Our newest free pattern comes with a wave of sun and I can’t wait to hit the beach with it! The Sherwood Swimsuit free sewing pattern features a unique one-piece design, with side ties and a flattering silhouette. Try your version with any one of Mood’s UV protective tricots or one of their neoprene prints!
Purchase Materials Used Below:
- 1/2 yard White and Black Python UV Protective Compression Tricot with Aloe Vera Microcapsules
- 1/2 yard Turquoise Python UV Protective Compression Tricot with Aloe Vera Microcapsules
- 1 yard Nude Shaper Power Mesh
- 2-3 pkgs Nickel Grommets
- Optional: Dritz Magenta Grommet Plier Kit – 0.375″
- MDF200 – The Sherwood Swimsuit Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
Alternative Recommended Fabrics:
All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise stated. See chart below for sizing specifications. Note, this specific pattern is available up to a size 30.
CLICK HERE FOR TIPS FOR SEWING TRICOT & SWIMWEAR
First, it is strongly recommended that you use a serger or stretch stitch on your regular machine for this pattern.
Begin by sewing your two top pieces with the faces together along the shoulder seam and side seam.
Along the same side, sew your bottom pieces together as well.
Lining up the side seams, sew the top and bottom together at the waistline.
Repeat all steps above with your lining pieces, making sure to sew up the opposite side of your main layer so the lining mirrors it.
Tip: After this step, I also recommend cutting 3/8″ off all the raw edges of your lining layer. Your outer layer will be folded over onto the lining next, and it’s easier to have the lining be a bit smaller than the outer layer here.
Place your lining inside your swimsuit, with the wrong sides together. Fold the raw edges of your main layer inward over your lining and pin into place. Stitch along the edges with a zig-zag stitch to secure.
Following the guide on your pattern, fold the open sides of your swimsuit inward and secure with a zig-zag stitch. Using the instructions on your grommets, insert them along the plackets you just made. I used 4 grommets on the top and 5 on the bottom, but you could likely get away with only 4 on the bottom if you’d prefer to keep your supplies to 2 packages.
Create your ties using trim or 1″ strips of fabric. Sew them with the faces together and pull right side out with a loop turner or something similar.
Feed your ties through the grommets, and you’re ready to hit the beach!
Will you be adding the Sherwood Swimsuit to your summer wardrobe? Let me know what fabric combinations you’re considering in the comments below!
19 comments
Sooo nice
I love this suit, but I don’t have a serger. What would be the best stretch stitch for this type of material on a normal sewing machine? I’ve read sometimes a zig zag will work? For reference, I have the Brother CS5055 (the project runway edition!). Fingers crossed that I can make this suit with my machine for summer!!!
Hi Liz, a zig-zag stitch will work or a lot of regular machines these days have a cheater overlock stitch – that’s what I used for this pattern! 🙂
This swinsuit is beautiful !!! I need one and will try !!!
how long do the strips of fabric need to be to lace through the grommets?
Hi Abby, mine were each about 24″ long.
I made this today, with a zig zag stitch on my regular sewing machine, and no grommets, I just poked holes in the fabric instead, and it looks great thank you so much!!!!!!
What needle is used and the thread neeed…
Which one.
Hi Marie! I just used all-purpose thread and a ballpoint needle. 🙂
could you make this without the grommets and just close the sides??
Hi Jane! Yes, you could – but the pattern includes extra on the grommet side to account for folding it under for the grommet placket, so you’d need to cut that off and adjust accordingly. 🙂
Hello,
What size grommets did you use for this project?
3/8″ – You can find a link to the ones I used in the materials list above! 🙂
Hey! I made this swimsuit and love it! Has anyone else made it? I would love to see other peoples photos of this swimsuit! mine is on my insta @zimmerofzoe
Anyone have pictures of what they made?
Is there no elastic added to this suit?
Not on this one, but you can certainly add it to any edges for extra stability/comfort!
is there more of a waterproof alternative for the grommets ?
Hi Rachel! The grommets should do fine with water as they are rust proof. However, if you prefer an alternative you could always try sewing on loops to thread the cord through! Just keep in mind that those loops will make the swimsuit bigger so adjust your pattern accordingly.