Sewing a 1950s Swimsuit Dress + Try-On (Vintage McCall’s Pattern 3654)

[@CindyLeaux]

A little note + tips 💕 I want to thank you guys so much for giving me super helpful tips on how to sew stretchy fabric. Here are the top tips I received: 1. Use a stretch or ballpoint needle. Such a great tip! I used a stretch needle here and I absolutely loved how smoothly it sewed thru the fabric! 2. Practice first. I practiced stitching on a little scrap beforehand and thank goodness. It really helped me to decide the tension, stitch, etc. 3. Try a Zig zag or lightning stitch. I didn’t see the lightning stitch on my machine but I tried both zig zag and straight stitch. For this particular fabric, the zig zag was leaving larger holes for some reason? So, I went with the straight stitch and it held up great! As a beginner, the # 1 tip I would personally give is to baste before you go to the machine. Although I’m very slow at hand-sewing it’s totally worth it. If you ever work with stretchy fabric and it wiggles away from you at the machine, try basting beforehand instead and it will be like a dream to work with! I really appreciate all the tips you guys gave. It helped me a lot! And I hope in sharing these tips this may help anyone else who’s learning. Thanks for watching and I’ll see you in the next video! ❤️ Xoxo, Cindy Leaux

[@dianayavetz6286]

I used to make all my clothes in the 1960’s. Just watching you iron the pattern and listening to scissors cutting makes me happy. Your fabric design is beautiful. Keep making videos please. I find them relaxing and fun to watch.

[@CindyLeaux]

I’m so glad it makes you happy. That means so much to me. Thank you 🙏❤️🥰

[@LeahGratiot]

I started sewing at the age of 9 in 1968. I have to agree! Keep making these wonderful videos! ❤

[@NeoTifa]

boning? zippers? in a swimsuit? man the 50s were wild lmao. also love the bow in the center of the bow lol

[@CindyLeaux]

lol! yep, i love how vintage sewing keeps us snatched for every activity 🤣

[@Angeldust3005]

Omg i need to make this i have absolutely 0 sewing experience and confidence but i need it

[@michellecollins-betz736]

Pretty in pink, using a rotary cutter can be scary but it gives you sharper and neater lines when you're cutting your fabric. Well done ❤

[@CindyLeaux]

thank you so much! i really need to get used it. there’s an ergonomic rotary cutter from wawak that i have my eye on to try 💕

[@elizabethsloan3192]

Try cutting away from yourself with rotary cutter.

[@angelaboncore3132]

Such a cute 50's bathing suit. I couldn't sew a pattern to save my live but enjoy watching others at their craft. I also enjoy watching your sewing videos.

[@CindyLeaux]

I’m so glad you enjoy. Thank you for being here! 🙏🥰🥹

[@MoiAujourdhui]

What a lovely swim suit! I’d never thought of making one, though that’s probably the only way to get one that I like. :) Something for my dream sewing list.

[@CindyLeaux]

So true! How wonderful is it that if we can’t find it we can make it?! Sewing is such a gift! Thank you for your kind words 🥰

[@faeeryn599]

Besides being the cutest swimsuit in the whole world is a masterpiece 💕🫶 All the pattern matching and the work you put into it really shows. Thanks for sharing your sewing with us💖, every video feels like walking through a dream while awake. So beautiful and peaceful 💓

[@CindyLeaux]

Ahh thank you so so much!! I’m so happy I get to sew with you guys it truly makes my heart full 🥹🥰❤️

[@MsSavvy9]

👋🏽👋🏽 I'm new here! Your captions and hand dancing make me giggle. The bobbin almost running out and then ratting up on the refill is so relatable.

[@CindyLeaux]

Lol! Yay! Welcome to the sewing circle. I’m so happy you’re here 🥰

[@ltbp1]

This is so devine!! Absolutely adorable!

[@CindyLeaux]

Aw thank you so much! 🥰

[@GrandmaK-px3kk]

I loved watching you sew this beautiful, modest swimsuit. It fit you perfectly! I so love your “happy dance” with your hands. I can feel your happiness through them. The unhurried and gentle videos are so refreshing and relaxing. Keep up the good work!

[@CindyLeaux]

I’m so glad that you’re enjoying and thank you so much for your encouragement! It truly means a lot to me. 🥹❤️

[@jensewsvintage]

this fabric pattern was such a cute choice for this pattern ! well excecuted Cindy ❤🎉

[@CindyLeaux]

thank you so much!! 🥰🙏❤️ i hope your summer projects are going well! can’t wait for your next video!

[@quiarabrown8050]

Hey Cindy another beautiful project! 💖I have to say what I admire most about watching you sew is your patience and precision. loved how everything matches so nicely. Congrats on the sponsorship can't wait to hear about it.

[@CindyLeaux]

Thank you so much!! That means a lot to me. 🥹❤️ How is your 1940s tennis outfit coming along? It’s going to be a beautiful Summer. I hope you get a chance to enjoy it!

[@quiarabrown8050]

@@CindyLeaux Thanks for asking... there was trouble in the drafting area 🙄the muslin came out 5 sizes too big😞 but I'm back at it this weekend ! and also you too hope you have fun swimming!

[@CindyLeaux]

oh wow! i hope things will get better for you. sending good sewing vibes lol 🪄✨

[@daisygriffith5140]

Cindy I love you videos soooooo much! I like to watch then while I sew too! Going along with the summer season, you should sew a two piece gingham set!

[@CindyLeaux]

Oh yay!! I love that we get to sew together haha! And I love 2 piece sets from the 50s. Will have to look into some patterns! 🥰😍

[@AWDTerry]

Omg this video was one of my favorites! Im always so excited when I see a new video from you. Congratulations on your sponsorship and I can’t wait to see what you sew next time!

[@CindyLeaux]

Ahhh thank you so much!! I’m so grateful it helps me to keep making more videos lol Hope you are doing well! 🥰❤️

[@thomascurb9006]

So cute! 🥺 I like "girl leg"one piece swimsuits. That vintage style that's straight in front and cup you in the back.

[@CindyLeaux]

oh yes! that’s like the one marilyn monroe wears in “how to marry a millionaire.” ❤️

[@jayatkinson1152]

Absolutely stunning, Cindy... I adore this xxx

[@CindyLeaux]

Thank you so much! 🥰🙏❤️

[@jackielowery119]

That is fabulous!!!! It is so stinking cute on you!!! Keep up the good work and videos, I just adore you ❤️❤️

[@CindyLeaux]

Aww thank you so much!! 🥹 I so appreciate you being here 🥰❤️

[@caroline0515]

I think that is the cutest swimming costume I have ever seen. The fabric is sweet and it looks amazing on you!

[@CindyLeaux]

ahh thank you so much!! 🥹❤️

[@taylors5145]

Another gorgeous make! In design school we learned to cut our notches with a simple snip like you do, and I’ve done them that way ever since. Never causes me any issues.

[@CindyLeaux]

Thank you so much! That’s cool to know the “snip” is approved by fashion school lol 🥰

[@dorishodge4451]

Oh, I just love your videos! I don't sew, although I so wanted to learn. I bought a machine and took a few lessons about 20 yrs ago. But the only people I know that sew only do quilting and I really wanted to do patterns and some home decor. So I sort of put it down since I didn’t have anyone to fine tune what little I had learned and help me improve. But what little sewing I did allows me to realize how skilled you are. I so enjoy watching you make these beautiful clothes. And I like that you modeled this bathing suit. I watched some older videos in which you made some dresses. I hope you will model your creations in the future. Again, I love these videos!

[@CindyLeaux]

Thank you so much! I so appreciate you watching and am glad you enjoy! Do you think you’ll ever take up sewing again? I understand how hard it can be bc I don’t have friends irl that sew clothes either. But everyone in the vintage sewing community online is so lovely. You’ll find a lot of encouragement here!❤️

[@kd1841]

I cut notches the exact same way you do and have been doing so for 30 yrs. :o) You did an awesome job! Sew Cute!!! 😜

[@CindyLeaux]

ahh that’s awesome. thank you so much!! 🥰🙏

[@AmberleaMelloul]

Cindy, this swimsuit turned out just darling! Bows are my weakness 🎀 Can you tell us how you went about designing your own fabric? It’s such a cute design.

[@CindyLeaux]

Thank you so much! I printed my design with @Spoonflower. Basically you just upload your artwork to their site, choose the fabric you want and they print and ship it to you. The fabric I chose was their 56” wide Sport Lycra. I absolutely love the quality of it. Makes me want to get creative and sew more swimsuits haha 🥰

[@Urlocalswiftie1989]

Oh my gosh!!! This is sooooo pretty!!! I’m actually obsessed!

[@CindyLeaux]

Thank you so much!!! 🥹💕

[@tammyslash7251]

Fantastic work. So fun to watch❤

[@CindyLeaux]

Thank you so much! ❤️🥰💕

[@beckymarchbank9512]

Sew cute! Very well done and fun to watch!

[@CindyLeaux]

Haha thank you ✨sew✨ much!! 🥰❤️

[@chloecalloway1428]

I especially loved to watch how you lined up the print before cutting the pieces where the side seams meet. Very clever!

[@CindyLeaux]

Thanks so much! 🥰❤️

[@kindalegendary-mh4wk]

turned out so cute! love the fabric you picked

[@CindyLeaux]

Thank you!! 🙏🥰❤️❤️❤️

[@kckazcoll1]

just adorable! 😍

[@CindyLeaux]

ahh thank you so much! 🥹💕

[@bowtiebetty820]

Your gentle confidence with fabric is inspiring to me. Another beautiful garment created, another triumph, many congrats ❤

[@CindyLeaux]

Thank you so much! I always appreciate your kindness 🥰🙏

[@2FullMoons]

The fabric is so sweet and you did such a nice job matching the design and having it be symmetrical when cutting and sewing!

[@CindyLeaux]

Thank you so so much!! It was fun to really work at it and try to figure out. I was so overjoyed to finally get it right. I love your pfp btw 🥰

[@purpletiger2778]

thanks so much for doing a bathing suit! I want to make one for my vacation next fall and have been really scared to work with this type of fabric on a suing machine and not a serger.

[@CindyLeaux]

You can do it! I was the same ~ so scared and no serger lol but I got a lot of great tips from the sewing community that made swim fabric a dream to work with. I pinned them to these comments in case you need any tips. Cheering you on! 🥰❤️🙏

[@SewHealthyWithDiane]

So pretty and so fun!❤

[@CindyLeaux]

thank you!! 💕💕

[@Fly-v3s]

Esse resultado final ficou absolutamente perfeito ❤❤😍👏👏👏👏

[@CindyLeaux]

Thank you so much! 🥰🙏

[@SILLYLILCRUM]

so excited to see this! your videos inspire, satisfy, and impress me. keep up the good work!!!😁🤩

[@CindyLeaux]

Wow you’re so kind. Thank you so much!! 🥹🥰❤️

[@kathleenburns7065]

Personally I don’t cut the notches just because for the longest time I didn’t know what they were for lol, now I still don’t cut them because it’s mainly a habit to not do so at this point but I do mark them on my fabric with either pen or pencil so I can have them for a guide. I personally wear a bikini style with a halter top and short style bottoms, any other style is uncomfortable for me lol. This however is so cute, normally I don’t care for pink but I think it suits the ribbons and bows so perfectly on the design! It’s giving ballerina at the beach vibes which is so cute.

[@CindyLeaux]

awww thank u so much!! pink is my favorite color but i totally get that it’s not for everyone lol. do you have a long torso? i’ve found that off-the-rack one pieces were always uncomfortable for me bc they were too short for my long torso. i like your idea of marking the notches instead of snipping them. that could come in handy someday. thank you for sharing! 🫶❤️

[@kathleenburns7065]

@@CindyLeaux your welcome! 🤗 I do really enjoy your videos and I love seeing what you’re making! I actually do have a long torso so it was always fun trying together my dance costumes and leotards to fit me, lots of work done to make them fit lol. So typically I wear bikinis👙 now, but I do have some old one piece suits from when I was on a competitive swim team that I got from a speciality swim shop that fit well because I could find one to fit my torso. There pretty old now so the elastic on the leg holes is getting a bit stretched out might have to try sewing some new elastic in. I’ve started sewing vintage now myself and I am making some beach/resort wear for some cute summer outfits.

[@thedinabrooks]

Beautiful

[@CindyLeaux]

Thank you 🙏🥰

[@sewcute_sewvintage]

I love your videos 💗 Do you have a spoon flower shop with this fabric print available? Or do you have links? I noticed it's the same sweet design you used for your hams

[@CindyLeaux]

Thank you so much! 🙏 I am currently working on that and will share once I do. I really appreciate you asking 🥰

[@nettaX5]

Very cool

[@CindyLeaux]

thank you 🥰

[@fallenangel1049]

Don’t forget the ball point pins for knits and you can change width of zigzag stitch

[@CindyLeaux]

Oh yes, I noticed that there’s a difference between stretch & ball point. I’ve yet to try knits. Maybe in the winter time lol

[@fallenangel1049]

I would still stick w scissors, but they do have a rotary cutter w a smaller blade and thats the one I would go with, plus if you use a rotary cutter you can find a plastic see thru ruler, they have clear that are about 1/2 in wide. Maybe Fat Quarter Shop will have one you could use and they could have the rotary cutter also….you make beautiful vintage clothes

[@CindyLeaux]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your helpful tips 🥰❤️

[@kittychanko3988]

Hey Cindy, this is a more random question but I've also been sewing and learning for a couple of months and I was wondering what's the best way to smooth hems? Mine are always puckering and turning out so ugly on my skirts and there aren't really any helpful videos. I especially have this problem with satin

[@CindyLeaux]

If there are any other sewing enthusiasts that see your question, I hope they’ll chime in too ❤️ The first thought that came to mind is pressing. Have you been pressing with lots of steam then using a wooden clapper? That combo is supposed to work super well. If you’re talking about a curved hem like a circle skirt, I saw a TikTok where a girl ran a gathering stitch, pulled it a wee bit then sewed and pressed and it was *chef’s kiss* haha. @corneliusquiring has a great video on the curved hem. I hope you’re having a blast learning to sew! 🙏🥰

[@ireymm]

I LOOOOOOOOOOOVEEEEEEEEEEEE IIIIIIIIIIIIT OOOOOOOOMGGGGGGGGGGGG

[@CindyLeaux]

TYSMMMMMMMM 🥹🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@birdwatermelon9998]

I've been waiting for your new video! Your Sewing video has been very helpful to my sleep lately. I just wanted to say thank you... So.... Please take your video diligently more ! lol just kidding. Thank you always!

[@CindyLeaux]

lol! that’s always one of my favorite compliments, that the videos are helping others to relax so much they float off to dreamland. i’m so happy to help. thank you for watching (and sleeping, lol)! ☁️😴✨🌙💕

[@ambersloan7146]

Swimsuit fabric terrifies me! I really struggle with stretchy materials

[@CindyLeaux]

Omg same 🥲 I was like what have I gotten myself into this time lol But after working with this fabric now I love it. Stretch fabric literally stretches to your body which is so reassuring! My top tip would be to baste everything before you stitch. I was also told to use a stretch needle & zig zag stitch. Maybe others can chime in with their tips too. Anyway, once you get thru the fear of it, it really is fun to work with 🥰❤️

[@bequempublishing9509]

This was fun and interesting and different ... and great that we saw it in action! I've watched a few of your videos now and this is the first time I've seen it being worn, so thank you. But while I understand the need for a double lining, doesn't all that fabric make it heavy to swim in?

[@CindyLeaux]

Thank you so much for watching! There’s no heaviness when swimming, perhaps because each individual fabric is so light weight. Funny enough, when sewing all the layers together I never thought about the possibility of heaviness 😅 Thank goodness it worked out, lol!

[@SS-mk1rq]

Good morning. I just discovered you. ❤ i was wondering if you can share what sre you wearing on your arms? Fur cuffs? Did you make them ? I love them ! ❤

[@CindyLeaux]

thank you so much! i’m wearing my 1960s dressing gown. it’s made of nylon and has a marabou trim. i plan on making my own & sharing of video of it very very soon! 🥰❤️🫶

[@SS-mk1rq]

❤❤​@@CindyLeaux

[@BetterYouBetterLifeLLC]

I have been looking for that exact pattern. I’ve only found it as a digital and they only had it in a bust 31. Where did you get your pattern? You did a marvelous job at putting it together and it fit you perfectly.

[@CindyLeaux]

thank you so much! my bestfriend actually got me this pattern as a gift. i’ve looked everywhere to see about getting another size so i can make one for my mom, but i haven’t found one yet either. sending good energy your way. i hope the pattern finds you in your perfect size soon! ✨

[@BetterYouBetterLifeLLC]

@@CindyLeaux Thanks and same to you. If I do find one, I’ll let you know because I can trace the pattern onto pattern paper.

[@CindyLeaux]

That’s so thoughtful of you! I’ll comeback to this thread & let you know if I find one as well! 🥰

[@МаргаритаТэтчерова]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@CindyLeaux]

🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@thayslenamartinez3215]

Beautiful 😊😊 21:19

[@CindyLeaux]

Thank you so much 🙏❤️🥰

[@CatDeMeow]

I cant wait! Where did you find the fabric?

[@CindyLeaux]

Yay!! I actually designed it myself 🥰

[@CatDeMeow]

@@CindyLeaux ❤️

[@Whiteman101]

Would u be willing to sell this or another?

[@CindyLeaux]

Thanks for asking! Perhaps someday I will but not yet.

[@wanda6188]

How do you even learn how to do this

[@CindyLeaux]

You could learn thru vintage sewing books, online classes, local groups, etc. We all learn differently and at different paces, so really you’d just have to research what’s the best way to learn for you. 💕

[@roseykitten798]

For me it was a lot of "thats cute! I can do that!....wait how do I do that" and unpicking seams because of all my mistakes. But mistakes will happen, and they're good because they provide a learning opportunity. When you're just starting out, it can really help to look for secondhand bedding or curtains at thrift stores for yardage of fabric. We found a specific fabric reuse store an hour from us that does even extra savings sales a lot.

[@valeriacruise8229]

Could I ask how you get the stretch fabric not to create a lettuce hem? I have the same sewing machine and cannot sew stretch nor swim do to this. 🥲

[@CindyLeaux]

ohh no there shouldn’t be a lettuce hem. are you using polyester thread & a stretch needle? i also basted a lot so it went smoothly. and if it still won’t lie flat, i might try pressing it flat but make sure you use a good pressing cloth over it to protect it. those are all of the things i can think of that might help 😅

[@valeriacruise8229]

@@CindyLeaux I’ve tried using polyester thread and a ballpoint needle but may try the stretch needle 🥹 could I ask what your tension and other settings are (stretch only)? Thank you again for your help 🤍 Your work is gorgeous!

[@CindyLeaux]

@valeriacruise8229 tysm! 🥰 i believe ballpoint needles are more for knits whereas stretch needles are more for swimwear. so ya i’d try a stretch needle and see how you like it. my tension was on “4” but it will depend on your specific fabric. i would practice on a bit of scrap fabric to see if making new adjustments here & there will help. with a few little experiments it should eventually work out for you. hope this helped and you have fun sewing! 🥰🫶❤️

[@sandrashort1221]

Yes! WAWAK. Their website has lots of supply information that is not in the catalog. Discription of needle sizing, different uses of threads, how to use interfacings and more. I have taken screen shots of this information and placed in my "Tools" folder. Their YKK zippers are the best and much lower in price than fabric stores. As for rotary cutter. Always use a sharp blade, especialy on swim suit fabric. I have had no success with the 'do it yourself' rotary blade Sharpeners. Also the "Easy Action Fiskars scissors lay flat on the table preventing lifting of pattern and fabric. I have Arthritic hands (65 years of sewing) and those scissor are great. Not very good for heavy material, my KAI is for that.

[@CindyLeaux]

Thank you for sharing! It’s awesome to hear that you know about WAWAK! You’re right they have amazing prices, great sales and their shipping is super fast. I’m so happy to be able to share them in a future video. I really do need to look into getting a better rotary cutter and those scissors that lay flat. Sounds like they would be a dream to cut fabric with!