new suits for summer

[dulcet]

The girls needed new swimsuits again this year.  I adapted the top from Simplicity 7619--I added a midrif to make it a tank.  And the bottoms are adapted from the leggings in Butterick 6297--I made them smaller and shorty-short.  I already had the fabrics, and just had to buy swimsuit lining and elastic.  They both complained about the gathering at the front of the bust, but I think they look really cute.  The first trial at the pool last night went well.



This is the second year I've made their suits.  Last year I tried to use their old suits for a pattern.  They were usable, but not as good as I'd hoped.  These were the smallest size included in the patterns, so I can use them for several more years.  After a few times making their suits, I'll be confident enough to attempt one for me.  (I'm not as rough on mine, so the one I have is still good, anyway.)  The only problem is that I only sew swimsuits once a year, so it's almost like learning all over again each time.

[stephers]

They look great! I love that they are 2-piece with full coverage. I'd like to make something like this for my 3 yo DD but swimsuit fabric scares me.

[shenjall]

They are fantastic!  This is exactly what I look for when shopping for suits for my daughters. Needless to say, I can never find it!  Great job!
Is swimsuit material hard to work with?  I'd love to try and just make my own so I can get the coverage I'd like, but I'm nervous about using it.  Any tips?

[sdhrt]

Nice work!

[dulcet]

I didn't find the fabric hard to work with.  It does slip when placed against itself, but just a tiny bit.  If you've sewn with knits, it's about the same.  The fabric really isn't that expensive if you consider the fact that you only need a third to half yard.  I'm lucky enough to have a serger, but you could probably do it without one.  I got most of my info from here on craftster, and around the internet.  There used to be a good article on sewnews about how to enclose the seam allowance between the fabric and the lining, but I can't find it to link to.  The swimsuit pattern had info, too.  I found that I preferred using a zig-zag stitch to stretching while sewing a straight stitch.

My best advice is to just try it.  These only cost me about $5 each, so even if you flubb it completely, consider that the cost of experience.  It's worth it.

[shenjall]

Thanks for the reply!

I do have a serger.....I havent figured out all the bells and whistles on it yet, lol.  I think I'm getting slightly better with knits, so maybe I will do okay. 
I think I'll give it a go.  You've inspired me.

[ScotSkipper402]

So cute! They've got a little 1890s vibe.

[Padester]

Cute!  I just bought some swim fabric to make a suit for my 3yo dd.  I made one las year after copying one of her tank tops and some of her undies.  It worked pretty well, but I'd love to have a pattern - we'll see how it works this time!