This is how I feel having made a swimsuit – a self-drafted one that I am this happy to be photographed in, no less. However, I do seem to have lost all of the process photos I took while drafting and making it, so that will have to wait for another time. Sorry!
Having reviewed the swimwear pattern options out there and not feeling any of them, I decided to go the self-drafted route. This honestly isn’t as scary or reckless as it sounds; in fact I think it makes perfect sense for swimwear as you can feel more free to tailor it exactly to your specs.
I designed this costume to suit my body type, ie to draw attention upwards with the strap detailing and minimise the lower half by keeping it less fussy and higher coverage. It’s honestly the most flattering and comfortable suit I’ve ever owned. I based it off an old Topshop suit that I took apart to use as a basic block, but made tons of amends and four toiles to get to this point.
I will share more about the construction in the future, but basically it’s four pieces – front, back and separate cups. It’s fully lined and all the raw edges are encased in fold-over elastic which also forms the straps. The bust cups have deep open-legged darts to create shape, and the elastic does a nice job of keeping everything firmly in place. I know bust support is an issue for lots of sewists planning swimwear – my bust is kind of average sized but I think this style of darted cup works great for it, giving good shape and support without the need for foam cups or underwires.
The FOE strapping crosses over in the back and joins the underbust line in a continuous loop. I’m really glad this came together exactly as it did in my head and feels very supportive without cutting into the shoulders.
I cut the bottoms quite low with plenty of seat coverage. Again the FOE keeps everything snug and I’m sure it’ll stand up to serious swimming just fine. I know there are concerns about FOE degrading in chlorine and salt water over time so I’m interested to see how it fares. Unfortunately there are no beach trips on my horizon for a few months yet so the acid use test will have to wait a bit.
In terms of supplies: the main fabric is from Funki Fabrics, who kindly sent me the fabric for free to try. I’m really pleased with it – it was very easy to work with, the print is sharp and vibrant, and though I haven’t used it in water yet I hope it holds up well. They have a million choices of prints and plain swim lycras so it’s a great choice for UK sewists looking to get into swimwear. The lining is from Fabricland (eye-searing website trigger alert – find it in the Swim/Dance section, it’s called ‘Lining Skin Thin Jersey’) and FOE from Plush Addict.
I’m so happy with how this suit came out that I’m thinking of digitising the pattern and instructions, would anyone be interested? Either way, when I make the next one I’ll at least be sure to take some photos and share some of things I learned along the way.
You little swimwear rockstar! Congrats on an awesome better than rtw swimsuit
Uh, definitely be interested in this pattern! It looks so good on you and I love that FOE. I do not know that much about elastic or jersey, so have never heard of it, but definitely going to try it. LOVE it! X
How awesome do you look?! It looks amazing, clearly you require a trip to the Italian riviera in the name of research and development….
That would be nice – I do have Barbados to look forward to in a few months…!
Looks amazing and is really flattering! Fantastic!!
Your suit is incredibly stylish! I really like the neckline detail, the way the elastic dips down is really nice.
Your swimsuit is absolutely amazing! So flattering and beautiful! I agree, total rockstar. And a pattern would be very welcome! I have a similar bodytype and I would love to make one (and hopefully look as great!)
Thanks so much. I’d better crack on with the pattern, it would be amazing to see other people wearing it.
Yep. Amazing. So flattering, groovy features AND support? I’m sold. Definitely interested in a pattern/tutorial!
This suit looks amazing on you! I love that fabric choice, too.
Fabulous! it and you look amazing!
Absolutely love this. Gorgeous design. Would definitely be interested in the pattern!
You are officially amazing! I would totally buy this!
Fabulous!
This is absolutely freaking gorgeous. Just…. wow.
This is so awesome! I’m seriously impressed!! Love the lines and it really is super flattering! Great job!!
Absolutely stunning!!!
Great style lines. So smart to design it to focus where you wanted it.
Wow! Seriously love it!!
Would definitely be interested in your drafting process :D
So well done! I can’t believe it is a self drafted pattern! Love the look and fit Yes digitize it!!
***round of applause!!!****
Wow!!! That looks great AND is totally impressive. Drafting your own? Ballsy, but you are right, it totally makes sense! HIp hip, hurray!
Katie!!! This looks amazing!!! You did such a great job and I love love love the cut! Thanks so much for sharing!
Xx
C
Ugh, I love Fabricland but their website is truly the WORST. They do free swatches though, and have come through in an emergency for me, so I’m prepared to look past it though. It’s just such a turnoff!
Love the swimsuit!
Their phone and delivery service is excellent, and it was the only place I could find this thin kind of lining!
It’s gorgeous! I love that little keyhole detail at the bust!
This is fantastic Katie. It fits you so well and is an extremely flattering style.
super impressed that you drafted this yourself! i love the low back with the crossing straps, and the neckline is gorgeous. the look suits you perfectly! great job!
Bravo! It looks great! I would love this pattern, it looks right up my street (ie fairly modest on the bottom half but still modern looking).
Bloody brilliant! Love the fact that you drafted your own suit and it flatters your body shape really well. Lovely detailing at the bust, graceful lines that (as you mentioned) showcases your top half with comfortable leg / bum coverage too.
The black strap detailing reminds me of your fab Centauree dress ; )
You definitely need to book a beach holiday purely just to show this classy-cosie off!
Your swimsuit looks terrific and the way you modeled it shows real style…I wish I was younger & could wear something like that!
Thank you so much. I think there’s a perfect swimmie out there for everyone!
Love this so much. I’m really impressed by your drafting skills!
You are fabulous. That is all. Actually no wait that is not all. I couldn’t love this suit more. It’s flattering, got good lines, great fabric and I’m really really hoping that you are thinking about releasing it as a pattern…..?!
Thinking about it! Thanks x
I would LOVE if you digitized this! It’s really amazing—you did an incredible job. The fabric’s great too! Also, we have a chain called Fabricland in Canada and for a second I thought maybe I was wrong this whole time and you didn’t actually live in the UK, but turns out there’s more than one Fabricland with a terrible website, hurray!
Thank you. Ha, how funny that there’s TWO of them. The bad website is a bit legendary these days, I almost hope they don’t change it ever.
Oh my word – you drafted your own swimsuit??? Amazing! How incredibly clever and you’ve produced such an awesome cozzie!! Hats off to you lady, this is incredible and how fab to know you’ve created it from scratch
Gorgeous! Oh yes please to digital awesomeness. Imitation IS the best form of flattery, isn’t it?
I’d love to see an army of these out there!
Wow, totally amazing swimming costume! I love it, the fabric is awesome too! Brilliant!
This suit kicks ass! All your hard work was so worth it.
You are so flipping clever Katie! This is a gorgeous swimsuit, I really love how you’ve crossed over the strapping and created some bust support
I would love this pattern, gorgeous swimming costume, I want one!!
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Wow Katie, so impressed as always and you look amazing! It looks like it would be a great suit for actually swimming in, as well as sun lounging drink in hand :)
Katie, this looks amazing! Well done for creating your perfect swimsuit. It really suits you and I love the fabric. Swimsuits definitely fall into the category of “things I’d never consider sewing” mainly because my shape is so top heavy I need serious reinforcements up there! But I am in awe of your garment. It’s fab.
Wow, Katie, this is majorly impressive! The cozzie is gorgeous.
Love the suit. Really lovely pattern. Would like one just like. Where did you get your fabric, I love the design?
so very cool. You look great!