Gosh you make altering patterns look so easy. I am making myself a latin dress, would like to add mesh inserts. I have been stressing on how to do it...... you instill confidence in me, im going to tackle it soon. Thank you for not over complicating the techniques and talking about it simply. Really appreciate your videos (wish there was more 😊) i have learned so much. Thank you for sharing your talent and skills with us all ❤
Started sewing for the 1st time ever at the beginning of the pandemic (to make masks). I have really enjoyed it and moved on to other things. I am very self/UA-cam taught. I have 3 dancers!! I have watched all of your videos and they are so great! You explain everything so well and are very professional. I’ve now made a few leos and even modified the pattern. Your videos are what taught me how! Thank you so much!!! Can’t wait to see what else I can learn!
Emily Dreyfus Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve uploaded a video! We’re in the process of selling our house and moving! Will try to get something up in the next 30-60 days then get back to more regular uploads. Thanks for tuning in!!
First of all, please forgive my delayed response! I mistakenly thought all of my replies were coming in my Inbox, so I'm just now seeing your comment! I'm on a hiatus from making videos while our new house (and my new studio) is being built. I hope to be back at it in the fall! Thanks for watching!
absolutely love your videos, thank you for taking the time to share with us. Have you any on skirts yet? Would really love to learn how to cut, and sew different styles of skirts to these basic leotard patterns.
I'm actually editing two videos right now on skirts! One will show how to make skirt patterns, and the other will show how to attach a skirt. Hope to have it posted within a couple of days. It's a challenge to edit 3 hours or so of raw footage into 15-ish minute videos that give good instruction. It's coming soon! Thanks for watching!
Can you tell me the pattern numbers you are using to start from? I love your video. You do a great job of explaining. I hope to make custom costumes for my granddaughter.
Please forgive my delayed response! I thought ALL of my comments were coming to my Inbox, and just found out they weren't! Most of my patterns are 20 years old! I just looked up leotard patterns on Etsy. I did see one that I have ... Kwik Sew 2976, but 3502 looks like a great one, also. I wish you all the best on your customing! You can do it! Let me know if you have questions.
Because I always embellish my costumes, I almost always use the topstitch method. If I were making a leotard or workout wear, I'd probably use a seam. I'm not an expert in this technique, but look for videos on bagged seams if you want to learn how to do it without topstitching. You'd definitely have to make allowances when you make your pattern for seams. Thanks for watching!
I’ve spent so much time looking for these patterns everywhere! I can’t seem to find them anywhere. All of the patterns have a seam in the back where it curves, so it doesn’t have a fold line.
I actually LOVE the patterns with a seam in the back. I find it gives a better fit on the booty. If you want one with a fold in the back, see if you can find Kwik Sew 3331. I use it a LOT for costuming. Happy sewing!!
Thank you so much for your videos. My daughter has been dancing for many years now and thru them I have just been winging it on altering her costumes or adding on appliqués/stones. This up coming year for her solo I am looking at trying to make her solo costume myself. Her choreographer is wanting it to be a unitard. I'm guessing right now to start with something similar to this Leo and trying to figure out how to add the mesh legs and how to add billowy sleeves to the Leo. Question is do you have a pattern name for me to try to find for the unitard portion of the legs? Is there a video you might have that I'm not seeing for a unitard? What type of fabric you would recommend in using for the legs? Type of thread you would find helpful that gives stretch. Anything would help me ;) TIA 😊
I don't have a unitardvideo. You'll be moresuccessful starting with a unitard pattern than one for a leotard. You may need to do a mash up with a leotard and unitard pattern. I've not done one of those yet. For the mesh use stretch mesh. I'm away from my studio for the next 6 weeks so can't look in,my pattern box to give you a specific pattern number. Sorry this is so choppy. I'm typing on tablet and not very good at it. Happy sewing! People like you are the reasoning,make videos. Thanks for watching!
First of all, please forgive my delayed response! I mistakenly thought all of my replies were coming in my Inbox, so I'm just now seeing your comment! I shop in NYC once every couple of years (except 2020, of course!) to source fabrics. Sourcing fabrics is my single biggest challenge in costuming! I buy in advance to have fabrics on hand when I meet with clients. You can order Lycra from Etsy, Joann's, or even Amazon. Thanks for watching! Happy costuming!
I would look for a pattern with a princess seam to work from. Those generally go together with a curve, so not sure of how much to curve. It will vary significantly from children's sizes to adult sizes because of the significant differences in the body shape. Try finding one with sleeves, then you can easily hack it to be whatever shape you want. If I had one in my arsenal of patterns I could give you a recommendation, but I don't have one. I know a lot of my colleagues like Jalie patterns. Kiwk Sew is usually my go to. I don't dislike Jalie - I've just never used them because I've been at this game a LONG time! Hope that helps!
Julie Gleeson Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve uploaded a video! We’re in the process of selling our house and moving! Will try to get something up in the next 30-60 days then get back to more regular uploads.
Hi!! My niece is a dancer and I've been watching your videos so that i can learn to make her solo costumes. I've been making clothes for a while now mainly baby clothes, christening gowns etc. Ive been looking all over the place for a basic leotard commercial pattern, but i can't seem to find any. Not to mention that u can't seem to find the McCalls pattern that you use. Do you have any current pattern that you recommend? Thank you so much for all that you do!
Faby Ruiz Kwik Sew has some great leotard patterns. You can also check Etsy and shop online for patterns. If you get a basic one that has sleeves you can do literally anything with it. I googled “Kwik Sew Leotard Pattern” and got hits on amazon, etsy and e-bay. If you have a JoAnn’s near you they usually have them in stock. Let me know if you have success!
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes thank you soo much!!! I just found 2 basic patterns from a seller on Etsy. Purchased and adult size and a kids size!!! Where do you recommend I purchase fabric, mesh etc? I loooove my Joann's but they don't have the best selection on performance fabric. Can't wait to get started!!! Thank you for everything!
Faby Ruiz you’re right. Joann’s is hit and miss. I buy mine online, at a store local to me in New Orleans, and I make a trip to NYC once a year. Etsy has lots of great options so try there for fabrics too. Glad you found your patterns.
Lucie Libolt sorry for my delayed response! We’ve been moving, so I’ve been out of pocket for a bit. I’m not familiar with synchronized swimming costumes. You may have to tailor the design a bit to your needs but the techniques in the pattern making video should work for you.
The techniques I taught in the video will work with literally any leotard pattern. I have had most of my patterns for over ten years, so they may be out of print. Look for a leotard pattern that has features that make it the most "hackable" for the design you're trying to create. If you want to use the exact Kwik Sew or McCalls patterns I used in the video, you may be able to find them on Etsy if you can't find them in a retail store. A lot of my peers like to use "Jalie" patterns for all sizes, and "Boo Designs" for children's patterns. I've never used either of these, but people in a spandex sewers FB group that I belong to love them. Hope this helps! Happy sewing and thanks for watching!
I measure the bust, waist and hips and just use the eyeball method to determine if I need a regular or longer girth. Dancers are often long and lean, so it is not uncommon for me to cut a pattern on an XS bust, S waist, S hips, and M girth. Use the measurements to determine the sizing for bust, waist and hips. You can usually tell if you study someone's body whether they need a longer girth.
Cole Leos sorry for my delayed response. We’ve been moving! I’ve had that pattern for years. Probably bought it at JoAnns. I have had success finding old patterns on Etsy. I prefer the KwikSew brand, but they’re all fine. With the instructions provided in my video you can literally use any leotard pattern. Good luck with your project!!
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes thank you for your response . I'm 12 years old and I'm a dancer and my sister is a coach so I told her I want to make dance costumes she said ok cuz she know I can make pretty well costume and plus I have been really wanting to make costumes so I was trying to look for patterns and your vid pop up
How would i make a half skirt like in the red costume as i want to make a Queen of heart full short skirt costume with a tutu under it for volume but i want an over skirt with a curve to it .. i have got the tutu and the circle skirt but is the over skirt a 3/4 circle skirt shaped at the front ... thank you in advance
I'm not sure I fully understand your question. If you DM me a picture of your costume I can probably better advise you. To take a try at answering your question ... you should be able to just draw your circle skirt pattern, then simply remove the portion of the pattern that you don't need. If this doesn't answer your question, I'm happy to have a conversation with you in messenger.
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes It was a simple question lol! i want to make an over skirt to go over circle skirt i am wearing with a tutu underneath, i saw the lovely red costume in the video that has a half skirt rounded at the edge at the front .. what is the easiest way just to make just the over skirt part of it alone. Is it a 3/4 circle skirt cut back and shaped or a half circle? Or is it a length of fabric shaped at each end with the curve and gathered on to either the costume or waistband?
I measure the bust, waist and hips and use those measurements to adapt the pattern. It's not uncommon for me to cut a leotard with an XS bust, S waist, S hips and M girth. Most patterns don't give you a girth measurement, but I just look at my client. If they're tall and thin with a long torso, I cut the length of the leotard at least one size larger. I adapt each pattern to custom fit the client's size. Try watching my Making a Leotard Part 1 video. You may find that helpful. Happy costuming!
@@coleleosI can't see how to attach a picture to this reply. It's McCalls pattern # 9242. If you can't find images online, PM me your e-mail address and I'd be happy to send those pics to you that way.
This video gave me so many "Aha, now I get it" .Thank you so much for making it easy. You are great at explaining.
I'm so glad it was helpful to you! Thanks for watching!
This was great!!! I’m teaching myself sewing and I’m trying to teach myself this sort of thing and this by far the most helpful video I’ve found 🤩
Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing your knowledge and experience. You're amazing
So nice of you to share your kind words. Thanks so much for watching!
I am loving your videos. They are really great. Would love to see you upload more frequently as they really inspire me
Plan to get some more posted in next few weeks. Thanks so much for watching!
Gosh you make altering patterns look so easy. I am making myself a latin dress, would like to add mesh inserts. I have been stressing on how to do it...... you instill confidence in me, im going to tackle it soon. Thank you for not over complicating the techniques and talking about it simply. Really appreciate your videos (wish there was more 😊) i have learned so much. Thank you for sharing your talent and skills with us all ❤
Thanks so much for your kind words. You can do this!
Started sewing for the 1st time ever at the beginning of the pandemic (to make masks). I have really enjoyed it and moved on to other things. I am very self/UA-cam taught. I have 3 dancers!! I have watched all of your videos and they are so great! You explain everything so well and are very professional. I’ve now made a few leos and even modified the pattern. Your videos are what taught me how! Thank you so much!!! Can’t wait to see what else I can learn!
Thank you for all this tutorials. Your work is beautiful.
So happy they're helpful to you! Thanks so much for your kind words, and thanks for watching!
Loving your videos!! Thank you for sharing so much of your knowledge - REALLY appreciated!!!
Thanks so much for your kind words! I'm so happy you found my video helpful! Thanks for watching!
I am loving your videos! I am a costume designer myself and love seeing how you put together all of your stuff!
Emily Dreyfus Nice to have a fellow costume designer here! I just liked you costume FB page and look forward to seeing pics of your designs!
Emily Dreyfus Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve uploaded a video! We’re in the process of selling our house and moving! Will try to get something up in the next 30-60 days then get back to more regular uploads. Thanks for tuning in!!
Loved everything about your video, thanks for sharing such fabulous techniques xx
That has to be the best explanation ever!!!!! Thank you so very much!!!!!!!
Thank you so much for your videos, they are so unique and helpful, please do more xx
First of all, please forgive my delayed response! I mistakenly thought all of my replies were coming in my Inbox, so I'm just now seeing your comment!
I'm on a hiatus from making videos while our new house (and my new studio) is being built. I hope to be back at it in the fall!
Thanks for watching!
absolutely love your videos, thank you for taking the time to share with us. Have you any on skirts yet? Would really love to learn how to cut, and sew different styles of skirts to these basic leotard patterns.
I'm actually editing two videos right now on skirts! One will show how to make skirt patterns, and the other will show how to attach a skirt. Hope to have it posted within a couple of days. It's a challenge to edit 3 hours or so of raw footage into 15-ish minute videos that give good instruction. It's coming soon! Thanks for watching!
Can you tell me the pattern numbers you are using to start from? I love your video. You do a great job of explaining. I hope to make custom costumes for my granddaughter.
Please forgive my delayed response! I thought ALL of my comments were coming to my Inbox, and just found out they weren't!
Most of my patterns are 20 years old! I just looked up leotard patterns on Etsy. I did see one that I have ... Kwik Sew 2976, but 3502 looks like a great one, also.
I wish you all the best on your customing! You can do it! Let me know if you have questions.
Thank you for a brilliant video! For cut outs do you always just top stitch or could you attach using a seam? Thank you! X
Because I always embellish my costumes, I almost always use the topstitch method. If I were making a leotard or workout wear, I'd probably use a seam. I'm not an expert in this technique, but look for videos on bagged seams if you want to learn how to do it without topstitching. You'd definitely have to make allowances when you make your pattern for seams. Thanks for watching!
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes thank you so much for taking the time to reply! Very helpful 🙂
I’ve spent so much time looking for these patterns everywhere! I can’t seem to find them anywhere. All of the patterns have a seam in the back where it curves, so it doesn’t have a fold line.
I actually LOVE the patterns with a seam in the back. I find it gives a better fit on the booty. If you want one with a fold in the back, see if you can find Kwik Sew 3331. I use it a LOT for costuming. Happy sewing!!
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes thank you so much!
Thank you so much for your videos. My daughter has been dancing for many years now and thru them I have just been winging it on altering her costumes or adding on appliqués/stones. This up coming year for her solo I am looking at trying to make her solo costume myself. Her choreographer is wanting it to be a unitard. I'm guessing right now to start with something similar to this Leo and trying to figure out how to add the mesh legs and how to add billowy sleeves to the Leo.
Question is do you have a pattern name for me to try to find for the unitard portion of the legs? Is there a video you might have that I'm not seeing for a unitard?
What type of fabric you would recommend in using for the legs?
Type of thread you would find helpful that gives stretch.
Anything would help me ;) TIA 😊
I don't have a unitardvideo. You'll be moresuccessful starting with a unitard pattern than one for a leotard. You may need to do a mash up with a leotard and unitard pattern. I've not done one of those yet. For the mesh use stretch mesh. I'm away from my studio for the next 6 weeks so can't look in,my pattern box to give you a specific pattern number. Sorry this is so choppy. I'm typing on tablet and not very good at it. Happy sewing! People like you are the reasoning,make videos. Thanks for watching!
So great! Thank you! I'm learning so much😍😍🙏
I love this what the best place to get the spandex fabric or when looking for it what's the name of it
First of all, please forgive my delayed response! I mistakenly thought all of my replies were coming in my Inbox, so I'm just now seeing your comment!
I shop in NYC once every couple of years (except 2020, of course!) to source fabrics. Sourcing fabrics is my single biggest challenge in costuming! I buy in advance to have fabrics on hand when I meet with clients. You can order Lycra from Etsy, Joann's, or even Amazon.
Thanks for watching! Happy costuming!
Do you have any advice for creating a princess seam leotard?
I would look for a pattern with a princess seam to work from. Those generally go together with a curve, so not sure of how much to curve. It will vary significantly from children's sizes to adult sizes because of the significant differences in the body shape. Try finding one with sleeves, then you can easily hack it to be whatever shape you want. If I had one in my arsenal of patterns I could give you a recommendation, but I don't have one. I know a lot of my colleagues like Jalie patterns. Kiwk Sew is usually my go to. I don't dislike Jalie - I've just never used them because I've been at this game a LONG time! Hope that helps!
I would love some more videos please!
Julie Gleeson Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve uploaded a video! We’re in the process of selling our house and moving! Will try to get something up in the next 30-60 days then get back to more regular uploads.
You are amazing. Thank you for your video's
You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!
Loved this video 💖😊
Hi!! My niece is a dancer and I've been watching your videos so that i can learn to make her solo costumes. I've been making clothes for a while now mainly baby clothes, christening gowns etc. Ive been looking all over the place for a basic leotard commercial pattern, but i can't seem to find any. Not to mention that u can't seem to find the McCalls pattern that you use. Do you have any current pattern that you recommend? Thank you so much for all that you do!
Faby Ruiz Kwik Sew has some great leotard patterns. You can also check Etsy and shop online for patterns. If you get a basic one that has sleeves you can do literally anything with it. I googled “Kwik Sew Leotard Pattern” and got hits on amazon, etsy and e-bay. If you have a JoAnn’s near you they usually have them in stock. Let me know if you have success!
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes thank you soo much!!! I just found 2 basic patterns from a seller on Etsy. Purchased and adult size and a kids size!!! Where do you recommend I purchase fabric, mesh etc? I loooove my Joann's but they don't have the best selection on performance fabric. Can't wait to get started!!! Thank you for everything!
Faby Ruiz you’re right. Joann’s is hit and miss. I buy mine online, at a store local to me in New Orleans, and I make a trip to NYC once a year. Etsy has lots of great options so try there for fabrics too. Glad you found your patterns.
You are so great! Thank you! 🌹
You are so kind! Thank you for watching!
loved your video, i want to do a swimsuit for synchronised swimming, is there anything i need to do differently ?
Lucie Libolt sorry for my delayed response! We’ve been moving, so I’ve been out of pocket for a bit. I’m not familiar with synchronized swimming costumes. You may have to tailor the design a bit to your needs but the techniques in the pattern making video should work for you.
Thank you so much! This is very helpful!
Fabulous video thank you so much! x
So sad I can’t find these patterns anywhere
The techniques I taught in the video will work with literally any leotard pattern. I have had most of my patterns for over ten years, so they may be out of print. Look for a leotard pattern that has features that make it the most "hackable" for the design you're trying to create. If you want to use the exact Kwik Sew or McCalls patterns I used in the video, you may be able to find them on Etsy if you can't find them in a retail store. A lot of my peers like to use "Jalie" patterns for all sizes, and "Boo Designs" for children's patterns. I've never used either of these, but people in a spandex sewers FB group that I belong to love them. Hope this helps! Happy sewing and thanks for watching!
Great video! :)
Thanks so much for watching!
what do I measure on the body for the pattern
Sorry I was slow to respond. We moved two weeks ago, and my studio just got put back together this past weekend!
I measure the bust, waist and hips and just use the eyeball method to determine if I need a regular or longer girth. Dancers are often long and lean, so it is not uncommon for me to cut a pattern on an XS bust, S waist, S hips, and M girth. Use the measurements to determine the sizing for bust, waist and hips. You can usually tell if you study someone's body whether they need a longer girth.
where did you buy that pattern???? Answer me back plz Thankyou.
Cole Leos sorry for my delayed response. We’ve been moving! I’ve had that pattern for years. Probably bought it at JoAnns. I have had success finding old patterns on Etsy. I prefer the KwikSew brand, but they’re all fine. With the instructions provided in my video you can literally use any leotard pattern. Good luck with your project!!
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes thank you for your response . I'm 12 years old and I'm a dancer and my sister is a coach so I told her I want to make dance costumes she said ok cuz she know I can make pretty well costume and plus I have been really wanting to make costumes so I was trying to look for patterns and your vid pop up
thank you
Cole Leos you made my day! Please post a pic for me when you make one! I’m so excited for you to try this!
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes thank you
Where do you ljve
south Louisiana. Are you near me?
How would i make a half skirt like in the red costume as i want to make a Queen of heart full short skirt costume with a tutu under it for volume but i want an over skirt with a curve to it .. i have got the tutu and the circle skirt but is the over skirt a 3/4 circle skirt shaped at the front ... thank you in advance
I'm not sure I fully understand your question. If you DM me a picture of your costume I can probably better advise you.
To take a try at answering your question ... you should be able to just draw your circle skirt pattern, then simply remove the portion of the pattern that you don't need. If this doesn't answer your question, I'm happy to have a conversation with you in messenger.
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes It was a simple question lol! i want to make an over skirt to go over circle skirt i am wearing with a tutu underneath, i saw the lovely red costume in the video that has a half skirt rounded at the edge at the front ..
what is the easiest way just to make just the over skirt part of it alone.
Is it a 3/4 circle skirt cut back and shaped or a half circle?
Or is it a length of fabric shaped at each end with the curve and gathered on to either the costume or waistband?
It's 3/4 of a circle skirt.
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes Thank you so much that is really helpful... Happy Easter to you and your loved ones from Tina in London x
what do I measure on the body for the pattern
I measure the bust, waist and hips and use those measurements to adapt the pattern. It's not uncommon for me to cut a leotard with an XS bust, S waist, S hips and M girth. Most patterns don't give you a girth measurement, but I just look at my client. If they're tall and thin with a long torso, I cut the length of the leotard at least one size larger. I adapt each pattern to custom fit the client's size. Try watching my Making a Leotard Part 1 video. You may find that helpful. Happy costuming!
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes hi can u mail me a pattern front and back pattern of mcalls pattern plz only if u can?
@@coleleosI can't see how to attach a picture to this reply. It's McCalls pattern # 9242. If you can't find images online, PM me your e-mail address and I'd be happy to send those pics to you that way.
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes (leoscole50@gmail.com) thank u so much
@@RhinestoneQueenCostumes (leoscole50@gmail.com) thank u so much