Hi Everyone! In Part 3 we continue with our sew-along as we tackle sewing variation three. This darling style features a two-piece swimsuit top with tie back. We've paired it with the high-waist bottom to complete the look. Follow along to see how to sew this design and then grab your fabric and create one for your own collection!
We're excited to announce that the 14.5" -15" Swimsuit Variations pattern is now available too! This pattern has been sized to fit WellieWishers and Ruby Red Dolls.
Supplies and Resources:
- The blue floral print swimsuit fabric is a Liberty London fabric (no longer available, sorry!) If you're having a hard time finding swimsuit fabric, I encourage you to look at the clearance sections of stores like Target or Walmart, as the seasons change from summer to Back to School, many of the swimsuits will go on clearance. Look for the biggest sizes you can find! Another resource is those stretchy book covers that will be popping up in the back to school sections (or sometimes at the dollar store). These work great for doll-size swimsuits!
- Flat Elastic can be found locally at stores like Wal-Mart, JoAnn, Hobby Lobby, etc. The pink elastic featured in this tutorial was something I picked up while browsing antique shops. So be on the lookout, you never know when you might come across some great finds st unexpected places! I'd recommend minimum lengths of 1 yard per swimsuit.
- 1/8" width Double Sided Basting Tape (Amazon)
Ok, let's get started with the Variation One Sew-Along!
In this tutorial, we are going to sew the two-piece design with the deep "V" dip at center back that closes with a tie made from the elastic. We will also make the high-waist bottom using the flat elastic in place of Fold Over Elastic.
- You will need pattern pieces Two-Piece Front and Two-Piece Tie Back
- For the Bottoms - Two-Piece Bottom Front and Two-Piece Bottom Back
- Flat elastic - 1 yard cut into the lengths listed on the measurement chart.
- Thread that matches your elastic color.
- Double-sided quilters tape (1/8" recommended), optional but I love this!
Follow along in the video to make this swimsuit in the 18-inch doll size. This variation follows the original swimsuit pattern which features regular shoulder straps. The swimsuit top has an angled back with the addition of the tie that wraps around the empire waistline. The two-piece bottom is also similar tot eh original swimsuit pattern but has the addition of the waistline elastic to finish it off.
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Week Three Task:
- Watch the Variation Three Sew-Along video. Follow along and make your own two-piece swimsuit!
- Check out the Ultimate Resource Guide for fabric and supply sources. (Find this HERE )
- Take some time to practice sewing on some small scrap pieces of swim knit fabrics. Try out different needles, stitch lengths, and stitch selections.
- Follow along and make the Variation One swimsuit and be sure to share it with the group!
- Jump over the SWC Facebook Group for conversation and project sharing.
I'll be demonstrating these methods using several different variations from the Liberty Jane Swimsuit Variations pattern for 18-inch dolls. Follow along to see how easy it is to make these adorable swimsuits! The pattern is also available for 14.5" - 15" dolls!
Patterns Used For this Topic:
- LJ Swimsuit Variations for 18" Dolls
- LJ Swimsuit Variations for 14.5-15" Dolls
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