This summer has involved a lot of swimming! So I decided to join in the swimsuit making fun that seems to have been going around bloggy land for the past few years. (There is a kid’s swimsuit roundup for inspiration at the end of this post.)
Since my oldest needed a new suit – she’s getting so tall – I decided to make her a 2 piece with a skirt in hopes that it will last more than one year. She grows up and the suit goes with her, at least until the skirt stops covering up her belly! Around the same time I read The Sewing Rabbit’s Scirocco Bathing suit DIY. I was super-excited about it because I have the Figgy’s Scirocco pattern and hadn’t had time to use it to make a dress just yet.
Scirocco Swimsuit
The Sewing Rabbit tutorial is more true to the dress, using one of the flounces from the Scirocco pattern for the swimsuit skirt. I decided to use mesh to make a 3 tiered “ballet-style” skirt. I used the top of the Scirocco to make the top of the suit though, and I love the twist on the back. As well as looking great it also provides some good tension across the back so the suit stays on properly.
I got my swimwear fabric at an amazing store in Hamilton, Ontario called Ann’s Fabrics. More about them in this post. I bought about a metre of outer fabric and lining and used up a lot more than I was expecting making this suit. I had forgotten that the back of the suit needs to be self-lined so the twist works properly. I’m hoping that I have enough left to make another (less involved) suit for my youngest.
The sizing was tricky, to make it small enough to fit her properly I ended up keeping the length and taking in the sides until the actual pattern piece was smaller than the 18 month sized Scirocco. Most of the tutorials that I read suggest making the bodice 1 or 2 sizes smaller than the size you would normally make – so that seems about right. I also think that the twist on the back gives the suit bodice a lot more give, so you need to make it a lot smaller than you think to fit properly.
I made the bottoms by copying some high-waisted underwear of my daughter’s – again, trying to keep the suit around as long as possible by making the waist on the bottoms higher! I love that this also allowed me to make a swim bottom that actually covers her bottom (hee hee). Here’s to modest swimwear that we can all be proud of because we made it!
Love this smile!
To finish off, some kids swimwear tutorials from around the web. Have fun!
Have you made a swimsuit for your little one – or maybe for yourself? Comments make the world go ’round! Share what you know and help another poor soul out there that could benefit from your sewing wisdom!
Wow! It’s gorgeous! I love it! We may have to take another trip to the swimsuit fabric place so I can make one of these beauties!
I love it too! I’m thinking more Hamilton fabric is very near in the future!
So cute!!
Jen
sewfabulousnow-blogspot.com
Thanks Jen! Saw your fabric painted onesies on Sew Much Ado this morning too! Love them – you’re right about your baby being the best dressed!
This looks amazing! Great job!
Thanks Elisa! I’ve been following you on the Sewing Rabbit – love your ideas! Thanks again for stopping by.
This is incredible!!! I guess I’ve never thought of making suits for my kids (a little slow to the party, that’s me). You’ve inspired me!
Thanks so much Kristen! I’m glad you like it! Once you start it is hard to stop – they really are pretty straight-forward – and the results are super rewarding. Just took a look at your quilts, I’m in the same boat as you! I’ve got 3 on the go and then I’m done (at least for a while) – so tedious!
Your swimsuit is cuter than any I’ve ever bought! I’ve not worked with swimsuit fabric yet, but seeing this makes me want to give it a try! Thanks for sharing,
Amy from SewsNBows
PS I’m visiting from Sew Much Ado:)
Hi Amy! I was a bit intimidated – but if you sew knits you can use the same general rules for sewing swim fabric – just use lots of pins! It’s easier than it seems 🙂 You’ve got a great looking website, by the way! Love the red and blue!
I love the lock of the mesh! I also like that it’s reasonably modest.
Thanks Lisa! Apparently the mesh will stand up to chlorine and salt water, according to the sales person at Ann’s Fabrics in Hamilton. Hooray!
Wow! If you can sew a swim suit, then surely you can do a rolled hem! Way to go. And three cheers for modest swim wear!
I suppose – though hemming something that important would still make me nervous! If anyone ever asks me to try it I will think of you! I think that if you can sew knit fabric, you can sew a swimsuit! 🙂
Love the pictures! You have the best model!
I enjoy seeing what you’re up to, Sherri!
Thanks! I’ll tell her for you 🙂 Glad you like looking around.