Sew Custom Fit Leggings
Sew a pair of custom fitting leggings for yourself or your little one. This is simple pattern drafting.
Do you love wearing leggings? How about sewing your own leggings? Yes, no, maybe? We are 100% team leggings in this house. I don't buy my youngest daughter any other kind of pants. Heck, they are even my go-to pants (read: secret pajama pants) to wear out of the house. So, if you aren't on board with making your own leggings yet, you will be after reading this. At least, I hope you will.
If you're not interested in making leggings for yourself, scroll down to the bottom. I share a tutorial I use for making little kid leggings.
If you've been dying to make leggings that actually fit your body, look no further. Grab this FREE pattern to get started. You'll be cozy and cute in no time. Lately, simple patterns have been more my jam. Take all your measurements and write them down on paper.
I measured my waist, hip, knee, calve, thigh, and ankle widths. The sizing put me into a size Large waist, Medium hips, and narrowed down to an X-Small in the ankle department. I love my weird body. Buying leggings from the store is never fun because they are baggy in all the wrong places. You might be the exact opposite. We're going to make these leg prisons according to your own measurements. Wooo!!
My original plan was to follow a tutorial and draft my own pair. Well, my brain couldn't do all the math. So, in the end, I found this pattern that worked perfectly for me! Let's get started.
What You’ll Need
Just over a yard of knit fabric
Thread
Measuring tape
Stretch or ball-point needle
Twin needle (optional for leg hem)
1 inch thick elastic for the waistband (I prefer non-roll)
Sewing machine that can do a Zigzag stitch
Serger (optional)
Roll of tracing paper, medical paper, or freezer paper (my preferred paper for tracing)
Pencil and pens for tracing
Seam ripper because, let's be honest...
Tape for taping pattern pieces together
Printer to print out the PDF pages
All the other sewing notions you usually use ;)
Pattern Set-up
Click here for the FREE pattern. You will add to cart but, it is a free PDF. After you "purchase" you will be able to print out the pattern.
Match the lines and arrows, then tape everything together to form your pattern. Figure out where your measurements lie in the legging pattern size range. You might have to grade between sizes. Grading is easy and doesn't take any extra time. You simply blend the sizes to fit your unique body shape.
You can use a highlighter or other light colored marker to grade your sizing, directly onto the pattern. Or, Take your tracing paper and lay it over the pattern. Trace your new pattern size. Doing this saves the PDF for future use or if you decide to make a smaller or larger size for a friend.
I suggest making a muslin before cutting into your beloved fabric. If you have stretch fabric you're not in love with, use that. you want to get the length correct too. If you're taller or shorter, you will need to make adjustments accordingly.
Sewing the Leggings
Sew each inner seam with right sides together. You can use your sewing machine or serger for this.
Then, take one leg and turn it right side out. Place your arm back through and feed the leg through the other leg, making sure right sides are touching. Straighten the leg, matching the seams together. You're going to sew the large "U" shape crotch seam from one side to the other. Use pins or clips to keep the layers from shifting around. You can use the sewing machine or serger for this as well. After the crotch seam is sewn, pull out the legs.
If done correctly, it should look like a pair of pants. If not, grab that seam ripper because something went wrong. Uh-oh!
Perfecting the length
Try them on. They should fit nicely.
If they fit too snugly, use your seam ripper to let out the seam in the snug areas.
If they fit too loose, go back over those spots with the sewing machine to make them fit more snug.
If the length is too long, you can shorten them at the ankle hems. If you want them to have a lower rise, shorten the waist. If you need more length, add those inches to the pattern.
All you have to do is sew the hems at the ankles and put in your elastic waistband. Comfy and super simple.
Hopefully, you found the PDF pattern easy to print out, tape together, and use. I will be making more leggings for myself soon.
I LOOOVE leggings!! And, now they will fit my funky shaped bottom half of my body. Hahaha!!!
Will you be making leggings for yourself? If not, keep reading. I include a tutorial for making leggings for a little one.
Leggings for Little Ones
Maybe leggings still aren't your cup of tea. But, they are great for kids.
Follow this fun tutorial on how to make a pair for a child. My youngest daughter wears leggings every day. They are the only leg prisons she allows in her dresser. When we go camping, she may or may not wear the one pair of jeans we keep in our RV for her. Yep, she's that committed. Ha!
What You Need
The tutorial
Elastic for the waistband
1 Yard of knit fabric
Sewing machine or serger
Thread
Ballpoint needle
All the regular notions
A small child ;)
You use a pair of leggings that already fit or are too short. You trace off the pattern based on that pair of leggings. Add length if needed. Sewing them is the same as the adult pair I made. Easy-peasy. I've made quite a few pairs for my daughter. She loves them. Mom-win!
So, that's it. Go make some new leggings for yourself and everyone around you. Hooray for comfy pants!!
Check out my Batwing top here. It's fun and makes a quick costume! Oh, and it's perfect for those chilly October evenings.
Thanks for hanging out today and happy cozy sewing,
Annette
Sew a Circle-Shaped Bag
Sew a circle shape bag for fall or any other season. You could even turn this into a hip or sling bag. DIY bag making project.
The air is crisp and the leaves are sprinkling the ground as I type. Apple picking season is among us. I tried to hold on to summer but, there's no escaping it. Fall is here. Yay! I am ready, bring on my favorite season.
My creative side has been lacking lately so, I wanted to try something new. Usually, I only share patterns that I love or have created myself. But, I wanted to shake things up around here. So, I'm sharing one of my sewing fails. Yes, a fail. A major sewing fail. Face-palm.
Here's the circle bag.
I wanted to try my hand at something new for the upcoming season. I saw a circle bag in a shop and knew I wanted to make one. I had light brown vinyl and planned on using it for a cute Autumnal bag. After scouring the interwebs for a free pattern, I settled on what I thought was a good one. Welp, the pattern was not great. I don't want to throw anyone under the bus so, I'm not saying where I got the pattern. But it was "meh" at best.
I knew from the beginning this was going to be an experiment. Yay for experiments! I created a fall-themed embroidery file to place on the front, just in case the purse turned out cute. I didn't want a boring brown circle bag.
The embroidery design has leaves, pumpkins, and a scarecrow. Fun! Although, the scarecrow was a little wonky.... don't look too close. ;)
Following the instructions, I gathered everything that was needed and cut out the pieces. I embroidered on the front circle only, that's the only area everyone will see. I used mismatched hardware for the strap (it's what I had on hand) and I used a brown zipper. Fall bag, here I come!
The seam ripper was using a lot. I horribly sewed a piece of fabric to cover the embroidery. Next time, I’ll just leave it alone.
Putting The Purse Together
The pattern didn't call for a stabilizer, which I thought was odd. But, hey, I've never made a circle bag before so, I forged on.
You start with the zipper and long fabric strips that get sewn to the zipper tape. I didn't get a photo of this part.
Then, you take the bottom bag piece and sew it to the zipper at the short ends. This makes a long loop that connects at the zipper ends.
You're then going to take a circle piece and clip the heck out of it, to your piping. I just used pre-made piping from the craft store. You can find it next to the bias tape. The instructions didn't include piping but, long story short... you need piping in a circle bag. ;)
I used my zipper foot to sew closely around the perimeter of the bag. You have to work with the vinyl during this part. I found it easier to use tons of clips and pull as you go. I didn't use as many clips during the first round and it was more fiddly to work with.
Using the zipper foot helped to get closer to the piping.
Clip the edges.
After both circles are sewn on, turn the bag out and cry. Ask yourself why it isn't round and perfect like the picture. Retrace your steps and check if you missed something. Nope. You did it all. You followed the directions perfectly. The bag just wants to be rude and un-round. Major face-palm moment.
Carry on to the long shoulder strap anyway. Attach the hardware and add the strap. This part is easy. And, you're done!
It was an easy bag to make, but so disheartening. Why isn't it a perfectly round shape? I think it's because this is a 2020 bag. That's the only logical explanation. This bag, along with all of 2020, stinks. LOL
So, what was learned from this experience?
Piping is your friend and foam interfacing should have been used. Vinyl and faux leather are stiff, but they benefit from something added.
I will use this bag throughout the Fall season because it's cute. It's not perfect by any means and I'm somewhat embarrassed to show it to you. But, as sewists, we know there are wins and sewing fails.
The circle bag has not defeated me though. I've accepted the challenge and will conquer this bag! Stay tuned for a pattern that will be free to you and will work! I'm creating and experimenting as you read this.
Have you ever made a circle bag? Was it amazing and round? Or whackadoo and rude like mine?
Please, share any tips, tricks, or fails in the comment section. We're all in this together! LOL
If you'd like a quick pattern that is a no-fail one, click here. You're welcome.
Ugly or not, I’ll still use the bag. Maybe.
Happy fall sewing ya’ll,
Annette
Halloween Sewing Projects
Sew your own Halloween home decor pillows or trick or treat bags. It’s easy to do.
Once upon a time, there was a not-so-old lady who bought some fabric she didn't have any plans for. She saw it online and had to have some. No clue what she'd sew with the fabric, she bought it anyway.
That's the tale of every sewist at one time or another, right? We buy fabric without a clue what we'll use it for. We just love fabric. Give us aallll the fabric!!
Here are some spooky things you can make with your new or old Halloween fabric. Disclaimer: they're not really spooky. ;)
I recently bought a Halloween fabric panel online. The designs were much larger than I anticipated because...online shopping. There are six rectangle designs in the one-yard panel. So, I made two pillows with my favorite ones and trick or treat bags with the other ones. I had orange Kona cotton in my stash which was perfect for the backside of the pillows. These are not lined and are meant to be an easy sewing project.
The fabric is Art Gallery Fabric and from their Spooky and Sweet line. Which one is your favorite design?
Halloween Pillows
You will need:
1/2 yard of Halloween fabric
Bag of fluff to stuff the pillow or a pillow form
Sewing machine and notions
Invisible zipper (or regular if that's what you have on hand)
Witch Hat Pillow
I chose the witch hat for one pillow. Pinned a matching invisible zipper in place. See those cute pumpkin pins? My friend made them for me. Squeee!!
Cutting out the large pieces. Ignore the wrinkles. It was easier ironing each piece individually.
If you have a panel like this, it makes pillow making easy. Just cut out the design you want to make the pillow with. Place it on top of the fabric you want to use for the back, using the rectangle as the pattern. Trace and cut.
If you don't have a design piece like I used, grab a couch pillow and measure it. Write down the measurements on paper and add a 1/2" seam allowance. Use your ruler, chalk marker, and scissors to mark and cut out 2 pieces of coordinating fabric. Place your zipper on the bottom end of the pillow. I used an invisible zipper but, you can use what you have on hand. Buttons are always cute too. Just be sure to add extra length if you choose that route.
This is Halloween sewing, it doesn't have to be fit for a queen. It's supposed to be spooky fun! Turn on some Halloween music and just enjoy the process.
Invisible zippers are supposed to be hidden. This one turned out perfectly, whew!
Sewing the invisible zipper.
After your zipper is in, check to make sure it is smooth and not catching any fabric. Open it up about halfway. Fold the pillow with RTS (right sides together) matching corners and edges. Pin or clip together. Depending on how long or short your zipper is, you may need to sew the seam a few inches at each zipper end. *If using an invisible zipper, stitch 1/8" away from the zipper seam. This keeps it from puckering and gives a nice finish.
Clip corners and seam allowances if needed. Turn right side out, gently poke out corners with your fingers or blunt end of a chopstick. Go grab the pillow form or bag of fluffy stuffing. I give this job to one of my kids. They love to stuff the pillows. The pillow will turn out like a limp noodle or a stuffed pig, depending on the child. LOL
Trick or Treat Bags
You will need:
1/2 yard or so, of Halloween fabric
Webbing for handles (you can use grosgrain ribbon if you have that)
Sewing machine and notions
Sew the sides and bottom together.
These are quick and painless and I did not line these. They only hold candy for one night so, they don't really need a lining. If you're unsure about the weight of candy from trick or treating, we're reinforcing the seams. You're going to use a french seam finish. Let's get started.
Cut out a rectangle the size you want. Make sure you add a 1/2" seam allowance in your measurements.
My pieces were 14" wide by 17.5" tall. A perfect size for a trick-or-treat bag. Long gone are the days of the pillowcases.
Lay your two bag pieces WST (wrong sides together), I'm not crazy, stay with me. You're going to sew a French seam. It's easy, I promise.
Pin or clip the two sides and bottom edge. Sew with a 1/4" seam allowance, backstitching at the start of one side and finishing up all the way around to the next side.
Turn it inside out (your bag should be inside out). Trim the seam allowances as close to the seam line as you can. Press the seams flat. It's very important to trim the seams allowances, otherwise, you could end up with the raw edges poking out.
Stitch 1/4" seam around the sides and bottom, backstitching at the beginning and end. The raw edges should be fully enclosed now. Press flat.
Turn under, and under again for the top of the bag opening.
Take the top edge and fold under 1/4", then under 1/4" again. Topstitch around the whole top. I like to use a 3.0-3.5mm stitch length for this. Press flat.
Now for the bag handles.
Measure on your child how long or short you want them. Does your child want shoulder length or handle length only? I cut my handles 20.5" long.
Position the straps about 1.5-2.5 inches in from side seams and pin. Sew a box and X to secure the handle to the bag.
Now you have a sturdy bag to head out and fill with candy with!
If you have smaller pieces of Halloween fabric you could make a crossbody bag or self-tie headband. Or, even a fun little purse. And, if you want a wardrobe piece and have two yards of fabric to use up, check out my skirt post. I have 5 Halloween skirts in my arsenal now. Yikes!!
Halloween looks a little different this year. But, keep the spark alive by finding new ways to celebrate. We're going to do trick-or-treating with an Easter twist. Buckets of candy will be hidden around our property and have a glow stick inside. My kids will have to hunt for their candy this year. My older kids plan on dressing up to scare us as we walk our property. We'll have our usual chili and cornbread dinner and watch a Halloween movie outside unless the weather doesn't participate.
What are your Halloween sewing plans? Please share in the comments below. We all could use some new ideas.
Happy Halloween, sewing friends!
XO,
Annette
7 Sewing Myths, Busted
7 Sewing myths, busted. Truths and lies about sewing and people who sew. Sewing isn’t cheaper than buying clothes. It’s not only for old ladies either. Let us bust some of these common sewing myths.
Wow, sewing sure seems to have made a popular comeback! Let's debunk common misconceptions about sewing and the people who do it. Whether you're new to sewing or a seasoned seamstress, you may have heard some of these tall tales. Let's put an end to them, now. Since more people are sewing nowadays, it'll be easier to make new sewing friends. Hopefully, fabric and notions will be easier to find as well.
Let's dive into a few sewing myths and bust them!
Vintage wooden sewing spools
1. Sewing is for old ladies
A common sewing myth is that sewing is for an older generation only. I'm here to tell ya, that more young people are learning how to sew. And, men sew too. My husband learned to sew when I put him to work for mask making. If you don't know where to start, you can find online classes, head to your local college and sewing shops, or even ask a friend to teach you. Sewing people are everywhere, you just gotta look.
I have taught a handful of friends and family that I don't consider "old ladies". However, I do refer to sewing as one of my old lady hobbies. LOL. Oh, and kids sew too. I have taught all 4 of my kids to sew at a young age. It's a good life skill to have and it's not being taught in school anymore. Here's an article I found online about young people sewing more and more. I'm not crazy, I swear! Sewing is for everyone.
Busted!
2. Sewing is cheap
LOL! I always laugh at this one. Sewing is often more expensive. A lot more expensive.
Making something from start to finish is costly. You walk into the fabric store and buy a pattern (or online) for roughly $12. You need a minimum of 1-2 yards (for most garments) of fabric which costs roughly $20+. A spool of electric blue thread to match your new fabric, $3. You need a new pack of needles too, $5. Not to mention the price you paid for your machine and all those other glorious notions you've put hard-earned money into. The cost is $40+ just for the 4 items I mentioned. And, I didn't include the price for your time. Time is money and you know it doesn't take 10 minutes to whip up a dress for little Suzie.
You can buy a nice top or pair of shorts for $25 at a big box retail shop.
This misconception always gets me and it hurts my feelings sometimes. I love making gifts but, I've gotten looks and questions asking why I didn't buy something instead. Sigh. It takes a lot of time and energy to sew something. It ends up costing more than if you purchased the same item in the store, usually.
Let's spread the word and lay this myth to rest.
Busted!
3. Only talented people can sew
Remember the movie Ratatouille? The chef's motto was "Anyone can cook." Welp, I believe anyone can sew! Seriously! I truly believe anyone can sew, anything.
This is a silly misconception that even runs in the sewing community. I've met sewists who say they could never make bras or they could never make a certain garment! Um.. yes you can! If you have the drive to sew a pot holder, you can make a prom dress. You can make anything you put your mind to. Cliche, I know. But, with the right tools and experience, you can sew whatever your heart desires. Will it be cheaper than buying it? Probably not (see myth number 2).
If you want to make something that seems crazy and difficult, search for it on youtube. You'd be surprised at how much info is out there. Not everything is there though, and that's why I started my blog. Shameless plug. ;)
Busted!
Photo by Erica Lancaster
4. It's an inexpensive hobby
Sewing can be frugal or it can be really expensive.
If you were gifted a sewing machine and boxes of fabric and notions, you're on team frugal. You can use bedsheets to make dresses. Scour yard sales for patterns and buy scissors at the dollar store. It can be a frugal hobby. *Never use old thread though. Please, splurge and buy new spools. Old thread breaks easily, causes issues with your tension discs, and creates more lint.
However, if you are new to sewing and don't have a hand me down machine, you'll have to buy one. They cost upwards of $100. You should start with a basic machine and if you love it, upgrade a few years down the road. This is my upgraded one. Fabric and interfacing cost money. Thread, bobbins, needles, and rulers are needed to make everything. Scissors. So many pairs of scissors are needed. Fabric shears, thread snips, paper scissors, applique and embroidery scissors, and pinking shears, I have so many pairs of scissors. A rotary cutter and self-healing mat are nice, but not necessary. Not to mention elastic, buttons, sewing feet, zippers, and tons of other fun notions you have to have. Oh and don't forget about a seam ripper. Because... sewing. Seam rippers are the second thing you need after you purchase your machine. You'll need an iron and ironing board too.
I didn't list everything for sewing, but these are the basics. Sewing is not an inexpensive hobby. Eeek!
Photo by Erica Lancaster
5. Handmade looks homemade
Making a handmade gift for someone is such a sweet gesture. But, not all sewing is created equal. If a sewist takes shortcuts and skips pressing all the seams, the item will look wonky and homemade. We don't want that.
When you think of handmade, you should think of artisan quality. You shouldn't think of little Darla's card she made for grandma last summer. Handmade is often better quality than what you can buy in a store. It's made with love and the person has looked it over twice before giving it away or selling it. This is true as long as the artist doesn't take shortcuts. Seams need to be pressed, under stitching needs to happen, and interfacing must be used when needed. That being said, practice makes perfect stitches. Someone who is a passionate sewist takes their time and creates something beautiful.
Let's change the stigma on the term "handmade". Think artisan-made instead.
Busted!
Photo by Erica Lancaster
6. If you sew, you need to sell
Nope, not true. This is a huge misconception. If you sew, you do not have to make items to sell. Sewing is a hobby, just like gardening, painting, or listening to music. Just because you love it doesn't mean you have to turn a profit. I sew and I choose to make things to sell. But, there are many folks out there who sew every day and never sell their items.
If you don't feel like your skills are developed enough to sell, then don't. If you don't want to make things to sell, don't. Also, if you are a new sewist, you need time to perfect your skillset before you should sell. You want quality products at your craft booth or online shop.
Don't beat yourself up over it either. If sewing items and selling them at local craft shows makes you happy, then do it. But, don't let someone make you feel bad if you don't sell stuff that you make. It's your hobby. Yours. You do what you want with it.
And, no, I won't hem your pants. Hemming and sewing are 2 different things in my book. One is fun, the other is soul-sucking. Hahaha
My husband's pants get hemmed at the cleaners. #sorrynotsorry
Busted!
7. Quilting and sewing are the same
I'm probably entering controversial sewing territory.
But, I sew. I don't quilt. To me, they are different. Quilting uses quilting cotton fabrics. You sew rows of different pieces of coordinating fabrics. Cutting must be precise and it can take many, many hours to complete a quilt. They can be in blanket form, placemats, bags, jackets, etc. You then sandwich the pieced front to a solid back with a layer of batting inside. Then, you stitch rows or swirls on top to keep all the layers together. I have made a few quilted table runners for the holidays. I bring them out and place them on the coffee or kitchen table for the holiday. Then, put them away until next year.
But, to some, quilting is extraordinarily fun!!
I.... love sewing and the process of sewing. Finding that perfect pattern. Looking and touching pretty fabrics for said pattern. Figuring out the fit for your body. Making a muslin, or not.
If you sew a garment, you have something you can use every day. The key term is use. If I spend hours on something, I want to use it. I want to wear it out into the world. I want to show it off!
My mom has made the most beautiful quilts and I hope to get one, someday. I sew. I don't quilt.
Busted!
UPDATE: I made a quilt! And, I liked it. I made two, actually. Shhh, don’t tell anyone.
I'm sure I missed tons of other sewing myths, but these are the top ones I wanted to bust for you.
Please share in the comments below any myths or stereotypes you've encountered.
Thanks for hanging out today and happy myth-busting!
XO,
Annette
Sewing the Bombshell Swimsuit
Sew a 1950s style bombshell swimsuit. It’s easier than you’d think. Closet Core sewing pattern Bombshell swimsuit is beginner-friendly. Let the inner pinup out with this bathing suit.
Love vintage bathing suits but, not the authentic vintage price-tag? Grab this pattern and some swimwear fabric to create a OOAK vintage swimsuit just for you. It's not technically vintage but, it is vintage style which is the next best thing. Amiright?
We've spent plenty of time in our backyard this summer. Sprinklers, popsicles, and slip n slides, takin' it back old school style.
This month started with me participating in the #BRAugust challenge, hosted by Ying from Tailor Made Shop. She has a website, a blog, and an Etsy shop. I purchased bra making kits from her in the past. She is a sewist who creates and sells beautiful things for the lingerie sewing world. Yay for bra making!! Although, for the challenge, I did not make a bra. I opted to make a swimsuit. I've never made a swimsuit and I needed a new challenge.
PDF pattern online. The swimsuit comes in a PDF only. I love the style and have several RTW swimsuits that look the same as View A. I had some mint green lycra and knew I wanted to use it for my new swimsuit. Minty green 50's Bombshell, yes, please!
Okay, so you know the PDF drill: print out the pattern, tape everything together like a madwoman, and cut, cut, cut. Decide on the size you want to cut out first. I went with a size 12 and I had just enough fabric. The measurements were spot on with my body, no need for grading. Yay!
IKEA was sold out of desk legs but, I purchased the tabletops anyway. So, my sewing space was a hot mess. Just ignore all of the scenery behind me in the photo.
Oh, do you see the top I'm wearing? You can read all about that here.
Follow along as I sew a 50s-style swimsuit.
Layout your fabric and place your pattern pieces on top. Be sure to follow the distance of the greatest stretch arrows or DOGS. I cut some pieces with scissors but found the rotary cutter and mat were easier. The fabric is slippery, so choose your favorite method.
I only had one yard of 60" wide fabric so, I couldn't do the ruched backside. I had to make it work with the amount I had. #sewingwin
You'll have to ignore all the wrinkles in every picture. I didn't press them out and I apologize. I'm usually a stickler for getting out the wrinkles. If you squint, you might not be able to see the wrinkles.
Materials Needed
Stretch needles (Yes, you need these)
Polyester thread
Rubber or swimwear elastic- you cannot use regular cotton elastic. It will die in the salt and chlorine water.
Swimwear fabric which is a blend of lycra and spandex. I buy my knits online from Girlcharlee.com. They have a swimwear section coming soon.
Lining fabric (must be swimwear lining)
Set of foam cups (optional)
A sewing machine that can sew zigzag stitches
Serger (optional)
Rotary cutter and mat, scissors, measuring tape, ruler, and all your usual sewing notions
Water-soluble pen
Clips or ballpoint pins for pinning layers together
PDF pattern of the Bombshell bathing suit
Make sure you practice stitching on your serger and or sewing machine first. My differential feed was on, on my serger. Below is a picture of the serger settings I used. I have a Brother Lock 1143DW which I believe is similar to the 1034D. Even if you have this machine, test the stitch on a swatch piece first. Every machine is different. I mainly used my serger but did have to use the sewing machine to make gathering stitches, basting stitches, and to sew on the elastic.
These were my serger settings I used. I’m not a professional, so here’s a photo. LOL
Settings I used to make the Bombshell swimsuit with my serger.
First, you need to make gathering stitches along the sides for the ruching. I opted for the non-ruched backside because I was limited on fabric. You need to make gathering stitches for the front knot area later on. When you do attach the tie knot, make sure you sew it onto the right side of the bathing suit. I did it on the wrong side the first time around and had to unpick it. Face-palm.
Once the front piece and back pieces are sewn together, set them aside.
You will then sew the lining to the front crotch piece. It starts to look more like a swimsuit at this point. Then, sew the 2 crotch pieces together per the instructions.
Clip lining to the crotch piece. Baste. Then zigzag around the whole area.
So far, so good... I ordered rubber elastic and foam cups from Etsy shops and had to wait for those to arrive.
So, I decided to jump ahead and sew what I could until I needed those pieces. I made the straps, darts, and tie knot.
Elastic Time
You put the elastic in the legs partially so that they will be enclosed neatly and discreetly. The recommended zigzag stitch is on the pattern. I tried sewing elastic with my serger once and that was a mess and a half! So, back to my sewing machine for this part.
Measure the leg opening, this will be the length of elastic you cut.
Sew the elastic onto the lining close, but not on the edge for 3". Then, fold over and top stitch an inch or two. Leave the elastic dangling for now. Ignore the purple thread I had in my bobbin. Oops!
Sewing foam cups to your Swimwear
Here's where I went rogue:
I attached a piece of elastic to form a shelf bra. Zigzag over the elastic the length of where you basted the lining to the front crotch piece.
I added the foam cups at this point. I am a little familiar with foam cups in other garments, so I did my own thing. Place them where you want them positioned on the lining and pin. Stitch them onto the lining following their circular or triangular shape, using a zigzag stitch.
Cutaway the excess fabric- you're supposed to do this so the fit is better. And then zigzag over the foam cups again. You don't need to do it a second time, but I wanted to be safe. Ha!
Elastic isn’t stretched as sewn. It’s a 1:1 ratio of elastic and the seam length.
Finishing it up
Onto the next portion of the swimsuit.
Sew the gathering stitches for the knot tie, on the front of the swimsuit. This is barfingly easy. ;-) No photo though, sorry.
Use clips to attach the front to the back pieces matching the notches. I repositioned my clips, to clip the layers together. So many layahs (you gotta say it in a Boston accent).
After that, take the swimsuit and make a sandwich. The instructions are easy enough on the PDF. You stick the back and front together, then swoop the front lining piece up and over. Serge the side seams together. Now is the time to try it on. And, fingers crossed it fits!
Serge the sides together. Make sure to catch all the layers.
Next up, finishing the leg holes. Start at on area where the elastic is dangling and attach it to the edge. There's a math measurement to get the correct stretch on each side. Follow their instructions and you'll be golden.
For the skirt, you will measure a piece of elastic the length from side seam to side seam. Zigzag this on without stretching the elastic. Sewing 1:1 ratio.
Remember 1:1 ratio for elastic.
Next, turn the elastic over and topstitch all around the leg openings and skirt to enclose everything. Start on one side seam and zigzag around the whole opening.
You're almost done!! Woohoo!!!!
Time to sew the sweetheart neckline.
Be sure to get both layers. You can see where I missed an area. Ha! You’re going to fold this over and sew elastic on like the leg holes.
Sew the knot down by stitching in the ditch.
Your View A bombshell should look like this. It's 99% done. We just need to attach the straps. Can I get a Whoop, Whoop!?
Adding Straps
Grab your straps and get ready to zigzag them onto the swimsuit.
I tried my suit on and decided where exactly I wanted my straps to be positioned. Clipped them in place and stitched.
I added a second row of stitches just to be extra cautious. I am not part of the itty bitty... committee. ;-) We don't need any free shows.
Use a medium zigzag stitch.
I added a second row of stitching at the straps. This is completely optional.
Hooray! We're done. See how easy it was to make a swimsuit! I learned a lot along the way and you bet I'm going to make a few more. I have some fun fabrics picked out from a few different Etsy shops. I better get crackin' if I want to parade around in my backyard, in all of them.
I didn't do the halter top straps. I tried on my swimsuit and had my daughter help me mark where I wanted the straps to be attached at the back. I always wear halter strapped swimsuits and they kill my neck after a few hours. So, I was pretty stoked to be able to attach the straps in a criss-cross fashion on the back! Yay for comfort and holdability!!
Crisscross back straps are going to be so much more comfortable. I'm so excited!
Now I just need to find a pool to hang out in. 50's Bombshell style.
Are you going to make a swimsuit or have you ever thought about making one? I think this is right up there with bra-making. It's so fun and a lot easier than you'd think. And... gasp, it might even be cheaper!!
Let me know in the comments below what you think about swimsuit making.
XO,
Annette