Just a few weeks ago, we made this DIY Tube dress…. then turned it into this DIY Jumpsuit…. then I mentioned throughout the video tutorial that it would also make a great shirt. All you had to do is shorten the length right? Well……. shortening the length made for a super cute shirt, but I decided to take it one step further in today’s tutorial and make a DIY bodysuit as well.
Bodysuits are perfect for creating tailored, fitted silhouettes where your top always looks perfectly tucked in. Today’s DIY bodysuit is perfect for pairing with high waist jeans (like the ones I’m wearing) cut-off shorts, or even a flowing maxi skirt. Anytime you want a zero-fuss look, the bodysuit is perfect.
What gives a bodysuit it’s tucked-in look is the snap closures at the crotch. Think of it as a one-piece swimsuit that’s socially appropriate to wear in public. The snap closures make it easy to take on and off so you’ll never have to get naked to go to the bathroom. Because let’s be honest- that is totally unrealistic.
DIY Bodysuit Supplies:
- Tape Measure
- An Old Dress or shirt that is at least hip-length
- 1 Inch Twill Tape
- A basic sewing machine – this one is on sale!
- Sew-On Snaps
How To Make A DIY Bodysuit
After you’ve decided which dress you’d like to transform, it’s time to measure. I used this DIY Tube Dress from a few weeks ago since I absolutely loved the tie sleeves and it fit great. It really helps to put your dress on during the measuring process. Take a tape measure (the one I’m using is linked in the supply list above) and hold it at the top of the dress. From there, measure down to your center crotch. Add 1″ to this measurement and write it down.
I even made this handy little graphic so the measurement you’re taking is crystal clear. If you still have any questions, please just leave me a comment below and I’ll be sure to get back to you asap!
You probably noticed my pretty little black panties making an appearance in the last picture. If you want to make your own, check out the DIY here, but in the meantime just grab your favorite pair from your underwear drawer.
Line the crotch of your panties up with your measurement and lay them over your dress. Use the cut of your panties as a guide to cut half of your dress. To be sure it’s perfectly symmetrical, fold your dress in half and use the cut side as your cutting guide.
Next, grab your twill tape and cut a piece off that is slightly wider than your fabric. I like to always cut my twill tape a little larger because you can trim any excess off, but it’s a lot harder if you run out and cut it too short. The twill tape is a lifesaver for stabilizing your fabric and making it strong enough to hold the snaps you’ll be placing here later.
Use sewing pins to hold your twill in place and sew the three outer sides together. I used my Serger (I can’t believe mine is on sale right now!)
The last and final step is to hand sew your snaps into place. I like to sew one side on, attach the opposite closure snaps, and fold my fabric in place to mark where I should sew the remaining snaps. It seems to be easier than measuring and remeasuring your snap placements.
Now to wear your jumpsuit, just slide it on, snap the closures shut at the crotch seam and you are ready to pair it with whatever you like! Again, you can make this entire top from scratch via the video tutorial HERE or the written post HERE.
I hope you guys really liked today’s DIY. As always, if you have any questions, please leave me a comment below and I’d love to help out!
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