I have several small humans in my home. One of these small humans is my daughter. She is a fashionista. She loves to dress up, accessorize and be "fancy".
But she also LOVES to be outside. One of my biggest concerns with her is her fair skin and red hair. She burns like a lobster on the 4th of July.
So I did some research and decided I needed to figure out how to make a rash guard for her. One that is cute, age appropriate and makes her happy.
But she also LOVES to be outside. One of my biggest concerns with her is her fair skin and red hair. She burns like a lobster on the 4th of July.
So I did some research and decided I needed to figure out how to make a rash guard for her. One that is cute, age appropriate and makes her happy.
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That's how I came up with this fun swimsuit design. Instead of trying to make a rash guard to go over a swimsuit we already have, why not just make the entire swimsuit to revolve around the rash guard!!
That's how this boy shorts swimsuit came to be. Let me tell you how much I LOVE it. Not only does it keep the sun off but this pattern expands our modest swimwear patterns. That is a big plus for me!
If you've never sewn a swimsuit, it might seem a little scary. Let me start by first giving you some tips and tips for on how to sew a swimsuit.
How to Sew a Swimsuit
If you want to sew swimwear, you need to know a few important tips first. Why? Swimwear is not like most sewing projects.
The type of fabric is different, the fit is snug and the way it should be sewn may differ from other sewing projects. Picking the right swimwear fabric can be tricky too. Let me help you with a few quick tips to get your started.
Tips for sewing a swimsuit
Most swim knits will be a combination of polyester spandex or nylon spandex this is because they keep their shape. I get most of my swimsuit fabric from Peekaboo Fabric Shop.
2. Make sure to have a good stretch in your knit. Swimsuit patterns are made to fit snug. If you don't have enough stretch in your knit fabric, it won't fit right and you may not have enough support and coverage.
3. Use polyester thread. Chlorine will deteriorate cotton, so choose wisely.
I personally use a double needle to sew my swimsuits. It gives the suit a nice finish and is a stronger stitch than just a zig-zag stitch. Learn how to use a double needle in this post.
7. Follow body measurements NOT just the store bought size. Sewing a swimsuit that fits well all depends on measurements.
Make sure to follow the measurement guide for bust, waist and hips or you'll end up with an ill fitting swimsuit.
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Make sure to follow the measurement guide for bust, waist and hips or you'll end up with an ill fitting swimsuit.
Now that I've shared all my tips for how to sew a swimsuit I want to share my free swimsuit sewing patterns!! Woot woot!
Below are step by step instructions on how to sew a rash guard and boy shorts swim trunks.
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Want the entire Swim Rash Guard and Boy Shorts pattern and full step by step photo tutorial and none of the hassel? Grab it for $3.97 in our Etsy Shop. No need to access the internet each time you want to make your own.
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Free Swimsuit Sewing Patterns
Boy Shorts Swimsuit and Rash Guard Pattern
Materials Needed
- 1/2 yard Swimsuit Fabric
- 1/2 yard contrasting swim fabric
- 3/4" Swimsuit elastic
- Stretch Needle
- Polyester thread
- Swimsuit pattern
Place the two shorts pattern pieces with Right Sides
Together (RST). Stitch both crotch seams
together.
Tip: Make sure you are using an overlock stitch, double needle or zigzag stitch for both patterns.
Open the shorts up and match the inseams in the center. Stitch across the seam.
Step 3
Turn the shorts right side out and fold the bottom hem of the shorts up ¾”. Stitch around the hem. Repeat with opposite side. 
Create a casing by folding the top of the shorts down 1
¼”. Mark a 2” opening to leave open for
the elastic. Stitch around the
waistband.
Cut elastic using cutting chart. Thread elastic through the casing. Overlap the ends of the elastic 1” and sew elastic together.
Close off the opening in the waistband. Your boy swim shorts are done!!
Step 7
With RST, match the front raglan rash guard to one of the sleeves. Stitch sleeve to rash guard. Repeat with rash guard back and other sleeve.
Match the raglan back sleeve with the raglan front. Stitch the sleeve to the front rash guard.
Step 9
Lay the rash guard on a flat surface with the wrong side out. Make sure the side seams match and the sleeves are out to the side. Stitch down the side seams.
Fold the bottom of the rash guard up 1” to make a hem. Stitch around the hem.
Fold the sleeves up ¾” to make a hem. Stitch around the hem. Repeat with opposite sleeve.
With RST, match the short sides of the neckband and stitch.
Fold the neckband in half making a big circle. Pin the neckband around the neck with RST
making sure the stretch is equal. Stitch
neckband to the rash guard.
Turn the neckband up and topstitch around the neckband so it lays flat.
There you have it! It was a lot easier than you thought it was going to be wasn't it.
Ready to try for yourself? Join our mailing list and we will email you the pattern pieces for the Swim Rash Guard and Boy Shorts Pattern in girl sizes 2-12.
i think these are great ...so many kids will get swim suits this year ...thank you for putting this up for so many to do this for the kids ...
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome!! Enjoy
Deleteunless I've printed it incorrectly, there is no neck band piece to cut out. would it be 3/4 of the neck opening allowing for a small seam and deciding the width required? thank you
ReplyDeleteThe neckband cutting chart should be on the pattern pieces. Double check to make sure.
DeleteI’m having trouble finding the link to the free pattern for the swimsuit. Can you please help me find it? I’m looking on my phone. Thanks! 😊
ReplyDeleteLook for the peach colored button at the bottom of the post. It will open up to a window that you enter your email and the pattern will be sent right to you. Enjoy!
DeleteJust made this rash shirt and shorts and they are awesome. Thank you so much for the free pattern my Granddaughter is super excited with her new sunshirt and shorts.
ReplyDelete