One Piece Bathing Suit Pattern

Albert Einstein · Joined: 19 Sep 2005 Posts: 121 Location: Pennsylvania

I love the idea of making my own bathing suit, but the only patterns I can find are for bikinis. Does anyone have a link to a one-piece bathing suit pattern? One that I could actually swim in would be awesome.

rratstarr · Joined: 15 Apr 2004 Posts: 92

Stretch N' Sew has three one-piece and one "tankini" suits.

Kwik Sew has several, also.

tosha · Joined: 10 Apr 2005 Posts: 44 Location: California

Another great place to find patterns is on eBay.

I adore vintage patterns - like the one shown in the attached picture. It's from the 1960's and includes a couple of swimsuits and a very groovy orange coverup.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b282/sewtosha/
mc7306.jpg

Just a Hint: When buying older patterns, make sure they are complete and un-cut.

Sewlittletime · Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Posts: 822 Location: Rochester, NY

I love vintage swimsuit patterns too! One thing to note about the vintage ones, is that they use regular non-stretch fabrics, instead of swimwear stretch fabrics..... I'm thinking patterns up thru the 70's. I'm sure there were some type of stretch fabrics that were used in the 70's, but they weren't like the shiny stuff available today.
Anyway, I think it's awesome to be able to choose from a wider selection of fabrics, since the swimwear fabric choices available in the stores aren't usually all that great.
I own one of my mom's late 1950's/early 60's swimsuits. It is a 1-piece, w/ a smocked, tank style bodice, and shorts-style bottoms (not smocked), in a cute teensy pink flower print. It is lined with pink lining fabric. I wish it still fit me, but I've gained way too much weight to fit into it anymore! :(