Swimsuit Patterns
We are two weeks away from the unofficial start of summer also known as Memorial Day weekend in the United States…. although real summer doesn’t begin until June 21st, the my local pool will be open then and I know the kids will want to go to the pool every day. As usual I will be there in tow with snacks, books, a tote bag, and although the swimsuit I made last year fits, I would like for it to have a underwire bra support. So here are some swimsuits that I have been looking at…. some with underwire bra support and others without.
Butterick B5795 - This swimsuit does have underwire support and interestingly enough it is a plus size pattern with the sizing starting at 18W to 32W. It does have different cup sizes which is great and you don’t have to deal with modifying cup sizes. Looking specifically at View D, it also has a coverup, top. skirt and briefs along with a one piece swimsuit.
Butterick 5795 Line Drawings
Megan Nielsen Cottesloe Swimsuit - Its a one piece and two piece swimsuit pattern, although it doesn’t have an underwire bra support it does have a shelf bra. Sizing is from 0 to 20.. The curve sizing is from 14 to 30.
Megan Nielsen Cottesloe Line Drawings
Vogue V9192 - I’ve had this swimsuit in my stash for quite some time. It is a one piece swimsuit (View C has one strap and gathers on the side and View B has two straps) it also includes a, cover up skirt and bikini with a top and briefs. Looking at the reviews from Sewing Pattern Review’s website it looks like the pattern does have a shelf bra. Would love to try both one piece views of this swimsuit. Especially since I’ve had it for quite some time.
Vogue V9192
Cashmerette Ipswich Swimsuit - I looked at this pattern from Cashmerette and it could be a great pattern however sizing for the cups start at 12 to 28 with cup sizes from C thru H. I would love to take a stab at it but I really don’t want to do a small bust adjustment for this. I’m fairly certain its a great pattern but I will have to take a pass on it. But it could be useful for someone else.
Cashmerette Ipswich Swimsuit Pattern Line Drawings
Closet Core Patterns - Sophie Swimsuit Sizing 0 to 20. The pattern is a one piece swimsuit and also has a bra top with a high waisted briefs. It does have supportive bra cups with underwire. The pattern does have mention of using power net in the center to “hold things in”, which is a plus as far as I’m concerned.
Butterick B4526 - Great swimsuit pattern, in fact this is the pattern I used last year to make my swimsuit. However, it does not have a shelf bra or underwire supports at all. So you are on your own when it comes to this pattern.
I’m also looking into this Out of Print Swimsuit from Lisette, it is not a one piece swimsuit but a two piece with a long tank and high waisted briefs. But it gets great reviews online.
Don’t be afraid of swimsuits, I feel as they are fun to make because you just need a yard of fabric. Remember either 2 way or 4 way stretch just check your swimsuit, you will also need swimsuit elastic, lining fabric or power mesh in my case underwires or foam cups and lastly there are a ton of sew alongs on line. There is a great sew along for Butterick 4526 that explains an easier way to make the swimsuit. Lastly, don't forget that when you are making a swimsuit you need negative ease so it stays in place when you are in the water or dinking that margarita by the water.
As far as swimsuit fabrics go Blue Moon Fabrics has a lot of options for solids along with print swimsuit fabrics in addition they even have some printed lining fabrics that can be a lot of fun. Ordering five swatches is really easy so make sure you get a swatch and pick something fun. Happy Swimsuit sewing!
