Which swimsuit to sew for summer?

If you’re planning to take a dip in the sea or pool this summer, it’s not too late to sew a swimsuit that fits perfectly!

Choosing the right fabric

Swimsuits can be a daunting project when you’re new to sewing. Yet it’s no more complex to sew than any other garment: all you need is the right materials.

As for the sewing machine, proceed in the same way as for jersey, using a special stretch needle and choosing an elastic stitch (zigzag stitch, for example). If you have one, you can also use your serger.

When it comes to yarn, we prefer polyester, which is more resistant and, above all, more suitable than its cotton counterpart.

When it comes to fabric, you’ll need to look at synthetic fabrics such as Lycra or polyamide (mixed with elastane). Of course, you’ll need to choose a bi-stretch knit (i.e. one that stretches in both directions) that contains at least 10% elastane.

The pattern you choose will indicate the rest of the supplies: you’ll often need fine foam for the lining and laminate to maintain the fabric’s elasticity at the seams and prevent the jersey from yawning.

You may also needadjustable nylonrings or straps.

A two-piece swimsuit for tanning

Atelier Adriette’s bikini is ideal for sunbathing, with its neck tie and pretty bows on the hips and chest. It’s a fairly simple model to sew, accessible to beginners who have already tested their sewing machine on a few projects. It’s a no-brainer for first-time swimsuit makers.

To be perfectly on-trend on the square, we can sew it with brown, pale yellow, light blue or terracotta Lycra. But you can also choose a floral print!

An asymmetrical swimsuit for a trendy look

The asymmetrical swimsuit, revealing one shoulder, is very much on trend this year. To reproduce this iconic piece, you can sew the mischievous fabric pattern, Calypso, which combines the bare shoulder with pretty ruffles on the front of the piece. A back seam is provided for a snug fit. That’s one of the advantages of sewing this garment yourself: you can make it fit your shape more harmoniously than a commercial swimsuit!

For a sober look, choose black Lycra. Or play with contrasts by sewing the flounce in white.

The cut-out jersey

Another major trend this year: cut-out swimwear. The principle is that it leaves parts of the skin visible thanks to strategic cut-outs. It is often accompanied by thin straps that run along the back and chest.

To sew a cut-out, you can follow the Bélène Paris pattern. It includes a few technical points, such as sewing spaghetti straps. The icing on the cake: all these steps are explained in a video!

A gathered swimsuit for a vintage touch

This summer, we’ll also be seeing a lot of swimwear featuring gathers around the tummy for a flattering silhouette. A shape reminiscent of the 50s. It’s sure to add a vintage touch to your beach or pool outings.

The Closet Core pattern allows you to sew a one- or two-piece swimsuit with attractive gathers on the tummy and hips. It is designed to cover both front and back.

To keep with the trend, you can choose a floral fabric, which will go very well with this vintage-inspired piece, or a gold lycra.

A swimsuit for children

And let’s not forget the kids, who can also easily sew their own summer swimwear!

For a one-piece swimsuit with pretty ruffles, follow Olita, the Petits d’Om pattern. This pattern is accessible to beginners who want to start sewing with stretch fabrics.

If you’re looking for swim shorts instead, head to the Étoffe Malicieuse website to sew Marin, a model available for ages 2 to 12. It’s also a simple enough model for beginners.

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Have you ever sewn a children’s or adult’s swimsuit?