Cut Out + Keep

The Culotte Jumpsuit

Tips for making patterns work together

https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/the-culotte-jumpsuit-making-patterns-work-together • Posted by shaunimagnifique

Hack your favourite patterns to make your own unique design. It could be a dress or a jumpsuit - you're only limited by your imagination.

You will need

Project Budget
Cheap

Time

4 h 00

Difficulty

So-so
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Description

Hack your favourite patterns to make your own unique design. It could be a dress or a jumpsuit - you're only limited by your imagination.

Instructions

  1. Pick your patterns - think about the patterns you already own, and the look you're trying to achieve. I used the bodice from the By Hand London Flora dress and the Butterick B6178 Culottes for this example.

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    Begin by comparing your paper pattern pieces. If you have a dressmakers dummy you might even want to pin them out to see how they'll work together.

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    Make the necessary adjustments to your pattern pieces - this might involve moving darts slightly so they match on your top and bottom pieces, or slightly adjusting the waist size so that you can align your pattern pieces accurately. If you're using tried and tested patterns that's great, but if not, or if you've made any adjustments, then I'd definitely recommend doing a muslin - although it can be time consuming, it's often really worth it in the long run.

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    Try your muslin on and adjust accordingly. I'd already made a pair of the culottes, so I mocked up my bodice and tried it on with them, pinned in place.

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    Sew up your garment as per the pattern instructions for your respective patterns. Take extra care with joining them at the waist, making sure the darts, side seams and centre back align. Remember if you are using a zip fastening, you'll probably need to go for a longer one than usual. If your bodice is lined, then you will be able to hand stitch your lining in place to conceal the waist join. If not, then finish your waist seam with an overlocker or zig zag stitch, and press towards the bodice.