+

[PurePlummet]

I have a vague idea of how Lilith's strapless leotard is supposed to work, but no idea where to begin, and I would really appreciate any advice!

Reference picture:


I've got two-way stretch pleather that I plan on stretching horizontally so I can slip into it and still have it conform to my figure, but other than that, I really have no idea where to start.

Some people make it a leotard-corset hybrid thing, but I have no idea how to go about doing that.

Others just go straight for a fitted strapless leotard with plenty of darts, but, actually, I'm not sure how to fit that properly with two-way stretch either... And I'm not sure how well that would support the wings I'm planning on hooking into the back.

Any advice? Most tutorials I look up for leotards use four-way stretch lycra, and I don't think it will be that simple.

[o01101011]

If you dont build a corset into her leotard, you will need to wear one underneath to support the wings.

Here are some tutorials for bunny suits if you want to go the boned route
http://makeprojects.com/Project/Play...1#.UKbeYGeOXDc
http://animeangel.livejournal.com/401853.html
http://kapalaka.deviantart.com/art/B...rial-180000558

[PurePlummet]

Thanks!! I'll probably be building a corset into the leotard, since she has that pesky hole in the middle of her chest.

For some reason, bunny suits never occurred to me. Many thanks for pointing those out to me! I think I'd prefer some tutorials for patterns with fewer seams and more detail on how to do the boning, but now I know where to start! You have my gratitude.

Do you know if the fitting will be similar if I were to use two-way stretch pleather?

[Penlowe]

fewer seams and more detail on how to do the boning

the fewer seams you have the more darts you need, with something this fitted it's one or the other, you cannot eliminate them all together and expect it to stay put nicely all day long. I personally find seams easier than darts, YMMV. The point of doing it like a corset is that it keeps it in place by holding on to your torso instead of relying on a strip of elastic above your boobs.

[char99char]

I did a Morrigan body suit -I have a ton of progress pictures. In short summary:

I did a duct tape form of myself and cut it along standard princess seams:
http://www.cosplay.com/photo/2331925/

I made 4 or 5 rounds of alterations in muslin:
http://www.cosplay.com/photo/2331853/

Cut it out of lining and pleather - I referenced the book "Bridal Couture" extensively. It's regular pleather - not stretch. The thing is well fitted - no stretch required.
http://www.cosplay.com/photo/2331855/

Added boning channels to the lining - the boning keeps the shape of the costume vertically. I used 1/2" wide flat metal boning around the sides and back - they ranged from 10"-15" long. I used 1/4" wide boning under the bust.
http://www.cosplay.com/photo/2331856/

The purple is a waist stay - it fits around my waist and the structure of the costume is held there - you can see it's hand stitched to the boning channels. It fits with a hook and eye in the back under the zipper:
http://www.cosplay.com/photo/2331861/

I also have a bunch of pics on how I did the wings. Finished costume:
http://www.cosplay.com/photo/2801870/

[char99char]

I just flipped through the deviant art tutorial posted above...I basically did the same thing on my own from a book a few years ago. LOL.

To answer your specific questions - you could make it in stretch pleather - develop a pattern then make the seams a little smaller in the circumference around your body so it stretches when you put it on. How many seams you need will depend on how you are shaped, how stretchy the fabric is and if you want to do inset cups for the bust or not.

I suggest taking the time to do the boning and the princess seams. My wings are self supported - no shoulder straps. The costume is extremely comfy and has been to 7 or 8 conventions now.

[PurePlummet]

Thanks for your input, everyone! I'm definitely going to be making a boned bunny suit.

Thanks for the reference pics, char99char! Your Morrigan pics look amazing! I've saved them all; they've given me a pretty good idea on how to approach the costume. However, since Lilith is (and I am) so flat and the leg openings are cut so high, meaning there won't be many curves to conform to, I'm going to experiment without princess seams and see if it still has a satisfactory shape and fit. I've already made the body mold and so far it seems okay!

Thanks for all the info! I'm still experimenting but now I know I have a lot of tried and tested methods to fall back on!