| How to Make a Leotard Posted: 19 Oct 2019 05:00 PM PDT Leotards are essential for gymnastics and ballet, but they can be quite expensive! If you want to make your own leotards, you will save money and you may even find that they fit you better. Start by making a pattern using an existing leotard, and then use the pattern to cut out your fabric and sew the pieces together. [Edit]Creating the Leotard Pattern - Choose a leotard that fits you well to create your pattern. You can use an old leotard with sleeves to make a pattern for your new leotard. Make sure that the leotard you use fits you (or the person who will wear the leotard) well.[1]
- A 1 piece swimsuit will also work if you do not have a leotard.
- Fold the leotard in half lengthwise and trace the outline. Position the folded leotard so that the front side is visible and the sleeves are stacked on top of each other. Fold the sleeves in to trace the body of the leotard. Then, place the leotard onto the pattern or butcher paper. Use a pen or pencil to create an outline of the folded leotard body. Then, unfold the sleeves and trace around these separately to create a sleeve pattern.[2]
- Make sure to trace right along the edges of the leotard.
- Measure and draw a line from the edges. Use a ruler or tape measure to find this location along the edges of the leotard body and sleeves. Then, draw a line with a piece of chalk that follows the outline of the leotard. This will provide the seam allowance for your leotard and sleeves.[3]
- Make sure that the line goes all the way around the edges of the leotard body and sleeves.
- Cut out this piece and mark it as the "front" piece.
- Repeat to create a pattern for the back of the leotard. Fold the leotard in the opposite direction and use a pen or pencil to trace the outline.[4] Then, draw a second line outside of the outline for the seam allowance.[5]
- Keep in mind that the back of the leotard may have a lower back than the front.
- Make sure to write "back" on the back piece to indicate what it is.
- Draw the straps plus a seam allowance. If the leotard is a tank top style, then you will not need to do this part. If the leotard has straps, then use a ruler or measuring tape to measure their length and width. Then, add the seam allowance and draw a strap onto the paper.[6]
- For example, if the straps are , then draw a strap that measures .
- Cut out this piece and mark it to indicate that it is the pattern for your straps.
[Edit]Cutting Out the Leotard Pieces - Choose of fabric that has some give to it. A stretch fabric such as lycra, spandex, or stretch cotton will work well for making a leotard. It is important for the fabric to have some give, but it should also be strong and durable. Select fabric in the color or print of your choice.
- You may only end up needing around to make your leotard, but get just in case!
- Place the pattern pieces on the folded fabric. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and then place the front and back body and sleeve pattern pieces on the fabric. Align the long, straight edges of the front, back, and sleeve paper pattern pieces with the folded edge of the fabric. Position the strap pattern (if using) away from the folded edges.[7]
- Make sure that there are no lumps or bumps in the fabric before you place the pattern pieces on it.
- Pin or place weights around the outer edges of the pattern pieces. If you use pins, insert a pin every along the edges of the pattern pieces. If you use pattern weights, place a weight about every along the edges of the pattern pieces.[8]
- Make sure to insert the pins so that they are perpendicular to the edges of the fabric. This will make it easier to remove them when you sew the leotard.
- Cut along the edges of the pattern pieces with a sharp pair of scissors. Use the outside of each of the paper pattern pieces as your guides. Cut out a front and back piece along the fold, but do not cut through the folded fabric. Cut the straps all the way around (if using).[9]
- Be careful not to create any jagged or crooked edges! This will interfere with sewing.
[Edit]Sewing the Leotard - Pin the front and back leotard body pieces together. Make sure that the right (print or front) sides are facing each other. Line up the sides, leg openings, and crotch portions of the front and back pieces.[10]
- Do not pin along the leg openings, armholes, or neckline. These must remain open!
- Sew a zigzag stitch along the sides, crotch, and shoulders. Do not sew the neck, arm, and leg openings closed! Set your sewing machine to the zigzag stitch setting. Then, place the pinned leotard pieces under the presser foot. Lower the presser foot and apply gentle pressure to the pedal to start sewing. Sew all the way across the edges and then press the reverse lever to backstitch by about .[11]
- Remove the pins as you sew. Do not sew over them or you may damage your sewing machine!
- Fold the straps or sleeves in half lengthwise and sew from the raw edges. Ensure that the right (front or print) sides are together and the wrong (back or non-print) sides are facing out. Continue using the zigzag stitch to sew along the raw edges of each of the straps to connect the raw edges. Leave the short ends of the straps open.[12]
- Make sure to remove the pins as you sew.
- Keep in mind that you can skip the straps or sleeves if your leotard has a tank top style.
- Attach the straps to the top corners of the front and back pieces. Invert the straps and the leotard so that the right sides are facing out. Pin the end of 1 strap to the topmost corner of the leotard. Make sure that the end of the strap is hidden on the inside of the leotard. Sew a zigzag stitch across the end of the strap, and then press the reverse lever to backstitch across the end of the strap.[13]
- Repeat this for each of the straps.
- Make sure that you do not sew the arm or neck opening closed as you do this!
- Cut any loose threads where you have attached the straps.
- Pin and sew the sleeves onto the armholes. Turn the leotard body inside out and insert the sleeve arm-first into the leotard. Match up the seam on the armpit area of the leotard with the seam on the armpit area of the sleeve. Place a pin every all the way around the armhole and sleeve with the right sides together and the raw edges even. Then, sew a zigzag stitch around the edges of the sleeve to secure the sleeve onto the leotard body.[14]
- Make sure to remove the pins as you sew.
- Repeat for the other sleeve to complete your leotard.
- Trim the excess threads after you finish sewing, and then turn the leotard right side out.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - A leotard or leotard pattern
- of stretch fabric (depending on the size of the leotard you're making)
- Pattern paper or butcher's paper
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Scissors
- Pen or pencil
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Thread
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Get Air Quality Alerts from the EPA Posted: 19 Oct 2019 09:00 AM PDT Exposure to polluted air can lead to heart disease, asthma, and other complications.[1] With all of the issues that air pollution can cause, it certainly seems like a good idea to know when there is high air pollution. Luckily, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows you to sign up for alerts so that you know whenever air pollution is high. This wikiHow will teach you how to sign up for air quality alerts from the EPA. [Edit]Signing Up for Alerts - Navigate to the EnviroFlash website. The URL is enviroflash.info.[2]
- Click on . It's a green button near the top right corner.
- Enter your subscriber information. You have to enter your email and ZIP code.
- If you want to get alerts via text message instead of email, then click on "Receive as a text message?" and use the chart to find your cell phones email address to enter.
- You can also add your first and last name, but it is not recommended for security reasons.
- Select in the "City Selection" section.
- You may be able to skip this step if your city comes up after you enter your ZIP code.
- Enter your ZIP Code or select your state. Once the information is entered, then your closest city will be displayed next to "Nearest EnviroFlash City:" and it will be highlighted yellow. Once this happens, then you can move on to the next section.
- You may be able to skip this step if your city is already displayed.
- Select what type of email format you want to be sent. It's recommended that you chose "HTML" to receive the best-looking email, however, if you are receiving text notifications, then you should select the "Short" format.
- Decide which alerts you want to receive. You can choose to receive a total of three different alerts. Once you chose an alert, then select the checkmark next to the alert and fill out any additional information that is requested. A description of the alerts can be found below:
- Receive Action Day Notifications: Action Days are days when the EPA declares that it is unsafe to go outside because of very hazardous air pollution. It is best to stay inside during Action Days and limit the use of chemicals. All subscribers will receive Action Day notifications.
- Receive Forecasts: When this is selected, you will get an email every morning with the expected air quality forecast if the forecast is over your set level.
- Receive Current Conditions: When this is selected, you will receive an email whenever the current air quality for your city goes above your set level. This option is not available in most areas.
- Read the Privacy Policy. If you agree with it, then select the checkbox next to "I have read the privacy policy:". If you do not agree with the privacy policy, then you cannot use this service.
- Click . Once you click this, then you will get an email with a confirmation code.
- Enter the Confirmation Code. Once you get the confirmation email, then copy and paste the code into the box and click on . Once you confirm your email, then you will be subscribed. You will be given an option to subscribe to another city, or you can simply close the window.
[Edit]Managing Your Subscription - Navigate to the EnviroFlash website. The URL is www.enviroflash.info.[3]
- Click on . It is a blue button near the top right corner of the page.
- Enter the email address that you used to sign up for alerts. Then, click .
- If you get text message alerts, then use this form to help you find your cell phones email address.
- Click on the city that you want to edit. You will only see this screen if you are subscribed to get alerts for multiple cities. If you are only subscribed to get alerts from one city, then skip this step.
- Change the settings that you want to change. Once you are done, click at the bottom of the page.
- If you want to stop getting alerts, then click the red button near the top left corner, and then click the green button.
- If you want to subscribe to multiple cities, then sign up for alerts using the steps in method 1 for each city.
- EnviroFlash is only available in the United States.
[Edit]Warnings - If an Action Day is declared in your area, then stay inside as much as possible. For more information on what to do during an action day, read How to Respond to an Air Quality Action Day for Ozone (USA).
- It's not recommended that you enter your first and last name because EnviroFlash does not require a password to access information related to your email, which means that any random person on the internet can find your first and last name using your email address if you provide your name to EnviroFlash.
- You may not get EnviroFlash emails during a government shutdown.
[Edit]References |
| How to Make a Wrap Skirt to Fit Any Size Posted: 19 Oct 2019 01:00 AM PDT Wrap skirts are great since you can make one that will be easily adjustable to a wide range of sizes. A wrap skirt is also one of the easiest kinds of skirts to make since it doesn't require special closures or elastic to keep it on. You can use any fabric you like to make your wrap skirt. You'll just need some basic sewing skills and a sewing machine. [Edit]Measuring and Cutting the Fabric - Choose a fabric that moves easily for a comfortable wrap skirt. You can use any type of fabric that you like for your wrap skirt, but cotton or jersey are great choices. Opt for cotton if you want your skirt to be slightly more structured or go with jersey for a skirt that has some stretch and movement.
- You can also opt for a sheer fabric, but you'll need to wear leggings or a slip under it.
- Wrap the measuring tape around your waist and multiply the measurement by 1.5. Hold 1 end of the measuring tape and wrap the other end around your waist. Pull the measuring tape so that it's snug around your waist and check the measurement. Then, multiply the measurement by 1.5. This is an easy way to determine how wide you'll need to cut the fabric for your skirt. Another option is to wrap the fabric around your waist 1.5 times and mark where this length ends.[1]
- For example, if your waist is , then multiplying that number by 1.5 would give you .
- Cut the fabric to the desired dimensions of your skirt plus . Measure against your leg to decide how long you want the skirt to be and use this as your other measurement. Then, add to this measurement and to the waist multiplied by 1.5. The will provide extra fabric for the seam allowances.[2] Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut the fabric to these dimensions.[3]
- For example, if the waist times 1.5 is , then adding gives you . If you want the skirt to be long, then adding gives you . This means that you'd need to cut the fabric to by .
- Cut a wide rectangle 3 times your waist measurement for the waistband. This will ensure that you'll have plenty of fabric for the waistband. If you don't have enough fabric to do this in one long strip, cut 2 strips that are half the total length you need and then sew them together.[4]
- For example, if your waist measurement was , then you'll need a wide strip that is long.
[Edit]Folding the Fabric - Fold the waistband piece in half lengthwise. Lay the waistband piece on a flat surface with the wrong (back) side of the fabric facing up. You'll need a large, hard surface to work on, such as a table or clean area of a hardwood or linoleum floor. Then, fold the raw edges of the piece so that they're lining up. Press hard along the fold to create a crease.[5]
- Another option is to iron along the fold to crease it. This may be necessary if the fabric doesn't crease easily. Use the lowest setting on your iron to make a crease.[6]
- Open up the fabric and fold the edges to line up with the center crease. Once you've created a crease in the center of the strip, open it up again. Then, fold each of the long edges of the strip in so that they're lining up with the crease.[7]
- Make sure that you fold the 2 pieces towards each other so they are meeting at the crease.
- Iron along the folded edges to crease them. Sewing the waistband will be easier if you press the edges flat with an iron. Use an iron on the lowest setting and run it along the folded edges of the waistband.[8]
- Fold the strip in half again. After you have pressed the folded edge, fold the waistband strip in half lengthwise again. This will hide the raw edges on the inside of the strip. You may insert pins or iron the strip to keep it in this position until you're ready to sew it.[9]
- Remember to remove the pins as you sew to avoid sewing over one of them. This will damage your sewing machine.
- Fold of the top edge and sides twice. Next, lay the skirt fabric with the wrong (back) side facing up. Then, fold over the top of fabric so that the raw edges are going in towards the wrong side of the fabric. Then, fold the edge over by again and insert pins in the fabric to keep it folded. This will completely hide the raw edges of the fabric and you'll be read to sew it.[10]
- Repeat this for both sides of the skirt and the top edge, but don't worry about the bottom edge yet.
[Edit]Attaching the Waistband - Sew a straight stitch to hem the side of the skirt piece. Once you have folded the edges of the skirt, take the fabric to the sewing machine and place it under the presser foot. Sew a straight stitch along each of these edges to secure the folded fabric.[11]
- Make sure to remove the pins as you sew. Don't sew over the pins or you may damage your machine.
- Locate the center of the waistband and top edge of the skirt. Fold the waistband in half so that the ends are lined up. Then, insert a pin to indicate the center of the waistband. Fold the skirt piece in half as well and insert a pin near the top edge to indicate the center of the piece.[12]
- Insert pins to connect the waistband to the top edge of the skirt. Lay the waistband with the folded edge (where the 2 layers meet) facing away from you. Then, place the skirt piece over the waistband with the wrong (back) side of the fabric facing up. Arrange the 2 pieces so that the edges and the center lines are lining up.[13]
- Sew a straight stitch to attach the waistband to the skirt. Once the waistband and the skirt are pinned together, take the 2 pieces to your sewing machine. Sew a straight stitch starting at 1 end of the waistband, going all the way down along the edge of the skirt, and to the opposite end of the waistband. Keep the stitch about from the edge of the waistband and skirt.[14]
- Remember to remove the pins as you sew!
[Edit]Hemming the Skirt and Waistband Ends - Adjust the skirt length if needed. After you have finished sewing the skirt together, put it on to see if the length is where you want it to be. If you'd like it a little shorter, then mark where you want it to fall on the fabric. Then, lay the fabric out flat and cut the fabric below this point to make room for the seam allowance.[15]
- Make sure to use a sharp pair of scissors to cut across the fabric. Go slowly and cut straight to avoid leaving any jagged edges.
- Hem the skirt by folding over the edge twice and sewing a straight stitch. Next, fold of the fabric along the bottom edge of the skirt going in towards the wrong side. Then, fold it over by again. Secure the folded edge of the skirt with pins and then sew a straight stitch along the folded edge.[16]
- Remove the pins as you sew to avoid damaging your sewing machine.
- Trim the ends of the waistband and hem them. After you finish sewing the bottom edge of the skirt, check the length of the waistband ties. If you want to shorten them, cut off the desired amount. Then, push of the raw edges at the ends of the waistband inwards so that they are hidden. Sew a straight stitch about from the ends of the waistband to secure the fabric.[17]
- After you have finished the ends of the waistband, your skirt is complete! Wrap it around your waist and tie it in a bow or knot to secure it.
- Try following a pattern if you want to create a specific type of wrap skirt.
[Edit]Warnings - Avoid using slippery fabrics to create a wrap skirt. These can be harder to secure with a tie and they may come undone without warning.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Measuring tape
- Fabric
- Scissors
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Thread
[Edit]References |
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