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I wasn’t so keen on sewing another bodysuit since the first (and last) I made had been a complete disaster.
But when Minerva* asked me if I was interested in trying their new sewing kits, I saw the opportunity to sew a bodysuit and, maybe, enjoy that project!
So it was a lot of firsts: first time using a sewing kit and first time sewing a Megan Nielsen pattern*.
- Rowan Tee and bodysuit kit*
Tee or bodysuit?
Me, who almost exclusively uses PDF patterns, I took my tracing paper* and my Sharpies to trace this paper pattern.
The Rowan Tee and Bodysuit* by Megan Nielsen covers sizes XS to XL and has lots of options to choose from:
- t-shirt or bodysuit
- sleeve options are : short, 3/4, or long
- neckline options are: crew: turtleneck, or V
Stretchy fabrics are compulsory, with at least 40% stretch.
If sewing the bodysuit, I’d say the more, the merrier! Or size up.
Painter’s delight, stretchy crushed velvet
The measurement chart put me in a size 10, but since my fabric had less stretch than intended, I did a size 12.
The fabric I used is an exclusive fabric* from Minerva. It’s a crushed velvet on a white background. Once stretched to the max, you can’t see the white and it’s amazing!
It’s been assessed as 40% stretch, but due to its firmness, I think it’s a bit less. It’s easy to sew either with a sewing machine or a serger. I liked that everything, even the ballpoint needles, were included in the kit.
Let’s get back to my project. I chose the bodysuit, with the V-neckline and 3/4 sleeves.
First time sewing a V-neckline and it was great. The instructions are clear and walk you through the steps. The neckline was sewn with the sewing machine.
Every single time elastic is applied to leg holes, I don’t follow the measurement chart.
This is how I do it:
- I keep my elastic uncut (very important!)
- I zigzag the front leg WITH NO TENSION on the elastic
- I zigzag the back with a SLIGHT tension
- Then I topstitch (zigzag or triple zigzag)
I do this to prevent the elastic from bunching at the back leg. You get a nice flat leg hole, with enough tension to keep everything taut, but without the elastic cutting into your flesh.
My settings depend on the width of the elastic so you need to adjust your own settings so that the zigzag covers the width of the elastic.
I’m really happy with this bodysuit. I can wear it with jeans or with the most boring pencil skirt!
2 comments
I love it too! Simple pattern, gorgeous fabric that is allowed to shine! Beautifully done.
Thank you! It’s a bit “back to the 80’s” but I love it 😁. No wardrobe malfunction…!