CELESTE Open-Back Unitards
Save $6.00 CAD
V-waist, sleeveless unitard with long leg and open lower back.
Choice of two lined-front bodices:
- A: Zip front and racerback
- B: Racer front and strappy back.
Print at home (A4 / US Letter): 23 pages
I enjoyed sewing and modifying this pattern to suit my daughter.
I love that Jalie patterns come with grading for all the sizes as my daughter is clearly categorized in 4 sizes over her body (hence why I have to sew for her for her to feel comfortable and confident). I added an extra power mesh layer to all the upper body pieces and inserted molded foam bra cups between the lining and outer layers for the confident support my daughter wants in her dance classes. I also turned the pattern into "shorts" with a one inch inseam length. The invisible zipper and racer back finished beautifully. So nice!
My only critique of the pattern is that... as is, the sewer would need at least intermediate experience as the instructions are not as clearly written as they could be and there are editing mistakes throughout from labelling to omissions and lack of continuity. Read through the instructions at least twice fully before sewing and then read each step within the next steps twice for everything related to those pieces before proceeding.
I am excited to try the pattern again with the strappy back and racer front. I may even try some inserted mesh slash design through the front torso region. Happy sewing!
El patrón sienta muy bien y es fácil de coser. Me ha encantado.
I sewed View B for two different sized girls. This is not the pattern to choose for a beginner but if you have experience of other Jalie dance or skating patterns you will be delighted with the result.
My tips; sew princess seams from the bottom up. They can be done on a serger. However the seams will line up much easier when sewing the bodice to the lining if you use a sewing machine on a stretch stitch.
Pattern states elastic is not be be stretched when applied to arm hole, neck edge or
Lower racer back strap but both times I had to stretch the elastic slightly to fit but not the neck edge. I thought the first time was down to my using a serger but I had the same issue when using the sewing machine.
Assembling the back instructions were confusing, this is the reason I say not for a first time Jalie user. It’s the bit a bout Barr tacking the elastic edge at the bodice sides throw me.
End result is very pleasing. The girls looked great and I had many compliments and request to make for someone else.
My first problem with the instructions is that NOWHERE does the elastic lists or notions list include the elastic for the straps (of view A). The only mention of it is in the instructions when it suddenly says "Sew elastic to the wrong side of the strap with a zigzag stitch". I don't know what width of elastic to use, and of course I didn't buy it when I shopped for my other notions. I can assume, since it says to sew without stretching, that I need 2 pieces of elastic as long as the straps, which are 36" each. So, two yards of elastic not mentioned in the notions list.
There is also no mention in the instructions of sewing a seam into the ties to separate them into two channels, although it is illustrated in sketch 22.
My new favorite pattern. The pattern is really east to follow and ends up looking exactly as it's supposed to. I had a bit of a trouble with the strappy back, but the zip front option is a winner. Had to size down the top for my daughter, but I've already made 3 different options of this unitard.