Swimwear Sewing Tips: Part 3

Swimwear Sewing Tips: Part 1
Swimwear Sewing Tips: Part 2

I made 2 swimsuits before going on my vacation, and I can proudly say that the suits stood up to 7 pool adventures and still look great.

I do have a few more tips to share with you before my grand reveal. (Pfft, just kidding, scroll down now to see the finished products. )
These are just a few more tips that will hopefully prevent you from making the same mistakes that I did.

Tip #6 - Try not to overlap the elastics as this creates a lump.
Butt the two pieces of elastic together before stitching. This way, you won't have a lump at the leg hole, from where you've overlapped the elastic. Butt the ends of the elastic together, use a small piece of cloth on the underside and zig-zag stitch together. Now stitch/serge onto the waist.

Tip #7 - Use thicker straps for halters.
We survived all those swims with thin spaghetti straps tied behind the neck, but I tell ya, I'm going to switch those straps to thicker ones today. They sure looked uncomfortable being tied like that.

Tip #8 - Lining is optional when making suits for kids
unless you are using very light fabric.
With the busy pattern that I used, the fabric stood up well when wet. I think that when making my own suit, I may line the crotch and bust area, but I will leave out the lining for other kids' suits

Tip#9 - Torso length is Important!!
I learned this the hard way. I think I had read somewhere that when sewing swimwear, torso length is important and this makes the suit fit well.
So, ignoring this important tip, I went ahead making my kid's suits.

Well, it looks as though the suits may not last past next summer as they are even now, a tad small. Oops! Looks like I will be making more swimsuits this summer. Luckily, I have LOTs of fabric leftover, and I'd like to think that I may be getting a little more comfortable with this whole swimwear sewing process.

Well, really that all!

Here's the first one I made. It fits well, but it probably won't make it past fall before it has to go to a new home. (Sorry, seven swims, and I did not think to take pictures)


And here's the second one I made. Similar, but halter style. See what I mean about thicker straps for halter style ties?

Anyway, if you want to see GREAT handmade swimsuits, go check out Dana's and Deborah's, and fall in love!!