Summer is (un)officially here, and that means it’s time for sea air and swimwear! This wardrobe must, as vital as it is, can be such a struggle to find on a retail level. Try this DIY and get the perfect fit just in time for summer. Free sewing template included!
Fabrics & materials used:
First, be sure to use a wide zig-zag stitch if you don’t have a serger. This will ensure that you don’t lose any (or minimal) stretch while sewing your seams.
Begin by sewing the OUTER FRONT BODICE panels to either side of the INNER FRONT BODICE. If you’re using the same tricot I used, be sure to note which side is the RIGHT side (it should have a subtle sheen to it).
The bodice pattern pieces should have been placed on the fold, so they would look like the photo above when sewn together and unfolded.
Next is the cups. I chose to cut a 3/4″ strip of black tricot to place between the INNER and OUTER BRA CUP panels, but this is entirely optional. I loved the small contrast it brought.
For this project, I strongly recommend wonder clips to keep your fabric in place, as it can be fairly slippery.
Whether you choose to include the optional piping or not, the INNER and OUTER BRA CUPS can be sewn together, followed by the BRA CUP TOP. The pointed part of the BRA CUP TOP should fall toward the OUTER BRA CUP. Line the BRA CUP TOP during this step.
At this point, the cup can be attached to the bodice. Again, I recommend lots of wonder clips and zig-zag stitching. After it’s secure, insert your bra cup and hand-stitch along the bottom.
Slip-stitch lining into place, and the majority of your top should be complete. All that’s left now is the back and the straps!
For mine, I chose to lengthen the back panel by two feet on either side, tapering it to a point. I always feel that swimsuits that tie in the back are more comfortable and fit better. They also last a bit longer if you wear your suit in pools a lot and the chlorine stretches out your garment faster.
The straps are actually just one piece of fabric, four inches wide and folded in half and sewn. I hand-stitched either end to the bra cup and bra cup lining.
Personally, it’s one of my current favorite projects! It’s my first attempt at a bikini, so I’ll need some practice, but overall I love the outcome. I even made some cute high-waisted bottoms to match!
Tell me, have you ever given swimwear a try?
24 comments
Thanks for this post and the pattern. It looks fabulous and my kind of swimsuit, that suits/fits me better. Do you also have a pattern for the bottoms? Thanks. M
Thanks for reading! Sadly, the bottoms were just something I draped on my dressform, so I don’t have a pattern for them. Maybe in the future, stay tuned!
I second that request for the bottoms, they are terrific!
Me too. Bottoms please.
Yes! The bottoms are super cute and exactly what im looking for!
Beautiful pattern, thank you for sharing. Enjoyed all the detail instructions. Makes it simple to see photos also. Yes, I do sew and design swimwear. I have fun. There are times that things become a little bit of a challenge when trying new things. Thank you for all your hard work in teaching us. I personally love to learn new things or better ways of doing things. Keep up the work, passion of sewing is what I love as well.
Respectfully
Susan E
Thank you so much for reading and for your kind words! I really hope my tutorials help more people get into sewing; it’s such an awesome skill to have!
Trés feminin et sexy
When they talk about using a serger is it a specific one or does any serger work?
Love LOVE this pattern!!! Any chance the bottoms are forthcoming?
Just lovely! I’ve never sewn a swimsuit but this pattern will definitely change that! I would also like a pattern for the bottom piece! Thank you, Darci
Never seen a swimsuit but after this I’m wanting to! I agree a pattern for the bottom please!
Cute
This is just what I’ve been looking for! What size is the top? Also, would like a pattern for the bottoms!
Hi Paula – this is a size 4 in our patterns. You can find a size chart and a free pattern for the bottoms (plus another top!) at this post here!
Comme c’est beau ! Cela donne vraiment envie d’essayer d’en réaliser un mais le résultat n’est peut être pas assuré !!!!
Cute
I would love to download this pattern, but it seems the download link isn’t working for me 🙁 When I receive the email, the link is very different from the other ones that I receive from the website and it’s not a valid verification number. Otherwise, I love this website!! Just started my sewing journey and I can’t wait to use some of the ones in here!
Hi Brunna, we’re so sorry about that. It looks like there was a glitch in our system but it’s all fixed now! In the future, if you ever have difficulty downloading a free sewing pattern from us just email info@moodfabrics.com and they’ll send the pattern straight to you. Happy sewing! 🙂
Hi!,
First of all, thank you so much for this pattern!
I was wondering, how can you upgrade one size? ( to size 6? ) i’ve been looking online, but everbody says different.
Is there an easy way to do this?
thank you so much in advance!
– Silke
Did not send me a download code/page. Sent me an email containing a lot of letters and computer code.
Hi Charmaine, we’re sorry for the delay in responding to your question! We get dozens of comments and questions each day, and so many questions get buried and, unfortunately, unanswered. We are now focusing user support on patterns 2 years and newer. We hope this will prevent questions on our more current patterns from going unanswered. Although this is late, we wanted to respond in case anyone else has the same question: if you’re still having trouble downloading, email info@moodfabrics.com and they’ll send the pattern directly to you!
Unfortunately the received email is broken and because I’ve already used my mailaddress I cannot order the mail a second time. I’ve also tried it with a different address but it seems that your form is broken (and does look different to the other free pattern forms) so is there a different way to get the pattern please?
thanks
Manuela
Hi Manuela, we’re sorry for the delay in responding to your question! We get dozens of comments and questions each day, and so many questions get buried and, unfortunately, unanswered. We are now focusing user support on patterns 2 years and newer. We hope this will prevent questions on our more current patterns from going unanswered. Although this is late, we wanted to respond in case anyone else has the same question: we just checked and the pattern was received and downloaded perfectly on our end! If you’re still having trouble, you can email info@moodfabrics.com and they’ll send the pattern directly to you!