A Fabulous Retro Swimsuit 🩱 Sew With Me

[@NomadicElfling]

For that finishing stitch you used - there’s a foot that’s called an “overcasting foot” that makes it so much easier to keep the stitching lined up with the edge of the fabric. it’s not necessary, but it does make things easier if you do something with that stitch in the future

[@gothempress]

Two different methods you could use to finish the inside seams. Sew the lining and fashion fabric right sides facing each other, leaving about an inch on say a side seam open so you can turn the project right sides facing out and hand finish the opening with a ladder stitch. The 2nd method, and one I would personally do for activewear, is make your seam allowance larger than the pattern called for (I'd recommend at least 1/2 inch) and do French seams. Sew fabric WRONG sides together, trim only one of the layers down to 1/4 inch, turn fabric so RIGHT sides are facing each other, sew 1/4 inch seam. It encases the edges and is much stronger of a stitch.

[@sarahlarson8335]

You're willingness to try new projects and take risks with your sewing is inspirational. Watching you make a gorgeous swimsuit as your first use of stretch fabric is great encouragement for me to start working with any stretch material.

[@seamsuneven7824]

That looks amazing on you! The fabric doesn't fray so you don't have to worry about that. Wonderful job! Well done.

[@gaild5305]

I place tissue paper underneath my swim fabric when sewing and sew straight through all 3 layers. Then when you are done you can just tear the tissue paper off. It is so helpful with keeping the seam more stabilized and less wobbly

[@MariaHellerDesigns]

I used to do that too in the beginning. Now just got accustomed to how the fabrics stretch so I don't use it anymore.

[@liesbethverhaeghe8252]

Sew the lining together and sew the suit, then attach them to eachother and leave a turninghole. Now your seams arent exposed😉 btw love the style might try it to.

[@xfallenxlostx3254]

It’s really cute! The shape of the cups doesn’t look strange to those of us looking at it, but I can imagine looking down (and also looking at yourself) they may seem a little strange to you.

[@glamourdaze]

What a lovely job. Very retro swimsuity ! The colors, the fabric choice, everything

[@flowermagnolia4551]

Omg I love your content

[@debbiel7736]

I agree with Kelly. I use an overcasting stitch and foot for attaching lining and if material wants to shred. It does give the look of a serger, just takes a little longer. Swimwear is very hard to sew, you did a lovely job. besides the regular overcast stitch, there is an overcasting stitch that also sews a line while overcasting. I like that you try to learn new techniques as you move along with your sewing journey. And you do your homework before you start.....you had me at "ballpoint needle". :)

[@soma24jp]

I would definitely agree with using a walking foot(it's like having feed dogs on the top and bottom!) And sewing the lining separate and then sewing both parts together so your edges are on the inside.

[@sewscience]

I love my walking foot so much! I use it for almost all stretch work that I do. It helps to keep seams from getting all wobbly

[@CookieScrat]

It... It had never occured to me that one could make their own swimwear. I mean, I've seen people knit some victorian/early 20th century swimsuits, but for some reason I never realized that you could just buy "regular" swimsuit fabric and make your own lol, I feel like I just realized the answers to the deepest questions of the universe x) I do love the look of this swimsuit!

[@meishadressler3357]

I love retro dress styled vintage skirts! What a joy to see it assembled! This looks so classy on you!

[@catherinelevison3310]

Yes, I’ve made swimwear. A pattern you may be interested in is the Folkwear Vintage Bathing Costume, #253. I sewed it using a dark blue with a tiny black detail, in cotton. I love it because I can wear it anywhere and machine wash and dry it. I also purchased a skirted swimsuit made with in dark blue with white dots when I was a newlywed in my 20’s. I loved it even though you would have thought it would have been such a drastic change from a bikini, it wasn’t. Very flattering to cover up just a little. You look great.

[@Hevynly1]

That's beautiful! I love the fabric you chose too! For what it's worth, I have a number of vintage bathing suits from the 40s and 50s and they have exposed seam allowances inside too.

[@ceslestrialfairy]

Sewing spandex takes some practice, a lot of practice! I work in a ballet wardrobe so the amount of spandex I sew is crazy and Im still learning new tips and tricks every time I sew it! Also for the elastic, the easiest way to do leg elastic is to make a casing with a zig zag, and pull through the elastic( use a woven swim elastic) from the crotch toward the back. so the gathering is around the butt and not the crotch) Swim material/spandex doesn't necessarily fray and while we do serge everything, before sergers we often just zig things together and don't bother finishing seams. Though I do understand the wanting to finish them for pretty ness, but it should last a while!

[@alexandragatto]

Looks great Lucy! For those without sewing talent or inclination I'd also like to give a shout-out to authentic vintage swimsuits. Many can be found for a reasonable price on Etsy, often even for less than you'd pay for a mid-range new swimsuit! I just bought a GORGEOUS 1960's suit from AlchemillaMercantile on Etsy and I'm OVER THE MOON... She has a metal zipper, adjustable buttons on the straps, boned cups - that kind of craftsmanship you just can't find anymore. In perfect condition! It's worth a browse, anyway - just check your measurements before ordering and ask for the stretched measurements if you're unsure!

[@jo-annebotha9609]

You are such an inspiration! I would never think of making my own swimwear. It looks lovely. Make a little sarong skirt with the leftover fabric if there's enough.

[@jeaniesf84833]

It turned out fantastic, love the style. I haven't ventured to stretch wear yet, still working on my way up to that.

[@jsmommy9804]

Super cute :) I love that you're willing to leave your comfort zone and make things you don't normally do. I can't sew a pattern to save my life lol I agree with someone else, sew the lining, and the shell separately and then sewing right sides together to hide the seams inside and not on your skin.

[@x1435]

It looks great! I've always loved the short skirt/shorts look with a more "modest" midsection. I know how you feel about the exposed seams. If I'm going to put in the effort to make a garment, I'm going to finish the seams.

[@Loepsie]

Yeah, it's a bit of a bummer to have the seams looking like this :( Feels like I didn't put in the effort

[@x1435]

@@Loepsie But now you know to add additional seam allowance next time! Or try a different pattern. It was only your first try at swimwear after all :)

[@DylanDragonfly]

It came out looking gorgeous!

[@stone.durfey5862]

Well done dear...looks perfect .I used a tennis dress pattern for a swim suit...with matching bottoms. Made 2...a cream background with strawberry s in red. And a green print for the other.

[@CryssLovesMusic]

I just love this entire look, the red lip, side bun! and the suit turned out lovely! 🌻

[@raviprajapati9532]

The way you do your things so peacefully.. I loved it. How do you keep yourself soo calm?

[@lydiaperlick9213]

It looks fabulous! For all the costuming I sew, swimwear is one I haven't tried! It came out amazing!

[@Chinarosewolf]

This turned out SUPER CUTE!!! Great job!

[@LaurenJohnson]

It turned out beautifully! Love the retro style!

[@newchapterasmr]

You look so good in it! I wish these were still the norm for beachwear. In my opinion they are much more flattering

[@ellegilyard1348]

I made a swimsuit a couple weeks ago to wear to a work retreat at a cottage on a river. It was a two piece from Seamwork that had a retro look. While I loved the bottoms, I found I didn’t like the ties on the bra top. Plus, the fit of the top was far more revealing on me than the model. That might be because I’m a lot bustier than she was. I’m going to remake the top with a few changes, but it worked for the event.

[@penultimateh766]

Of course having the beauty of a fashion model helps the final outcome.

[@candaceclayton1043]

The best swim suit I ever had was this exact pattern. It looks wonderful

[@ViperBurlesque]

Hahaha, it's so funny that you talk about 1/4" being so small, because I started sewing knitwear/swimwear/etc. with tiny seam allowances like that when I dove into woven materials the 5/8" seam allowance threw me right off because I hated how big it was!

[@ElanorKella]

this is exactly what I want to make for summer. It looks great on you and it also shows how your sewing skills improved

[@nanciumphres9001]

You made a swimsuit! What a great idea! And I love the style you chose

[@munka214]

Such a cute swimsuit. I love retro style ones 😁

[@sophierose8940]

You look like you walked out of a magazine's cover from the 1950s! I recently made myself a swimwear out of a linen fabric. I've always disliked the feel of a wet synthetic fabric against my skin. I highly recommend having a swimsuit made out of a natural fabric, I really love it!

[@Spaceout626]

Beautiful work! I suspect the reason for the unfinished seams is that lycra/knit fabrics don't actually fray at all. They don't have long warp threads to separate from the garment, just lines of loops that will only come apart on really chunky knits. You shouldn't have any problems with the edges over time. You can finish them for aesthetics, but "finishing" seams on knit fabrics is unnecessary. Hope this helps!

[@spicystephz]

This music was perfect for this project! Love your music choices for your vids!

[@blazertundra]

Very cute! One of the first garments I've ever sewed was a self-drafted-ish 1920s swim dress. I copied a nightgown that fit exactly the way I wanted. It had a lot of potential to go wrong, but it turned out pretty good in spite of myself.

[@Ellaodi]

You are braver than me! I bought two this summer because i was so scared to try this! And it looks amazing on you!

[@lindarosenthal6835]

So cute. I agree with your feedback on the finishing. I would have thought it would be better finished inside.

[@melanieovalles5254]

WOW, You have talent girl! I've always wanted to create my own retro bathing suit line!!!

[@debbiesue8207]

You did a nice job! The fabric you used is pretty. :)

[@sallylunamoth5542]

The Swimsuit looks Wonderful Lucy....You look Stunning 🤩💐

[@myqueerplantfamily]

What a classy and flattering swimsuit! 💜❤️💜❤️

[@JelleeASMR]

Love that style. It looks perfect on you!

[@tammymasson2343]

That turned out really beautiful! You look stunning in it! I think the bra cups look quite natural, but that could be because of my own shape. Congrats on a successful project!

[@doriravenwood6819]

That is such a cute swimsuit style. You did a great job!!

[@jetterieck77]

Just cut the inserts out of an old bikini that you don’t wear anymore, or get one second hand! That’s much cheaper and you can always try it on first to see if it fits ok. :)

[@almostgem]

Hi Lucy, Two things, if you are sewing stretch fabrics, look for a quality serger. Makes construction so much easier. Having said that, if you make the lining and the swimsuit separately, you can have the seams covered. using the edges to tie in the lining to the main fabric.(ie. The elastic holds the lining to the fabric) With that construction method, it's usually a good idea to understich the lining seam to reduce bulk. Your suit turned out quite flattering.

[@Anna-pd6dc]

Very impressive, especially for a first stretch fabric! I'm too scared to attempt swimwear

[@DeeDee-tx8dq]

What a lovely swimsuit!

[@merindymorgenson3184]

This is so cute! It’s funny because I just bought a swimsuit pattern because my sizing is about 2 sizes smaller at the top than at the hips and I have a very short waist, so usual swimsuits sag down at the crotch and the waist sits at my hips. I was hoping that by making one myself I could alter the pattern sufficiently so I get an actual fit. Then I got nervous and didn’t actually order the fabric. This really looks good on you and is very encouraging for my future efforts. Maybe I’ll go ahead and order that fabric to go with my pattern now.

[@Kahrowleen]

Liked before even watching haha, I just totally loved the thumbnail. It turned out so great!

[@avessandra]

That was very helpful, thank you. I am now figuring out, how to get a clean inside, which is quite the task it turns out.

[@Bernergirl2008]

Getting ready to make this pattern. That’s good to know about the inside seams. I do have a serger, but I may see if I can hack the pattern to enclose at least most seams, if not all.

[@ShravaniVallakatla]

It's so gorgeous! And you look lovely😍

[@Jordan-uh9hg]

I really like the gathering only being in the front!

[@heather9206]

i love that style soooo much gorgeous!

[@brokegirlbeauty2929]

I love it! I wish this was an easier project, because my struggle with starting a beginner project is finding something I will actually wear :// I would wear this!!

[@MariaHellerDesigns]

I love how your swimsuit turned out. I personally didn't venture into stretch fabrics yet. I am infatuated with non stretch linens and cottons and wools. I have however bought some stretchy cotton and made some lounge clothes for me and my partner. I like extravagant and fantasy clothes for when I go out or get dressed up but for staying at home and working (which is what I do most times tbh) I prefer functional, minimal clothes with simple patterns and with pockets. So I made a few long sleeved blouses with properly fitted sleeves and proper necklines , a few pairs of pants that are long enough for my legs (I hate the exposed ankles trend) and also a few pairs of undies. But in my experience it took me way too long to make the undies so I would rather buy them from someplace else and sew more exciting things, for myself or for customers. I only bother making my own clothes when I can't find what I am looking for in shops. And unfortunately I am really struggling to find any useful clothes that fit my criteria...

[@sewhappysarahr8912]

It is gorgeous! Great job!

[@adinabeltran2312]

Very cute!

[@AnniCarlsson]

Use cups from a old bra and you can use the wire as well from those

[@MrsKrikit]

That turned out SO CUTE!

[@catherinemarie333]

Yayy its new video I love waking up to your videos! It's like waking up with my best friend. You make me feel better. Thanks girl!!!!

[@-ParisTexas-]

The seams should be in between the lining and the outside. So you should probably make the outside suit and the inside suit and then attach them afterward. Maybe the pattern assumes that you work with an overlock machine? Then you hardly need any seam allowance. It looks great though!

[@nlkeyser]

Omg that suit is super cute!!

[@jasminschroter7272]

i can recommend the swimwear patterns from edgewater avenue. i think all of them come with a video and hidden seams.

[@heteranthera3473]

It looks very cute and suits you well. I am in need of a swimsuit, too, and didn´t think of making it myself. Now I have to look for fabric^^

[@Wingedshadowwolf]

Very nice! It gives me things to think about in my own homemade bathing suit quest. I had a nice fabric I wanted to use, but the pandemic hit before I bought it and it was sold out. Now I'm having a hard time sourcing something similar 😭

[@khayes9591]

You did an amazing job and look beautiful!

[@Emnms68]

I have made a very similar vintage swimsuit, but it is actually kindof like a romper with a dress type thing over it.

[@cathytarapacz]

I have seen the burito method done on this kind of garment which hides all the seems

[@barbielee7523]

A matching wrap skirt would be nice too🌷

[@marineladimitrova4758]

It turned out so beautiful! I love that vintage style and it looks lovely on you! :) I can't sew to save my life, so I can imagine if I tried to do a swimsuit, it would definitely not end well. :D

[@ShivangiP1]

You look like you belong in a magazine! Very chic! Lots of love💕

[@jac_and_the_making_of]

Nice suit! I got half-way through making one for myself, got frustrated and chucked it in the cabbage pile.

[@theresap2920]

It turned out so well for the 1st time making swimwear! Makes me want to start my summer sewing projects 😄 Love the vintage pattern! Also, could you tell a bit about the pros and cons of layered hair and what you prefer sometime? That would be very helpful!

[@alliecat7569]

I made a vintage inspired swimsuit awhile ago. I heard you need to use a ballpoint needle but for some reason my ballpoint needle kept braking😕 so I switched back to my regular needle and it was fine. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Yours turned out super cute by the way!❤️

[@puggirl415]

How cute would it look if you made a tie around skirt to go with it? Of course with espadrilles and a floppy hat. Cute! I could see you making shorts to go with it as well.

[@lizrunge]

Love this series!

[@codsamanta]

I kinda want to learn how to make this just because this style of swimsuit is really hard to find and whenever I found one, they didn't have my size. It looks so pretty, I really want one!

[@admirathoria0073]

I love this style of swimsuit. It looks very 1940ish. If you want to go more modest (or stylish), a sarong skirt would pair well with it.

[@24ntk]

You could try a walking foot, as others have mentioned. Or, if your machine has this adjustment, you could try lowering the feed dogs a bit.

[@MegaBaconLover]

It's so cute!!

[@elizabethlynch6544]

Joann's Fabrics have different bra cups if you want to look there

[@moonymilquetoast]

incredible that your first swimsuit came out so flattering and professional looking! i can never find swimwear that is just right and have always wanted to make my own but i am TERRIFIED of the fabric, especially with my old sewing machine...

[@paulas9098]

If you are going to continue sewing with knits, you should definitely get a walking foot. It will help keep your fabrics from sliding around and it will save your sanity!

[@Ellulellu]

I do hope her machine will fit a walking foot, mine didn't and it was a bummer :/

[@ezzie9167]

If you ever do another Beauty Becon, can you PLEAAASSSEEEEE do Maude Fealy???

[@purelilyx]

I've watched about all of your videos at this point haha! I found you from your hair stylings but I absolutely love this vintage styled swimsuit! x

[@grimmmunro2279]

Very glamorous.x

[@shesaysdisco]

Wow! This swimsuit looks fantastic! The color suits you so well, and I love the little “seed” print. April @coolirpa has a few videos about making swimwear, so I wonder if they might help answer your questions about seams? I don’t sew, but her videos seem easy to understand and follow!

[@Celebrinthal]

Wow, it looks fantastic! I'm making it next year, no doubt!

[@Loepsie]

Such a flattering design 😄

[@Celebrinthal]

@@Loepsie It is! ❤️

[@mauimedows]

Beautiful!!!!

[@nathalieschumann8499]

That look is so classy and beautiful on you! The only thing that I noticed is that it looks like the straps could be a bit shorter. The top seems to be sitting a bit too low on you. Apart from that a gorgeous result.

[@Loepsie]

I think that's because the shape of the stupid cups 😂 They won't fit any higher, but I may have had to sew them lower into the top so that the straps start a bit higher (but then the ruching would've been too high...) Ugh, different cups for sure next time 😝

[@amoryperez1188]

I love this soooo much!

[@Brinta3]

Jij bent zo mooi en leuk, met ook een geweldige style (Zooey Deschanel vibes!). Ik ben jaloers op je man.

[@YenieD13]

I have been so curious to try something like this as where I live it's swimsuit season almost year round, but the swimsuits sold mostly come in sizes that resemble an eye patch.

[@tamaradore6834]

It’s so cute on you!