How to Sew a Leotard

Cómo coser un leotardo

Jump to Instructions

Overview

Introducing our Drag Queen Essential: the Long Sleeve Leotard sewing pattern. This versatile design features a seamless front for a sleek and polished look, while the back consists of two pieces with a concealed zipper and a seamless bottom piece for a comfortable fit and ease of movement. Perfect for drag queens of all styles, this pattern is tailored to cater to the unique needs of the drag community. Crafted for use with 4-way stretch fabrics, it's a must-have addition to your wardrobe, offering endless possibilities for creative expression. Whether worn as a standalone piece or as a base for your elaborate ensembles, our Long Sleeve Leotard pattern ensures you always look and feel fabulous.

This pattern is now available for women’s (AFAB) sizes sizes. Sold as a separate pattern.

Pattern Difficulty: For Beginners

Sizing Details

This pattern is available in our unique drag queen sizes ranging from (XS-4X). It is also available in AFAB women's sizing ranging from (XS-XXL). Both pattern size types are sold separately. Please review our sizing guide for more information on our size measurements.

Sizing Guide

Fabric & Notions

Fabric Suggestions

Suitable for 4-way stretch fabrics:

  • Miliskin
  • Spandex
  • Lycra
  • Stretch Knits
Notions
  • 16-20 inch invisible zipper
  • Optiontal tear-away stabilizer to keep zipper flat and prevent waving

Fabric Yardage

This pattern requires the use of 4-way stretch fabric. Please find the yardage needed for each size below.

Size Fabric Yardage (58"-60” width)
Drag Queen Sizes Womens AFAB Sizes
XS 1 yard 1 yard
S 1.25 yards 1 yard
M 1.25 yards 1.25 yards
L 1.5 yards 1.25 yards
XL 1.5 yards 1.25 yards
2X 1.5 yards 1.25 yards
3X 1.5 yards --
4X 1.75 yards --

For information on converting inches to meters, please check out our conversion guide.

Yardage Conversion Guide

Sewing Instructions

Guide Color Key
How to sew a leotard for drag queens

Fabric Pieces

Once your fabric is cut, you should have one seamless front piece, two back pieces, one seamless back bottom piece, two long sleeves, and two collar pieces.

How to sew a leotard for drag queens stretch stitches

Stitches

For this project, the recommended stitches are a serger overlock stitch, a stretch stitch, or a zigzag stitch. A straight stitch may cause the threads to snap and is not advisable.

Step 1 How to sew a leotard for drag queens

STEP 1

Take the front piece and the two back pieces, with right sides facing each other, and pin them together at the shoulder seams. Sew along these seams.

Step 2 How to sew a leotard for drag queens

STEP 2

For the collar, place the two pieces right sides together and sew along the top, shorter curve.

Step 3 How to sew a leotard for drag queens

STEP 3

Then, turn the collar right side out and place a pin in the center.

Step 4 How to sew a leotard for drag queens

STEP 4

Lay the front and back pieces right side up and pin the collar around the neckline with the center pin matching the center front, keeping the collar upside down. Serge or sew in place.

Step 5 How to sew a leotard for drag queens

STEP 5

Insert a 16-20 inch invisible zipper along the center back opening starting at the collar. The right side of the zipper should face the right side of the fabric. Use a straight stitch with a zipper foot for sewing. For a flat zipper finish, you may use a tear-away stabilizer between the zipper and the fabric.

Step 6 How to sew a leotard for drag queens

STEP 6

After attaching the zipper, fold the excess fabric at the top of the zipper vertically and hand-stitch it down to secure this fold before proceeding.

Step 7 How to sew a leotard for drag queens

STEP 7

Next, fold the zipper tape horizontally and pin in place, ready for topstitching. Repeat the same steps on the opposite side.

Step 8 How to sew a leotard for drag queens

STEP 8

Topstitch around the zipper sides to reinforce and neatly finish the edges.

Step 9 How to sew a leotard for drag queens

STEP 9

Attach the back bottoms to the lower part of the back piece with the zipper, sew them right sides facing each other.

Step 10 How to sew a leotard for drag queens

STEP 10

Your 3 back pieces should now be sewn together.

Step 11 How to sew a leotard for drag queens

STEP 11

Spread out the front and back right side up and gather your sleeves.

Step 12 How to sew a leotard for drag queens

STEP 12

Align and pin the sleeves around the armholes, right side of the sleeve facing the right side of the front and back, using notches as a guide. Each sleeve curve is symmetrical, so there's no designated front or back. Serge or sew the sleeves in place and repeat for the other side.

Step 13 How to sew a leotard for drag queens

STEP 13

Turn the garment wrong side out and sew the inner sleeve seams closed, continuing down the sides of the garment and the crotch.

Step 14 How to sew a leotard for drag queens

STEP 14

Hem with leg holes using a zig zag stitch or fold over twice for a rolled hem effect with a stretch stitch.

Step 15 How to sew a leotard for drag queens

STEP 15

Finally, hem the ends of the sleeves with a rolled hem, stretch stitch, or zigzag stitch.