For the past couple years I’ve been trying to make myself a swimsuit every year to slowly replace my old RTW ones. This years swimsuit was my one exception to #theyearofslowsewing and not buying any new fabric for myself.
Ever since I first discovered Sew Swimmingly patterns sometime last fall I knew this would be where I’d get my next swim pattern from. I love their fun and feminine designs. I found the instructions to be very clear and they also have a great youtube channel with extra tutorials if you are nervous about swimwear.
I fell in love with this Lola Top pattern from the moment I saw it. I love the under boob ruffles, the simple straps in the back, and the multiple bows. Its so girly and fun! The construction of the top was easy and came together really quickly.
The Sabrina Pants seemed like the perfect companion bottoms. I like that the ties on the sides are bulky so they feel extra secure. Since the Sabrina’s are made to be reversible, and the Lola cups are sewn with a lining, I knew it would be easy to use two fabrics to make the whole suit reversible and have 4 suits in one! I didn’t really have to make any adjustments to the top to make it reversible.
I made a small in both the top and the bottoms and the fit turned out great. I chose the “classic coverage” in the Sabrina pant rather than the “minimal coverage” which is still less coverage than I’m used to but I think they look pretty good and the elastic around the legs keeps them in place alright. The construction for the bottoms was quite simple as well, I like the seamless look and the instructions make it super easy to accomplish.
How could I not choose some Katie Kortman for Spoonflower fabric!? I’ve been having major fomo with all the fun Katie Kortman makes out there so I had to use my one personal fabric purchase of the year to get in on the fun.
I chose the small dash print in green and peach first, and thought the yellow and pink dashes would be a great contrast to mix and match with. I was so happy that Katie decided to offer this print on a smaller scale because I was worried the original larger scale wouldn’t read well on the tiny pieces of a bikini.
I chose the spoon flower sport lycra to print on and I am super happy with the quality of it. It is so perfect for swimwear and even activewear!
Lastly I found some blush pink lycra for the straps to match both sides of the suit. That way which ever side I was wearing I’d still have straps that match!
Watch it in action:
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Pattern: Sew Swimmingly Lola and Sabrina
Fabric: Katie Kortman for Spoonflower Sport Lycra
Notions: 1/4″ elastic
Difficulty: Easy!
Adjustments: None
Finishes: All clean finished with lining for reversibility
Time: 2-3 hrs
Sew it again? I like variety in my swimsuits, so probably won’t make this one again any time soon. I will definitely return to Sew Swimmingly in the future though! I love their newest Brigitte bottoms!
If you want to see more handmade swimsuits, check out last years Celeste Bikini or my mermaid inspired Beverly Bikini.
Have you made your own swimwear!? Do you have any favorite swim pattern companies?
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