Summer has hit us pretty hard (and early) this year here in Madrid. Heatwaves are common in July but we’re already experiencing one in early June and public swimming pool tickets are hard to get these days, hehe. So while we’re making all the summer plans let’s talk about swimwear shall we?
Last week I published a post about Hanna bikini update and where to get the supplies you need to sew your own swimwear. This week I’m sharing my latest Hanna bikini makes, a couple of swimsuit makes and the swimwear I’ve made for my daughter.
Sewing swimwear at home is not so difficult when you have the right tools and a good pattern (you can also check out my recent story highlight about making the Hanna bikini over at Instagram). But if you happen to be somewhere where I teach in person classes you’re of course welcome in one of my workshops. This summer I have three workshop dates (25th of June and 9th of July in Barcelona, 2nd of July in Madrid, info here) and I have also weekday classes available in July in Madrid if that works better for you (write me and we’ll see dates for you).
Bikinis
First off, my latest Hanna bikinis. This floral one is for me and I made it with this cute print by Alex Roda (she gifted it to me recently!). It’s the Sports Lycra by Spoonflower that also works well for activewear. Alex has some really nice prints you can choose from to make a truly custom swimsuit for yourself.
I used the version with regular straps and pockets for cup insertion for the top and the high rise and bikini cut leg for the bottoms. Last year when I made the black Hanna bikini I discovered that I actually really liked the high rise bikini bottoms, something I had never tried before! I’d really suggest you try cutting the high waisted version and trying it on before attaching the elastic, you might be surprised about that style…and if not, you can always just cut the waist opening down to whatever height you like the best.
Here’s also the classic black Hanna bikini I made myself last summer!
This cute version is made in collaboration with Cal Joan (an online and brick and mortar fabric shop in Spain). I really liked this floral swimwear print (and that colorful one is really nice too) so I whipped up a sample of the bikini, this time with a halter neck option (you can see a little video of making it here). If you buy swim lycra from Cal Joan during the month of June you can get a discount code for 25% on the Hanna bikini sewing pattern (send me a screenshot of your invoice and I’ll give you the discount code!).
And another latest make is this version for my friend Lena. She chose a halter neck, adjustable ties also on the back and hipster cut leg with high waist for the bottoms. The swim fabric is from Pili Tejidos Encants, a fabric shop in the Les Encants market in Barcelona (this market is a great place for remnant fabrics and searching through odd/funny prints, hehe).
For my class samples I also made this Black Beauty bikini version! This pattern that I use in my underwire bra classes is also perfect for a bikini if you’re looking for a pattern that gives good support.
Swimsuits
It’s not all bikinis, many people actually prefer a swimsuit! I’ve made a couple of these and I also teach how to sew them in class. In general the sewing process is the same so it really doesn’t matter if you start out with a bikini or a swimsuit.
Here’s my gingham Cottesloe swimsuit (pattern by Megan Nielssen), a very basic one that has an option for shelf bra and foam cups if you prefer using them. I do, as otherwise I feel that I’m completely flattened out with the swimsuit on, haha, so it’s a good option for me.
I recently also made this yellow striped version as a class sample!
If you’re looking for a swimsuit with underwires to have the support of a bra but also the coverage of the bikini, the Sophie swimsuit by Closet Core Patterns is a good option. I just started to make a class sample with this floral fabric but it’s not done yet, so here’s a quick process photo! I do have a finished photo of this classic black one I made many years ago for my sister.
Talking about swimsuits, many new patterns have just been launched so if you’re looking for other pattern styles you can check out the Faye swimsuit by Closet Core Patterns or Coralie by Tilly and the Buttons. A good option for larger bust sizes is also the Ipswich swimsuit by Cashmerette.
kids swimwear
I’ve also made my fair share of kids swimsuits…it’s easy and usually my daughter needs one at the last minute, every year, haha. I’ve mostly used two patterns, both from Ottobre Design 3/2016. There’s a smaller version for sizes 74-122 cm and another one for sizes 128-170 cm (I eliminated the panels and made it in two pieces only: the front and the back). During the years I’ve been using these patterns I’ve added ruffles and made other minor adjustments to mix things up (when I sew swimsuits for her I don’t use lining by the way).
I hope you’ve found some inspiration for your own swimwear makes this summer! I can’t wait to see your Hanna bikinis in case you choose that pattern :)
