In this demonstration, I am going to show you how to replace the straps on a leotard with lacy straps. It is so elegant, so cute, so much fun and so easy to do. If you just want to change up the back of your leotard, this is the tutorial for you. This technique will give you really pretty cross the back lace straps. It is really simple, simple easy to do but it will really make a difference and an impact in a leotard and you can really turn it into a cute little dress.
Supplies:
- Leotard, Preferably a Halter Leotard
- Lace Fabric
- Matching Thread
- Elastic
- Pins
- Scissors
- Sewing Machine
Directions:
- Choosing Your Materials
Pick the lace fabric of your choice. If there happens to be lace on the leotard, it works really well to use the same lace fabric or at least try to match it if possible. I happen to be using stretch lace fabric not only because I prefer working with stretch lace but also because I have already covered the halter leotard in the same stretch lace. Using that stretch lace not only matches the rest of the leotard, it also makes it easier to get in and out of the leotard.
- Cutting the Lace Fabric
The first step is to take a piece of lace fabric and fold it in fourths. If the edge of the fabric is not evenly perpendicular to the fold, cut the right edge so that it is perpendicular to the fold. You want to make sure that it is even, otherwise you are going to get a jagged line.
Then, decide how wide you want the lace strap to be. I have decided to use four fingers to measure the width of the strips. So, using my four fingers pressed together as a guide, I am going to cut the lace parallel to the edge, thus making the strap four fingers wide. I just keep moving my four fingers up next to the edge and use them as a guide to cut the lace strip.
- To Hem or Not to Hem
You do not have to hem the edges of the lace strips because they will not ravel. So, you can just leave the edges as they were cut or you could use an overlock or serger and sew a rolled hem on the edges of the lace strips to finish them off which will create almost a ruffle effect when it is on the girl. It is totally up to you.
- Determining Placement of Elastic
Now, I am going to unfold the lace strip and determine its center point. An easy way to determine the center is to fold the lace in half. That fold will be the center point. Then, I will place the lace strip with the right side of the lace strip facing down right under the presser foot and bring the needle down into that center point of the strip. The right side of the lace will be the side where the lace pattern is protruding from the fabric. With the needle in the center of the lace strip, look at the guide on the sewing surface of your sewing machine to the right of the needle and find the marking at the right edge of the lace strip. I am going to use this marking as a guide, when I sew the elastic down the middle of the lace strip. If your machine does not have a gauge or if the strip of lace is too wide to use the gauge, place a piece of tape next to the right edge of the lace strip and use that tape as a guide.
- Cutting the Elastic
I have already cut a piece of elastic a little bit longer than what I have determined the length of the strap should be. This length will allow for extra length at the ends that need to be sewn under the leotard where the strap will meet the shoulder of the leotard on one side, go across the back of the leotard to the top of the leotard on the other side in the back. Once I have measured that distance, I am going to add about 2 inches to the strip to give me plenty of room. I can always cut off the extra once the strap is sewn to the leotard.
There are a couple of looks for the strap that you can create. You can either have the lace strip almost flat or really gathered. You have to decide which way you want it, which way you think is best. I usually use lace that is about two times the length of the elastic which creates a strap that is really gathered.
- Sewing Elastic to Lace Strip
So now, I am going to take that elastic and pin it onto the top edge of the lace strip at the center of the strip. I am going to sew back and forth at the beginning of the elastic to secure the lace strip and the elastic together before I start sewing. Next, I am going to stretch the elastic as I sew it to the lace. The amount of stretch is what will determine how much the elastic is gathered. Since I am using a lace strip that is two and a half times the length of the elastic, I will need to stretch the elastic quite a bit to make it reach the end of the premeasured lace strip. The more you stretch the elastic, the more gathered the lace strap will be. It is important to keep the amount that you stretch the elastic consistent as you sew the elastic to the lace. The whole time I am sewing the elastic to the lace strip, I am not only making sure to stretch the elastic equally as I sew, I also have to make sure that the elastic stays centered down the length of the lace strip.
When you are done sewing the elastic to the lace strip and release the elastic, you will find that you have pretty little gathers along the lace strap. One thing to remember, when the leotard is being worn, the elastic will pull and the lace will flatten out a little bit, it will not have as many gathers. So, you should take that into consideration as you are stretching that elastic.
- To Pin or Not to Pin
Since I am used to using this technique, I do not need to pin the elastic in place. If you are not comfortable doing this without pinning the elastic in place, then by all means pin the elastic in place on the lace strip. You should probably pin the elastic in the center of the strip in at least three spots – at the top, center and bottom of the lace strip. You can add more pins between those three spots if you wish. Repeat this process on the second strap.
- Sewing the Straps to the Leotard
I am using a halter leotard so I am going to cut the strap that goes around the neck at approximately the shoulder on both sides. This will leave a little nub at the shoulder on each side. After making sure that the little nubs are the same size on both sides, I have placed the lace straps upside down on these little nubs with the straps hanging down in front and then sewed the straps to those nubs.
I am going to use the zig zag stitch to sew the strap to the little nubs because I want to maintain the stretch. The lace will overhang a little on both sides of the nubs. Take the parts of the lace strap that overhangs on each side of the nub and fold them inside giving them a mitered look. This will give it a finished look. Then sew over that folded lace and the edge again. If you use a serger or overlock, turn those little overhanging pieces under before you stitch the lace straps to the little nubs. That will give it a finished look and make sure that the strap has a finished edge. Do the same with the other strap.
The next step is to determine where the straps will meet the back of the leotard. I prefer to put the leotard on the girl and determine where I want the straps to meet the leotard. Do one strap first and pin it in place. Then either measure the distance from the side seam of the leotard to the first strap and use that measurement to place the other strap in place or you can take the leotard off of the girl, fold the leotard in half with the side seams matching and place the second strap in place using the first strap as a guide. Using a zig zag or stretch stitch, sew the straps to the back of the leotard. You can also use a serger or overlock to sew them together.
A halter leotard is the best one to use because the back is already finished off so it saves you a lot of time. This technique also looks really good with just plain white Lycra leotard. It looks really sweet and soft. You could put roses or appliqués on the leotard if you wish.
If you enjoyed this demonstration, make sure to look at our other demonstration or the Bdancewear videos on YouTube. You can subscribe to our channel so that you do not miss any of the amazing DIY videos that we will have coming out. If you want to get our free complete dance costume DIY guide, go to bdancewear.com/DIY guide. Lastly, if you have any questions or ideas for future videos or presentations, please contact us through our YouTube channel or on our website – bdancewear.com
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