Rhythmic Gymnastics Leotard
Sewing pattern for leotard with keyhole back, long sleeve, sweetheart cut, bound neckline with clasp at the back.
- View A: Rhythmic gymnastics /twirling skirted leotard has an attached A-line skirt
- View B: leotard without skirt
Star and ribbon motif patterns are included in the pattern. The flowers were cut from a printed spandex.
Print at home (A4 / US Letter): 22 pages
I made this for an adult aerialist for a lyra performance. The pattern instructions were easy to follow, despite my being a novice sewist. Two things I will change when I remake it:
1) The neckline is too low. This leotard is for super flexible performers. If your performer reaches overhead and arches their back, they may put on an inappropriate peep show. I had already cut the pattern so I added a one inch row of stretch sequins just above the sweetheart line. But honestly it needed to go even higher.
2) The leg line is quite high. I would lower it significantly next time. With this cut it will creep up, even with the elastic around the legs. My performer also had a curvy backside, and the coverage she prefers just wasn't there.
I also made a few modifications from the beginning, to include lining the full bodice in shaper mesh and creating pockets for modesty inserts at the bust.
Pattern is super eay to follow , and very amenable to modification/creativity! I will say the neckline falls slightly lower than I prefer- but this is easy to adjust.
I chose this pattern because my skater wanted a sweetheart neckline and required a complicated combination of fabric layering and reverse applique. Thinking about the challenge was worse than doing it. Slept on it a good few nights and it all became clear what I had to do. Only major fitting issue was the sleeve, it needed to be shorter and tighter, then tighter some more from elbow to wrist. Also raised the armsyce.
Made three of them for girls acrobatic gymnastics trio: same design, different sizes, different body types. The pattern was easy to modify and adjust.
I love this pattern, I can make leotards to fit my small one and they look great! The pattern is very well drafted and the instructions easy to follow. I left off the sleeves and it was easy enough to adjust for my own preferences. Can't rave this pattern enough.