My Daughter has torn her performance leotard the day before final rehearsal, how do I repair it
I don't see how you can repair it and have it look professional. That would be pretty time consuming and probably cost more that a new one. It's just leotards. I would replace it.
Also, always, keep a spare on hand and readily available for times like this!
Check with her gym/dance studio, they know all the ins and outs to do quick repairs.
For those who say "get a new one" well that's likely not an option depending on how soon the performance is, these leos are usually specially ordered, it's not like you can just run over to Target and pick up a new one.
You don't. You go buy a new one.
Unless it is part of an ordered costume that you can't get in less than 24 hours. Does your studio have someone who helps with costumes? We do and I would call her for an emergency fix and pray she had time.
Where is the tear and how big is it?
How noticeable is it and where?
The stage is big, the lights are bright, the audience sits a certain distance away (give or take differences from the front and back rows).
You can get away with a lot and most people will never notice anything amiss.
A seam is easy enough to stitch up with a needle and thread (match the color thread as best you can).
Same thing with small holes.
If it's a large rip in a noticeable spot or the thing is falling off her because of the damage then talk with the dance instructor or costume person and see what they recommend.
They've heard it all before and they'll certainly have more ideas on what to do than I would have.
I've repaired many leos, it depends on what's wrong with it. How big is the tear and where is it located? Usually, small repairs wouldn't be seen from the audience even if you can see them up close. I would use matching thread of course and the smallest needle you can find. Then take tiny little stitches until the tear is repaired. Turn the leo inside out before taking any stitches. Make sure all knots are taken on the inside. Try not to put too much tension on the stiches or it will pull the lycra. I wouldn't go through the expense of buying a new one. Again, most of the time the audience is far enough away that a small repair would not be seen.
It depends on where the tear is, what sort of fabric is it, how big, is it ragged, is it huge, is it small, and so much more.
Does the studio owner have any others of this leo that is the wrong size? Do they have one that could be cut so you could make a patch that is underneath the original garment? Velour leos are more forgiving than those with a metal sheen or shiny. Every little thing will show on those. You can tuck a larger one over in the crotch area and sew that shut so that it fits better and also take it up on the shoulders IF it is a tank style or something without sleeves.
If you can simply take some thread that matches and sew the edges back together that would be ideal. From the back side.
If it's in the crotch or hiney area perhaps other parts of the costume will cover it. If it's on the front it's going to be hard. She might not be able to be in the show.
But what I recommend over all over options is to talk to the studio owner right now, call her. Tell her what happened and ask her if she has a seamstress on hand. I make most of the recital costumes at my girl's studio and have done repairs.
IF you can order her another one then I suggest that you need to do that today, pay all the extra shipping cost for overnight or next day.
And the best advice I can give you is to not let her wear her performance leo to class. Only dress rehearsal for photos and for the performance. She should have a class leo that she can wear to just dance class.
Our studio owner had the kids use their class leo for one costume then they have another that is 100% for performance, part of a costume that is. She includes a new pair of tights in this costume cost and they aren't supposed to wear that pair until the day of the show. I always get a couple pairs of tights to have in the dance bag in case they tear while putting them on.
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I wouldn't repair. I would replace. Especially if she has a performance.
I don't have daughters. I wouldn't repair. I would replace.
For a repair? It would have to be an emergency, she wouldn't be in the front of the group performance and it would be a small repair. That's me.
with a needle and matching thread. and carefully stitch it back together
Without knowing where the tear is located, the color or colors and the fabric, we cannot tell you how to repair it. I would take it to a seamstress to have it repaired. The studio is likely to know where to take it.
This was asked not long ago you may find some good answers here
