 44"
Waist 25" 26" 27" 28" 29" 31" 32.5" 34.5" 37"
Hips 35" 37" 38" 39" 40" 42" 43" 45" 47"
Height 65" 65" 65" 65" 65" 65" 65" 65" 65"
Centimeters
Bust 83.8 86.4 88.9 91.4 94.0 99.1 101.6 106.7 111.8
Waist 63.5 66.0 68.6 71.1 73.7 78.7 82.6 87.6 94.0
Hips 88.9 94.0 96.5 99.1 101.6 106.7 109.2 114.3 119.4
Height 165 165 165 165 165 165 165 165 165

Fabric & Notions

Fabric Suggestions

To achieve the structured yet flexible design of the Space Leotard, you'll need a combination of fabric types:

  • Non-stretch cotton or polyester – Recommended for the main body of the leotard and lining.
  • 2-way or 4-way stretch fabric – Used for the side panels to allow movement and flexibility.
  • Faux leather or vinyl– Best for the shell bust cups, shoulders, and detachable hip flair pieces to create a structured, futuristic look.
Notions & Supplies

To construct the Space Leotard, you'll need the following materials:

  • Foam interfacing – Adds structure to the bra cups and hip flairs.
  • Rigid interfacing (non-fusible or fusible) – Provides stability for the shoulders and bra cups.
  • Lightweight fusible interfacing – Used for the snap closure areas.
  • Plastic boning (Rigiline sewable boning) – Supports the shell structure.
  • 18-inch (or longer) heavy-duty zipper – Ensures a secure closure.
  • Hook and eye closure – For the top of the zipper.
  • 3 pairs of pre-made large shoulder pads – Enhances the structured silhouette.
  • 1 pair of snaps – Used for the back shoulder closure.
Optional Supplies
  • 2 pairs of pre-made bra inserts – Adds extra padding for a fuller bust.
  • 1 pair of bra underwires – Helps maintain the bust shape.
  • 3-hook width bra extender – Allows for crotch modification, making it easier to stretch and open.

For detailed guidance on fabric choices and how to use each notion, refer to Part 1 of the video tutorial series.

Fabric Yardage

Space Leotard Fabric Styles Katkow Drag

This garment incorporates multiple fabric styles and colors. The 54" and 44" fabric widths listed in the headers refer to standard fabric bolt sizes. Below, you’ll find yardage charts for both drag queen sizes and women’s sizing to help you determine the required fabric amounts.

Drag Queens Sizes

Size Fabric A (54") Fabric B (54") Fabric C (44") Fabric D (44") Fabric E (54") Lining (44") Rigid Interfacing Foam Interfacing Bias Trim
XS 0.5 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.5 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 5 y/m
S 0.5 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.5 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 6 y/m
M 0.5 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.5 y/m 0.5 y/m 1.25 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 6 y/m
L 0.5 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.5 y/m 0.5 y/m 1.25 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 6 y/m
XL 0.5 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.5 y/m 0.5 y/m 1.25 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 6 y/m
2XL 0.5 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.5 y/m 0.5 y/m 1.25 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 7 y/m
3XL 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.5 y/m 0.5 y/m 1.5 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 7 y/m
4XL 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.5 y/m 0.5 y/m 1.5 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 7 y/m

Women's Sizes

Size Fabric A (54") Fabric B (54") Fabric C (44") Fabric D (44") Fabric E (54") Lining (44") Rigid Interfacing Foam Interfacing Bias Trim
2 0.5 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.5 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 5 y/m
4 0.5 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.5 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 6 y/m
6 0.5 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.5 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 6 y/m
8 0.5 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.5 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 6 y/m
10 0.5 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.5 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 6 y/m
12 0.5 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.5 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 7 y/m
14 0.5 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.5 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 7 y/m
16 0.5 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.5 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 7 y/m
18 0.5 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.75 y/m 0.5 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 0.5 y/m 1 y/m 7 y/m

Sewing Instructions

BEFORE YOU BEGIN: Make a test version using inexpensive non-stretch or muslin fabric before working with your final materials. This step helps you identify necessary fit adjustments, as every body is different. If you are in-between sizes, it's best to size up. Taking the time to test now will prevent fabric waste and ensure the best results. Don't skip this crucial step!
Test muslin fabric leotard for drag queens before sewing katkow

Video Tutorial in 4 Parts

  • Part 1: Overview of the paper pattern pieces, fabric types, and required notions.
  • Part 2: Begin sewing the leotard shell, including boning and zipper installation.
  • Part 3: Assemble the shell and lining, and construct the bra cups.
  • Part 4: Learn how to sew the shoulders, chest harness, back snaps, shoulder pads, and attach the detachable hip flairs.

Part 1: Overview of the paper pattern pieces, fabric types, and required notions.

Part 2: Begin sewing the leotard shell, including boning and zipper installation.

Part 3: Assemble the shell and lining, and construct the bra cups.

Part 4: Learn how to sew the shoulders, chest harness, back snaps, shoulder pads, and attach the detachable hip flairs.