It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with sewing swimwear! I live in sunny, South Carolina, where I spend all my time outside either at the splash pad or at the beach.
I was so excited when The Fabric Fairy invited me to host their very first sew along! In case you didn’t know, The Fabric Fairy incredible selection of swim and swim supplies, and great customer service. If you ever need help finding coordinates for a project, shoot Megan a quick email and she’ll tell you which fabrics are the best match.
I decided for my first sew along that I wanted to make the new Womens’ Mairin Swimsuit, by Sew A Little Seam, that was released this spring. It has literally dozens and dozens of options: one-piece, tankini, bikini. It has different neckline, strap and leg rise options. It fits women with bust sizes 32”-48”.
THE PATTERN
If you haven’t purchased your Mairin Swimsuit Pattern, you can do so HERE. (Affiliate)
Use the code ‘MAIRIN’ for 15% off the pattern through June 29th!
SEW ALONG
If you’ve never participated in a SEW ALONG, this is how it works:
Starting today, and for the next 4 days, I’ll be posting daily with a step-by-step video on sewing this tankini!
- Day 1: Pattern Options, Materials, Sizing
- Day 2: Cutting Out, Covering Ties
- Day 3: Bodice Construction: Cups/Lining, Neckline Elastic, Back Elastic
- Day 4: Attaching Ties, Loops, Topstitching Elastic
- Day 5: Constructing the Bottoms: Lining, Elastic, Topstitching
As we go along, I encourage you to comment below with any questions you have. I’d love to hear what you’re working on and any trouble spots you run into.
As part of the SAL, there will be a contest in the Facebook Group for a $35 gift card to The Fabric Fairy and a free pattern from Sew A Little Seam. Share all of your pics (fit pics and final pics) so we can motivated and inspire each other.
OPTIONS
For my swimsuit for the SAL, I have made a tankini with the following options:
- Narrow Strap
- Mid-V Neckline
- Halter Open Back (with straps that cross once)
- Low Rise Bottoms (with mid cut legs)
If you want to sew the same options as me, following along will be a piece of cake! If you are making your suit with different options, you will find that the construction techniques used can help you with many of the steps in the instructions.
TODAY IS DAY 1: Pattern Options, Materials, Sizing
This is the day where we go over the info. at the beginning of the pattern, crucial to getting a great garment that fits!
If you’ve never sewn for swim, I wrote a must-read blog post just for YOU! It’s called 10 Best Secrets for Sewing Swimwear. Click now to read, or click and pin for later!
And now, for the sew along video…ENJOY!
Click here for the Mairin Sew Along Day 2.
I love the back on your suit!