April 29, 2014

Tutorial Tuesday :: The 3-in-1 Swimsuit Sewing Tutorial by Cotton + Curls

This is the year for making your own swimsuit!!  I say this because I have been working my way up to this point for a long time as I have never found a easy to follow tutorial that is also flattering for my body type.  With the availability of the right fabrics and machines these days sewing your own suit, and even for your family, is now a snap!   In looking for good tutorials I found this excellent 3 in 1 swimsuit tutorial from Liz Bryson of Cotton + Curls.  This great tutorial includes clear and concise verbal and visual instructions from Liz.  Follow along and you will be proudly sporting your own handmade, perfectly fitted swimsuit in no time!
 Added bonus: there's a peek-a-boo back.

The best part about this tutorial? With just some minor adjustments, the same pattern can produce three different suits- a bikini, a tankini, and a maternity tankini. Versatile patterns like this are my favorite! 
I am in love with the new color blocking trend!  Color blocking adds visual interest to any garment and detracts the eye from not so perfect areas while flattering at the same time.  The very talented seamstress and pattern designer Liesl Gibson from Oliver + S posted a great tutorial on color blocking basics. With these tips and tricks, you'll be able to color block most any sewing pattern.  I can't wait to see what this swimsuit looks like with some of the amazing colors from our new swimsuit solids!
Here are some of my favorite uses of color blocking for swimwear that I have seen.  I am going to work on creating one of my very own!

Nylon spandex prints and solids are perfect for swimwear. We just added a huge selection of solids in so many on trend and very unique colors.

Go with a bit of sparkle with the raschel nylon spandex:
    
Go with smooth matte satin nylon spandex:
    
Or a silky satin nylon spandex with a bit of shimmer:
    
Or a silky matte nylon spandex:
    
And of course lots of lining options:
    
  I think a summer swimsuit sewing contest is in order soon :)

We hope you enjoy this tutorial and please send 1-2 images of any project you make with Girl Charlee Fabrics to gcblog@girlcharlee.com and you might see your creation featured in our next KnitPicks!

Happy sewing!

~ Heather & The Girl Charlee Team

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