Lace-up Swimsuit Tutorial

Summer is basically here and one-piece swimsuits are so hot this season! This lace-up trend is everywhere! Here is a great pattern from Vogue that makes adding this detail effortless.

For this swimsuit, I will be using Vogue Pattern V9192 Style B

Here’s what you’ll need: All tools and notions can be purchased at moodfabrics.com

• Swimwear fabric- I used neoprene from Mood Designer Fabrics product #309116
• Dritz 3/8” Cotton swimwear elastic (4-5 packs depending on your size)
• Pins
• Paper scissors, Pattern scissors
• Measuring tape
• Heavy-duty thread
• Dress maker chalk or mark-be-gone
• Dritz loop turner-for spaghetti straps
• Lining- Nude shaper power mesh (optional) Product #: 111767

Prep- cut out patterns and elastic guides

• Discard front strap pattern pieces. We are making a cute lace up!
• Cut out fabric and transfer all marking from pattern to fabric

Step 1- Front

At side edge of front piece, base stitch and gather fabric between notches and small markings as shown.

 

 

Step 2- Pin with right sides together and stitch at center front. You can finish raw edges with an over-lock, or zigzag stitch.

 

Step 3- Cut 2 pieces of elastic for center front and straps. Use the elastic guide for measurement. Place elastic 3/8” away from edge, pin and stitch along edge as shown.  Make sure to stretch elastic to fit as you sew.

 

Step 4- Turn the seam allowances in with the elastic. Stitch along edge to finish as shown.

Step 5- Front opening- This is where we make our adjustment for the lace up front.

• Measure a strip of fabric 18”x 2”
• Fold over and pin
• Stitch along side using 5/8” seam allowance and trim
• Use the loop turner to pull fabric right side out. This can be tricky, but be patient-you’ll get it!
• Place strap starting at bottom of neck opening. Pin and cut as you go. Criss-crossing as you pin. Repeat until you reach your desired “lace-up” height
• Stitch in place and trim off edges for clean finish

 

Step 6-  Back. Cut 1 strip of elastic. Pin elastic along the curved edge. Stitch in place 3/8” away from the edge. Turn back seam allowance with elastic and stitch.

Step 7- Pin front and back together at sides and stitch. Press seams towards back.

Step 8- Cut 2 pieces of elastic for the armhole and remaining length of strap.  Use your elastic guide for measurement.

• Place elastic 3/8” from edge and pin at armhole and remaining length of strap.
• Stitch elastic down at edge. Turn in seam allowance along with elastic, stitch to finish.

Step 9-  With right sides together, fold tie ends pin and stitch. Trim seam allowance.

• Cut 2 elastic pieces the length of your ties. Place elastic and tie end together, hook and pull through using the loop turner.
• Pin each tie in place at back and stitch.
• Bring the top edge of shoulder strap to the back, pin and stitch in place.

  

Step 10- Bottom front and back brief- Pin lining to wrong sides of fabric and stitch in place. (I’ve decided to only line the bottom of my swimsuit

• With right sides facing pin front brief to back brief and stitch starting at crotch. Stretch to fit curved edge.
• Stitch together at sides matching notches and markings.

Step 11- Cut 2 pieces of elastic for leg opening using the elastic guide as ref.

• Pin along the entire length of opening. Stitch 3/8” away from edge stretching elastic to fit as you go.
• Turn back seam allowance with elastic and stitch to finish.

Step 12- With right sides together, pin bottom brief to top at waist seam. Match notches and all markings. Stitch to finish garment and you’re done!