Sewing Swimsuits - Topic Overview

Hi Everyone! Let's talk about sewing swimsuits! Does the idea make you cringe? Hopefully not, but if so, this course is designed to take the fear out of sewing with this oh-so-stretchy fabric! Over this four-part topic, we will take a look at different types of swim fabrics, the stitch types that work best, the recommended needles and machine settings, stress-saving tips like the use of fold-over elastic, sewing swimsuits with woven fabrics, and of course teeny tiny accessories to complete the look! 

The topic will be divided into four sessions:

  • Part 1: Topic Overview, Getting Started - Supplies, fabrics, basics 
  • Part 2: Techniques In Action - 123 Mulberry Street Gotchies Sew Along (Revised 18" pattern and new 14.5" WW size will be published next week).
  • Part 3: Swimsuits made with woven fabrics
  • Part 4: Complete the looks with cover-ups and accessories using a few pattern hack ideas!

I'll be demonstrating these methods using several different Liberty Jane designs, as well as some others from the Pixie Faire swimsuit pattern collection, to help illustrate how the basic techniques and methods are used at a smaller scale. Follow along to understand my thought process, hopefully watching me in action will clarify any concerns or issues you may have with these types of techniques.

It's going to be a fun course! Are you ready? Let's go...

 

Watch the overview video for this months topic:

 

Patterns Used For this Topic: 

  • LJ Free Swimsuit
  • LJ Rashguard & Swim Shorts
  • 123 Mulberry Street Gotchies (will be used for the part 2 sew-along demonstration) 18" size is being updated and 14.5" size will be published prior to the sew along.
  • Patterns found in the Pixie Faire Swim Shop Collection 

 

Week One task:

  • Watch the Topic Overview, Getting Started, and Needles & Stitches videos. Take some notes, get things prepped and organized.
  • Check out the Ultimate Resource Guide for fabric and supply sources. (Find this in the SWC Bonuses section)
  • Take some time to practice sewing on some small scrap pieces of swim knit fabrics. Try out different needles, stitch lengths, and stitch selections.
  • Jump over the SWC Facebook Group for conversation and project sharing.

 


7 Comments

Gracia L Marks
Gracia L Marks

July 29, 2021

I have never had the courage to sew a swim suit so I will need your expertise.
Did you read my mind to know just what I needed.

Kristen
Kristen

June 07, 2019

Lots of reading way too much into the instruction. Each month the free pattern code works for any LJ pattern This months code works for the LJ patterns OR any one in the ENTIRE swimsuit collection. There is a free LJ swimsuit pattern and you can use the coder this month for any swimsuit pattern, not just any LJ pattern if you don’t want swimwear. This month you can get 2 swim patterns free. Or one LJ clothing pattern. Pretty straight forward. Emphasis on max value $5.99.

Karen
Karen

June 07, 2019

I agree with the confusion. But first thank you. Are you saying 1. Any LJ pattern 5.99
2. Any swimsuit pattern
3. Any other LJ pattern we wish (any price)
And we must purchase all three at one time to use the code??
Help! Katen

Karen
Karen

June 07, 2019

I agree with the confusion. I read it as: any pattern 5.99, a swimsuit pattern AND any LJ pattern you want..Three patterns????

Dianne
Dianne

June 07, 2019

I’m so looking forward to this course! I love the look of little doll swimsuits, but the technique and fabric always intimidated me. I’m excited to learn some tips for these outfits. As always, thanks Cinnamon, for sharing your expertise with us!

Roxanne
Roxanne

June 06, 2019

I understood this comment to mean that I could get a LJ pattern for free and a bathing suit pattern for free “In addition, the code can be used for any swimsuit pattern that is found in the Pixie Faire Swim Shop Collection – featuring a select collection of swimsuit designs made using stretchy swimsuit fabrics.” So, I purchased both patterns. The wording is misleading because “in addition” usually means both. You should have said you may choose either a LJ pattern or a bathing suit pattern. “Either” means one or the other. “In addition” means both. I am sure the confusion was not deliberate. You previously mentioned that you would be offering new and various rewards. So, my interpretation was consistent with expectations based on the new and various reward programs that I was looking forward to. So, you might want to reword this.

JAN
JAN

June 05, 2019

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the pattern discount. I have a couple of swim suit and dance outfit patterns (leotard patterns are pretty much same as swimsuit) so I got the bomber jacket. I have plans to make this out of some heavier weight knit fabric and have been wanting to try this experiment. Sometimes things work and sometimes they don’t but I love trying. Sewing with Cinnamon is wonderful and I use all the helpful hints. It has raised my confidence level immensely. Very fun and full of encouragement. Again, thank you!

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