DIY Short N Sweet bodysuit Part 1
Want to make a Sabrina Carpenter inspired bodysuit like I do? Here’s my step by step process. All you need is blind hubris and some basic sewing skills.
For video tutorials, check out my series on TIKTOK and Instagram.
Step 1: supplies!
The Amazon links below are affiliate links. You do not have to use Amazon in order to complete this project. The affiliate links come at no cost to you while I may earn a small commission.
Fabrics
You will need 1 yard/meter stretch fashion fabric. This fabric should match the colorway you want for your bodysuit. The fabric at least needs a 30% four way stretch.
I use this spandex from Fabric Wholesale Direct: https://fabricwholesaledirect.com/products/shiny-spandex-milliskin-tricot-fabric —It has a good color range.
You will also need .5- 1 yard/meter of a woven (non stretch) lining fabric.
I generally use a satin, but you can use anything as long as it doesnt stretch. The color does not have to match.
Here’s a satin brand on Amazon I have used:
If you want to skip the rhinestoning part of making this bodysuit, you can use a sequin spandex fabric as your exterior fashion fabric.
If you choose to use a sequin fabric you must use a sequin fabric with at least 30% 4 way stretch. You can skip the lining on the bottom half of the bodysuit or use a stretch lining.
here’s a sequin spandex from BlueMoon Fabrics I like: https://www.bluemoonfabrics.com/products/cosmic-spandex-sequin-fabric-blue-moon-fabrics?variant=36436860076186
Here’s another from BlueMoon I like: https://www.bluemoonfabrics.com/collections/spandex-sequin/products/halo-spandex-sequin-blue-moon-fabrics
Foam for the bra inserts
Optional: iron on interfacing for added stability.
Notions:
matching thread: I use Coats & Clark all purpose:
A closed zipper (visible or invisible is fine) Again I use Coats&Clark All Purpose.
bias tape (optional for underwire channels)
boning (I use sew through boning:
Underwire (optional but good to have— you can totally deconstruct an old bra for it too)
Hook and eye closures
Machine tools:
You must have access to a sewing machine for this project. My local library has them to borrow so check out your library!
I use a serger to finish my seams. You do not need one for this project. You can use a zigzag instead.
a small gauge needle for the machine, all purpose or ball point
Rhinestone tools:
SS20 & SS16 Flatback rhinestones. You will need about/AT LEAST 7,200 SS20, and apx 4,320 of SS16 as a ballpark buying guide. Less for less coverage, more for larger sizes, more full coverage.
some good amazon brands:
Glue: I use E6000 usually. B7000 & Gorilla Clear Grip are also good.
Setting pen tool:
Dispensing tools for glue:
OPTIONAL: you can use hotfix rhinestones instead, but you will need a heat tool:
You do not need a dress form or mannequin for this project. If you don’t have one, just keep some extra cardboard lying around for later.
Step 2: the Pattern!
Sabrina’s real bodysuit is technically a BunnySuit. A traditional Bunnysuit has little stretch fabric and is specifically drafted for each body. I don’t have time to do all of that, but if you want to, that’s very impressive!
I use instead the ADENIA Bodysuit by Mood Fabrics. Its FREE! https://www.moodfabrics.com/blog/the-adenia-bodysuit-free-sewing-pattern/
The size chart is pretty accurate, but make sure to take your measurements first and I HIGHLY encourage you to make a mock up out of cheap similar fabric before cutting into your fashion fabric.
You can use the pattern as drawn, but I edit the style lines to make it a little more accurate.
Hacking the pattern:
Print out the pattern, assemble the papers according to the instructions. Then cut out your size.
You’ll have 3 bra cup pieces and 3 body pieces.
Take your back pattern piece and draw a line across the waist lines, through the center of the dart to create a waist seam. Cut across that line.
Do the same on the front two pieces. Cut that line.
Cut out the dart on the back top and back bottom. Tape the dart closed on the bottom part. It’ll bend upwards, but thats fine.
Where the dart meets at the top of the top back piece, cut the two peices apart. now you have two back top pattern pieces and one back bottom piece.
Everywhere you cut, you will need to add seam allowance back onto. The pattern uses 3/8 inch/1cm.
For all of the top pieces, I will use the seam allowance as my boning channels, so I add 2/8 of an inch to each seam allowance, changing the top sides seam allowances to 5/8 of an inch. This is why I redraw each pattern piece. This is optional.
I also duplicate the cup pieces and remove the seam allowance from one copy to use for my foam. It just makes it easier.
You should have now 6 cup pattern pieces, 2 top front pieces, 2 bottom front pieces, 2 pack top pieces, and 1 back bottom piece, or 13 total.
Step 3: Cutting the Fabric!
The lining:
you will need to cut: () indicates the quanitity of pieces you will have cut.
1 of the front top center piece cut on the fold. (1)
1 mirrored set of 2 of the front top side piece. (2)
1 mirrored set of 2 of the back top side piece. (2)
1 mirrored set of 2 of each bra piece. (6)
Fashion Fabric/ exterior fabric:
Make sure your max stretch is horizontal when planning cuts.
You will need:
1 of the front top center piece cut on the fold. (1)
1 mirrored set of 2 of the front top side piece. (2)
1 mirrored set of 2 of the back top side piece. (2)
1 mirrored set of 2 of each bra piece. (6)
2 of the front bottom center cut on fold. (2)
2 mirrored sets of 2 of the front bottom side pieces. (4)
2 mirrored sets of 2 of the back top center pieces. (4)
After cutting your fabric, you should have 11 lining pieces of fabric & 21 fashion fabric pieces.
