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Home » Sewing » Sewing Techniques

Binding Leotards and Swimsuits - The Best Way

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Binding is an attractive way to decorate leotards and swimsuits as it adds a pop of color and interest. You can modify most leotard patterns to substitute binding for the neck or armholes with a few simple steps from this binding leotards and swimsuits tutorial.

Binding Leotards
Binding Leotards

You can certainly use this technique for leg holes as well but you may find a few complaints about comfort. Leg holes generally sit firmly and comfortably using the regular elastic method (Read how to sew elastic in leotards)

how to sew binding on leotards
Binding Leotards and Swimwear

Contents

  • Binding Leotards and Swimwear
    • Binding Leotards - Before you start
    • Binding Leotards - Instructions
  • Binding Leotards - In Conclusion
  • Further Reading on How to Make a leotard

Binding Leotards and Swimwear

Binding Leotards - Before you start

Check if your pattern has a binding option. If your pattern doesn't already have binding then check the seam allowances and cut them off if necessary. Most of my leotard patterns which have a turned over elastic neck have a ⅜ inch (1cm) seam allowance.

Here are some of my bestselling leotard patterns: SHOP LEOTARD PATTERNS

  • unitard pattern
    Leotard Pattern LU04
  • unitard pattern
    Leotard Pattern LU03
  • swimwear pattern
    Leotard Pattern L509
  • leotard pattern
    Leotard Pattern L510
  • leotard pattern
    Leotard Pattern L503

Binding Leotards - Instructions

Cut the elastic according to the pattern instructions and cut the binding the same length. The binding should be 1 ¾ inch (4.5cm) wide.

If you are sewing binding to an enclosed round area like the neck, then sew both your binding and elastic in a loop before you start and mark them in quarters.

Binding Leotards - Elastic
Binding Leotards - Elastic

Divide your garment neck into quarters and match to the quarter marks on the binding.

Binding Leotards - Marking
Binding Leotards - Marking

With RIGHT sides together, baste the binding to the garment edge matching any marks. Use a long straight stitch and stretch as you sew. The stitches may look a little loopy but this will be hidden in the construction.

Binding Leotards - Stitching
Binding Leotards - Stitching

Place the elastic on top of the binding close to the edge. Match any markings indicated in the pattern instructions.

Zig-zag along the middle of the elastic through all layers. As a general rule, the elastic will be just slightly smaller than the binding so you will stretch it between the marks as you sew.

Binding Leotards - Stitching
Binding Leotards - Stitching

With your garment RIGHT side up, fold the binding up and over the elastic to the back.

Try and get it nice and tight and pin it in place. Vertical pinning holds it the best. The tighter you can get it, the more professional your finished binding will look.

As you get more experienced you may find that it is easier to wrap the binding and sew without pinning.  But if you are a beginner then you will get the best results by using pins and then hand basting before you machine stitch.

Binding Leotards - Stitching
Binding Leotards - Stitching

See how it looks on the back. Don't worry about how wide the binding is at the back as we will cut any excess later.

Binding Leotards - Stitching
Binding Leotards - Stitching

On the RIGHT side of the garment, stitch a small zig-zag close to the edge of the binding. It is important you use a stretch stitch. Don’t be tempted to use straight stitches as they never look neat and won’t stretch enough.

If you use matching colored cotton these tiny zig-zag stitches will be almost invisible. They will also stop the binding from overstretching and be durable.

Experienced sewers may use a twin needle instead.

how to sew binding step 4
Sewing Binding Leotards - Right Side

Turn your garment to the wrong side and cut the excess binding. Use a small pointed pair of scissors to get close to the stitching and to minimize the risk of accidentally cutting a hole. I always find that large scissors make it hard to get a neat edge that is close to the stitches.

Be careful!

Binding Leotards - Trim
Binding Leotards - Trim

Binding Leotards - In Conclusion

And there you have your finished binding! Use contrast colors for maximum impact.

how to sew binding

Further Reading on How to Make a leotard

  • How to Make a Leotard
  • How to Measure Stretch Factor
  • Sewing Spandex and Lycra with a regular machine
  • Buying Guide for Spandex and Lycra
  • How to Sew Elastic in Leotards and Swimwear
  • How to Sew Spandex Straps
4.9/5 - (17 votes)

More Sewing Techniques

  • Sewing Basics & Skills for Beginners - Start Sewing Now!
  • What is Stitching? Hand & Machine Stitching Crafts
  • SEAM ALLOWANCE | How to Add & Sew
  • What is Sewing, What Should I Sew, Hand Sewing Meaning & Inspiration

Bestselling Sewing Patterns

  • Girls Dress Pattern
  • Dress Pattern
  • Bodysuit Pattern
  • Skirt Pattern
  • Bloomers Pattern
  • Hat Pattern
  • Girls Dress Pattern
  • Dress Pattern
  • Bodysuit Pattern
  • Skirt Pattern
  • Bloomers Pattern
  • Hat Pattern

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. treasurie

    March 12, 2017 at 9:08 pm

    Absolutely! Happy to help 🙂 Can you send me a photo of where you are having the problem to my email xxDixi

  2. Tammy Iskandar

    March 12, 2017 at 5:42 pm

    Good afternoon, trying to put together unitary #4 and having a hard time with the crotch area. Is there away of getting help?

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