[miss_sonja]

And yes please to a swimsuit pattern. I see a package with one piece girls, two piece girls and boys shorts that could double as girls board shorts:-)

[Violaisabelle]

I have made a few swimsuits over the years. Things to consider are the types of fabrics you want to use, stretch or woven, and if you will be in pools or salt water. Trying to stay on top of the latest fabrics is not easy! I found this one site that gives a bit of information regarding some of the stretch fabrics and it was written in 2013, so fairly recent http://www.swim2000.com/blog/2013/11/polyester-vs-lycra-how-to-choose-the-perfect-swimsuit/. I have only made one piece swimsuits. For a teen aged daughter, you will want to make sure you at least line the front of the suit. Depending on where she is in development stage, you may want to add a shelf bra, which is very easy to do.

When I have made my daughter’s suits, I have made them ‘all in one’. I use a long short, out of a swimming Lycra/spandex fabric, then I attach that, with a skirt made out of similar fabric or supplex, and I attach that to the top portion of the suit, made again out of Lycra/spandex. Basically it looks like a swimdress with shorts, but it’s all attached. That way, the top does not ride up and allows the child to swim without pulling down, tugging at, etc. I make sure that the top portion of the suit is scooped deep enough at the neckline to allow for the suit to be pulled down over shoulders and hips, but that the scoop is not too deep to expose much skin to the sun. I will often times add sleeves or fluted sleeves as well.

You will want to use chlorine treated elastic to help the elastic last longer, especially if you are in chlorinated pools. As to needle, that will depend on which fabrics you choose.

If you are using (Lycra/spandex) type fabric, you will want to take into consideration, ‘negative ease’.

Since we are talking about children’s patterns, I guess we can skip chatting about powernet fabric, underwires and cups. 🙂

I am sure, Liesl, a swimwear pattern would be wonderful! Perhaps a diaper/swimmer would be nice to include. 🙂

[Jillls]

https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/58801344@N06/14044333200/

https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/58801344@N06/8978229665/

I like Jalie and Kwik Sew patterns. I use nylon/Lycra and it is really isn’t that hard to sew with. Very stable for a knit. A double needle is nice for topstiching. I would love an Oliver and S swimsuit pattern!

[brenda1652]

I have fabric for a tankini for our resident 8 yr old using the popover sundress pattern for the top. Has anyone used fold over elastic (FOE) for swimsuit binding and straps ?

[meleliza]

Yes, I would try that. Girls or boys. I certainly wouldn’t try it with any other pattern for the first time. But I think finding fabrics would be a huge challenge.

[JohannaO]

Brenda, I’ve heard that FOE will hold up for a swim season, but will start to break down after a year in the chlorine. ]

Liesl, YES to a swimsuit. We live in ours in the summer.

[Sarvi]

I would love to find more suppliers for that funky fabric that UV-protective that swimsuits sometimes have as liners (at least, i think it’s the lining, rather than the main fabric, that provides the protection). We have a longish swimsuit season and strong sun and I’d love to have some more coverage options.

[brenda1652]

Sarvi: the Chez Ami swimsuit fabric, tactel, has a uv rating of 50+ (the info was in their ready made swimsuit retail area). It is a really nice fabric, just bought some, arrived faster than lightening. Remember, you need to order in 2 yr increments, but the prices are still better than other sources with good quality. Thanks JohannaO for the info, think I’ll pass on the FOE.

[Sarvi]

Great tip, I didn’t know that — thank you!