How To Sew A Catsuit For Drag Queens

A catsuit is a form-fitting garment that covers the entire body, typically made of stretchy fabric like Spandex or Lycra. Whether you're looking to create a costume for a drag gig or just want to make a bold fashion statement, sewing your own catsuit can be a fun and rewarding project. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to sew a catsuit.

 

Choose Your Fabric & Notions

The first step in sewing a catsuit is to choose the fabric. As mentioned, stretchy fabrics like Spandex or Lycra are ideal. You'll want to choose a fabric that has a good amount of stretch and recovery to ensure a snug and comfortable fit.

 You can choose from a variety of stretch fabrics in different colors, textures, and styles to really make your catsuit stand out. Our suggested fabrics include four-way and two-way stretch fabrics like Spandex, Lycra, Stretch Knit, Stretch Jersey, Stretch Vinyl, Velour, Velvet, and more. To complete the look, you'll need a 20-22 inch invisible zipper.

 

Take Accurate Measurements

Before you start cutting your fabric, you'll need to take accurate measurements of your body. Measure your bust, waist, hips, inseam, and the length of your torso from your shoulder to your crotch. Use these measurements to determine how much fabric you'll need and to create a pattern that fits your body. Use our drag queen size guide to find the size that's right for you available in our pattern.

Our unique drag sizes are based off of U.S. Standard Men’s & Women’s Plus sizes to better fit cis male bodies with padding... We increase shoulder, bicep, elbow, wrist, knee, calf, ankle widths, and lower crotch inseams, compared to standard Women's sizing.

* Pattern comes with all sizes below*

Size Bust (in) Waist (in) Hips (in) Height (in)
XS 34” - 36” 25” - 27” 38” - 40” 70”
S 38” - 40” 28” - 31” 41” - 43” 70”
M 42” - 44” 32” - 35” 44” - 47” 70”
L 46” - 48” 36” - 39” 48” - 50” 70”
XL 50” - 52” 41” - 44” 51” - 55” 70”
2X 54” - 56” 46” - 49” 56” - 59” 70”
3X 59” - 61” 51” - 54” 60” - 63” 70”
4X 63” - 65” 56” - 59” 64” - 68” 70”
  • 1/2” (0.5 inch) seam allowance is included
  • All sizes can be altered at the waist, knee, and elbow to achieve a better fit for you

 

Print And Assemble The Pattern

Once you have your measurements, you'll need to print the pattern and cut-out the size according to your measurements. A half inch (1.2") seam allowances is already included in our pattern.

printing your pattern choose pdf type printing your sewing pattern your printed pattern pages

Select PDF Size

  • US Letter (USA Printers)
  • A4 (European Printers)
  • A0 (Poster Printers)

Print

  • Make sure pages are scaled to 100%
  • DO NOT scale
  • DO NOT fit to page  

Trim Margins

  • Fold margins at half stars or use a paper trimmer tool.
  • Tape pages, lining up stars,
  • Letters are vertical and numbers are horizontal  

 

Cut Your Fabric

Using your pattern, cut your fabric to the appropriate size and shape. Be sure to follow the grainline of the fabric to ensure proper stretch and fit. You may want to use a rotary cutter and cutting mat for precision.

 

Sew Your Catsuit

katkow how to sew a catsuit step 1

Step 1:

Stack the front and back pieces, right sides facing each other, and sew along the shoulder seams with a zig zag stitch, stretch stitch or an overlock/serger machine.

katkow how to sew a catsuit step 2

Step 2:

Fold the collar vertically in half, wrong sides of the fabric facing each other, then pin in the center.

katkow how to sew a catsuit step 3

Step 3:

Layout the front and back pieces, right side up. Pin and sew the collar with the center pin aligned to the center front neck. Sew with a zig zag stitch, stretch stitch or an overlock/serger machine.

katkow how to sew a catsuit step 4

Step 4:

Install a 20-22 inch invisible zipper to the back pieces, starting at the collar. Use the instructions that come with your zipper.

katkow how to sew a catsuit step 5

Step 5:

Sew the remaining back crotch space below the zipper, right sides of fabric facing each other. Sew with a couple of straight stitches to secure.

katkow how to sew a catsuit step 6

Step 6:

Pin and sew the sleeve evenly across the front and back armholes, use notches to line up. Sew with a zig zag stitch, stretch stitch or an overlock/serger machine.

katkow how to sew a catsuit step 7

Step 7:

Pin and sew the front and back pieces together, along the sleeves, sides and inner legs, right sides facing each other, with a zig zag stitch.

katkow how to sew a catsuit step 8

Step 8:

Hem your sleeves and legs with a zig zag stitch.

 

Try on Your Catsuit

Finally, try on your catsuit to make sure it fits properly and comfortably. If necessary, make any final adjustments to the seams or hems.

In conclusion, sewing a catsuit can be a fun and challenging project for any sewing enthusiast. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a stunning and unique garment that will turn heads and make you feel confident and fabulous. Happy sewing!