A swimsuit that fits and feels beautiful. Every woman wants one. So, few of us can actually find one. I’ve hated swimsuits and swimsuit shopping since I hit puberty. There is something so bizarre about walking around publicly in what is basically underwear.
Because none of my swimsuits fit me at the beginning of this summer and I promised my kids a summer-full of trips to the local pool, I decided to try my hand at sewing my own. The plan was to sew a bikini set for comfortable nursing friendly support, and a swim tank for wearing over it. (I already had black swim bottoms that fit me.)
For the tank, I used my favorite tank pattern, but made it out of swimsuit fabric.
I finished the edges using my favorite skinny binding method made even easier by my coverstitch sewing machine. (A twin needle would also do nicely here.)
I added ties to the side seams that can ruche up the tank if I wanted to wear it shorter, or let the tank down to hip-length.
Swim Tank Details
- Fabric: Floral Fantasy Nylon Spandex Swimsuit Fabric (no longer available)
- Pattern: Jalie 3245 – racerback tank
- I used my maternity tank modifications and added another inch to the seam allowance on the side seams to use for casings for the side ties.
For the swim bra, I used a bra pattern designed for knit fabrics (Jalie 3131). The trick was to change a few details to make it look more like a bikini instead of underwear.
The top edge of the bra is supposed to be finished with fold-over elastic, so I increased the seam allowance and used a knit binding instead. I also replaced the elastic straps with fabric straps.
Finally, I lengthened the back band to accommodate a swimsuit hook instead of a hook and eye closure.
Swim Bra Details
- Fabric: White Aspirin Polka Dots on Royal Nylon Lycra Swimsuit Fabric, swimsuit lining, and power mesh
- Pattern: Jalie 3131 – bra
- Size: Cup – size AA, Band – size Y
- I added seam allowance along top edge, so that it could be finished with skinny binding instead of fold-over elastic.
- I replaced the plush back elastic straps with a straps made of swimsuit fabric backed in power mesh.
- I extended the back band to attach to swimsuit hook.
Unfortunately, I think the design needs some tweaking. For one, I think the tank top is too swingy for a swim tank. Instead of masking my stomach pooch, the extra fabric through the stomach accentuates it. Next time, I could try a slimmer cut to the tank, or even try a halter style, or maybe a sleeveless wrap? Secondly, the swim bra does not provide the shape and support I had hoped for. This particular pattern is notorious for the “flattening” effect it has. If the Sophie bikini pattern had been released before I started this project, I would have gone that route instead.
Despite those complaints, I still am calling this project a success, because I have proudly worn this swimsuit set to the pool all summer! More so, now that I have the experience under my belt, I will probably be sewing my own swimsuits from here on out. Freedom from ever having to go swimsuit shopping, again? yes, please.
Cute, cute! Your swimsuits look super professional, especially for your first time sewing your own!!
Thanks so much! It means a lot coming from you. 🙂
I agree with Meg, everything looks very professional! But then, it’s you we’re talking about 😉 I think your idea is brilliant to make a bikini top plus a tank! And such super cute fabrics, too. You’re actually tempting me to try my own, because swimsuit shopping really is the pits. And talk about majorly giving me coverstitch fever too… 🙂
do it! It really isn’t as bad as you would think.
Also, coverstitches are totally worth the hype.
Way back when first started visiting your blog, you were making cute pajama pants and I was inspired to do the same. I could manage that! This, not so much; maybe I should hire you to make a bathing suit for me. 🙂 You really did a lovely job with this.
It just takes a lot of practice and and a lot of mistakes between pajamas and swimsuits. 🙂
Jodi, is there anything you cannot do? I don’t think so. Seriously. The swimsuit looks awesome. You inspire me to make more swimmers 😀 For my girlies ;P There is no way I am making one for myself!
This is nothing short of brilliant. Thanks for sharing how you did it. Your set looks great.