Every recent runway has reminded us that the ’80s are back in a big way, the biggest trend (literally) being puff sleeves. From adorable princess-esque sleeves to the billowing bishop trend to the powerful shoulder silhouette, 2019 can’t seem to get enough volume. Our Davallia Bodysuit free sewing pattern allows you to step out in a striking mutton sleeve to stay on trend, with a large back cut-out to help you stay cool and comfortable from summer into fall. While we’ve optimized the pattern with one of Mood’s exemplary new metallic knits, this bodysuit can be made from a variety of fabrics. Turn your project into a wardrobe staple with a basic rib knit or play around with prints and try out a striped jersey!
Purchase Materials Used Below:
- 3 yards Holographic Geometric Reflective Stretch Knit
- 1 pkg Size 2 Black Sew-On Snaps
- Italian Black on Black Snap Closure
- MDF156 – The Davallia Bodysuit Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise stated. See chart below for sizing specifications. Note, this specific pattern is available up to a size 30.
Begin by finishing the raw edges along the cut-out on the back of the bodysuit. Since this fabric doesn’t fray, a simple single fold does the trick!
Using a stretch stitch or serger, attach the front and back of your bodysuit at the shoulders and side seams. Hem the bottom edges of the suit the same way you finished the back cut-out, this time using a stretch stitch as well.
Create each of your sleeves by sewing up the inseam. Set them into their respective armscyes, matching up the notches in the process. Evenly gather the excess fabric toward the shoulder. I recommend using six or seven 1″ pleats. Hem the bottom of your sleeve as you did the back cut-out.
Matching up the notches at the center front, sew one edge of your collar to the front of your neckline, like you see below. Fold the collar in half along the length, right sides together, and sew along the two short edges and the lower edge until you hit the front neckline of your body suit. Clip your seam allowance, turn your collar right-side-out, and slip-stitch the remainder of the collar closed along the front neckline. Sew a closure along the center back, such as this super easy snap closure like I used! Simply top-stitch one half to each end of your collar and you’re done!
Add two sew-on snaps at the crotch of your bodysuit and it’s ready to wear! How will you be styling yours? Be sure to tell us in the comments!
For More Inspiration and Pattern Hack Using the Davallia Bodysuit Pattern, Click the Link Below:
13 comments
hola
Hola buen día muchas gracias por compartir este material tan lindo, un cordial saludo desde Bogotá Colombia
Muchas gracias por hacer la costura mucho más práctica creativa y divertida … Me encanta la costura sin embargo soy principiante.
This body suit is very unique, like the style
Just made this pattern and I absolutely love it!!! I am a beginner seamstress and it was the second successful top I’ve made!! It ended up a but looser than I would have liked (not the patterns fault of course just me lol) and I’m not sure how to exactly alter it, but other than that it looks so good! I made it with a winner red fabric and it looks awesomely Victorian!
I can’t wait to make this!!! I agree with Brtiney- it looks quite Victorian! I’m looking forward to making it in white cotton and pairing it with a Victorian walking skirt myself- very chic and old-worldly yet also very modern as well. The opening in the back just gives it that twist!
iEstoy emocionada de aserlo !!! Gracias por compartir
Si me llegaron muchisimas gracias!! Profundamente agradecida 🙂
Ya me llegaron muchas gracias
Thank you! I made it this weekend. Although I had to resize it down dramatically in both length and width, I wasn’t surprised– this seems common with Mood patterns. If you’re working with a very stretchy material as I did, I highly recommend using wash-away Wonder Tape. Keeps everything in place without stretching the material. All the best.
can you cover the back instead of having a cutout?
Yes, you can definitely cut the entire back piece on the fold instead! 🙂
Have made it in velour- so comfortable and stylish! Looks really fancy! Thanks for a great pattern! Can’t wait to make another one more casual for home, using jersey.