Why Sew the Maéli ALEXIA Bodysuit?

The Maéli ALEXIA pattern is designed for comfort and elegance, offering a close-fitting bodysuit or turtleneck that flatters the silhouette. With multiple neckline options—scoop, turtleneck, or ruffled collar—and long sleeves with optional ruffled cuffs, it's a versatile addition to any handmade wardrobe. The pattern also includes a side-ruched top variation with ties to adjust the length.

This guide walks you through fabric selection, sizing, and key construction steps so you can sew a bodysuit that fits well and feels great.

Maéli ALEXIA Pattern Facts

  • Le body ALEXIA - Maéli: Patron de couture - Le body et sous-pull Alexia - Maeli Paris. Pensé pour allier confort et élégance, Alexia est un indispensable du vestiaire. Décliné en body ou en sous-pull, il épouse la silhouette tout en offrant de nombreuses possibilités de personnalisation. This pattern is the foundation of the project—knowing its intended use and customization options helps you plan your fabric and design choices.

    Le body ALEXIA - Maéli

    Le body ALEXIA - Maéli

  • Le body ALEXIA - Maéli: Compatible avec les mailles extensibles comme le jersey de coton, le jersey de viscose, le Tencel ou la maille côtelée (200 à 250 g/m² contenant idéalement 5 à 8 % d'élasthanne). Choosing a knit with the right weight and stretch ensures the bodysuit fits snugly without sagging or losing shape.

Choosing Fabric for ALEXIA

The pattern works best with stretch knits such as cotton jersey, viscose jersey, Tencel, or rib knit. Look for fabrics weighing 200 to 250 g/m² with good recovery—ideally containing some elastane. Avoid woven fabrics or non-stretch knits, as they won't provide the necessary ease for the close-fitting design.

If you're sewing the bodysuit version, you'll also need a small piece of bi-stretch fabric for the diaper area and a cotton gusset. The pattern is designed to help you use up leftover stretch fabric scraps.

Sizing and Fabric Requirements

The ALEXIA pattern is available in sizes 34 to 52. Fabric yardage depends on the size and version you choose. Below are the main fabric requirements for the bodysuit version.

  1. Main fabric (sizes 34–38): 125 × 140 cm
  2. Main fabric (sizes 40–42): 130 × 140 cm
  3. Main fabric (sizes 44–48): 145 × 140 cm
  4. Main fabric (sizes 50–52): 150 × 140 cm
  5. Bi-stretch fabric for diaper (sizes 34–42): 40 × 140 cm
  6. Bi-stretch fabric for diaper (sizes 44–52): 45 × 140 cm
  7. Cotton gusset: 17 × 12 cm for all sizes
  8. Snap tape: 150 cm for all sizes

Key Construction Steps

The pattern is rated difficulty 2/5, making it suitable for confident beginners. Seam allowances are included. The instructions come as a printed full-size pattern sheet (no overlapping), an illustrated step-by-step booklet, an A5 storage pouch, and access to a video tutorial on the Maeli Paris YouTube channel.

You'll use techniques typical for knit fabrics: sewing with a stretch stitch or serger, attaching snap tape, and optionally making ruffles and casing for the side ties. The gusset construction is a key step for the bodysuit version—take your time to follow the booklet carefully.

Tips for a Professional Finish

Use a ballpoint or stretch needle on your sewing machine to avoid skipped stitches. Test your stitch on a fabric scrap before sewing the actual garment. For the snap tape, mark the snap positions accurately so the bodysuit closes evenly.

If you choose the ruffle option, gather the fabric gently to match the sleeve opening. Press seams carefully with a low-heat iron (avoid stretching the knit). The pattern's close fit means you may want to sew a muslin first if you're between sizes.