Whether you need a new bodysuit or an outfit to hit the beach, the Phoenix pattern is the perfect thing to make sure your summer goes swimmingly! You could try it with a jersey or mesh for an everyday look, or check out one of Mood’s vibrant new tricot prints for your next swim suit. For this one, I tried the new rope print to give off a chic resort vibe. Plus, it’s infused with UV protection and Aloe Vera microcapsules to keep your skin looking flawless this season. How can you go wrong?
Fabrics & materials used:
- 2 yards Tricot Knit
- 1 yard Nude Shaper Power Mesh
- Deep Turquoise Gutermann Thread
- Dritz Swimwear Elastic
- MDF053 – The Phoenix Swimsuit
First, trim your power mesh along the side seams so it’s 1/4″ slimmer than your tricot layer on either side. Pin and stay-stitch the sides of your tricot and mesh layers so the mesh stretches just slightly.
Sew the front and back of your suit together at the side seams. If you don’t have a serger, sew the wrong sides of the fabric together first, trim your seam allowance, and then sew the faces of your tricot together to create French seams (seen below).
Do the same at the crotch seam, and your suit should be starting to take shape. Use this moment to fit your garment and take in the sides if need be.
Fold the raw edges of your “armholes” inward 1/2″ and zig-zag stitch or serge. Keep in mind, there are no straps on this suit, so the armholes are really just half-circles.
Do the same to finish off the leg holes of your suit, but this time also sew some swimwear elastic along the edge. Stretch the elastic just the slightest amount while pinning.
Place the wrong side of your ruffle along the top of the face of your swim suit. The seam can be placed at the center back of your suit, with the excess portions of the ruffle falling at the sides as armholes.
Trim your seam allowance and finish the top of your ruffle off with some French seams, forming a casing for you to feed some elastic through. Stitch your elastic together at the ends and your suit is ready for the beach!
15 comments
I love that you don’t need a serger to make this.
What kind of fabric can I use for lining the bust. I need a little more than the mesh performance lining and I don’t like the look of the cup inserts. Any thoughts?
You could try a band of compression fabric! I’ve used it for bralettes in the past. You can find them here: https://www.moodfabrics.com/fashion-fabrics/other-fabrics/compression
Thanks for this pattern! Going to give it a try. Thoughts on creating a shelf bra or some way to support the bust?
Hi Christa; a built-in bra would definitely be doable! You could do a band of power mesh, with swimwear elastic along the bottom. 🙂
Thanks! I made it. Turned out great with a butter yellow swimsuit fabric and ivory lining. Omitted the shelf bra as the ruffle really does cover the chest area anyhow – so not really needed. I think I’ll mostly wear it as a body suit with a strapless bra as well.
Made it! First swimsuit I have made and it turned out really cute. Thanks for a great pattern that I will use again!
Muchas gracias, está precioso 🙂
Is it possible to put a snap strip in the stride? I have to wear a diaper due to all the surgeries for bladder cancer.
Yes, you could definitely do that! We have snap tape here that would make it extra easy.
Is the back full-coverage? Since she has shorts on we can’t see the whole suit.
Yes, it is! 🙂
I’m sorry if this was already answered in the text but I was a bit unsure as to whether it had to be a swimsuit or not? Like could I choose a non-swimsuit fabric and make it just a bodysuit?I love the look and I would really like to make it just as a bodysuit. Thanks!
Yes, you certainly could!
Thank you so much for this pattern!
I can not believe you give it for free. I used to buy far less beautiful patterns.
I am so grateful <3
Thank you from Morocco <3