DIY Crossback Swimsuit

Guys! I made a swimsuit! I know everyone has been sewing their own swimsuits for like ever but seeing as I rarely go swimming, I just couldn't muster the desire to dive in. ;) But as soon as I booked my recent trip to Maui, I decided that I must make my own swimsuit. I mean it's the only way to go right? I really love how this suit turned out and I'm so glad that I tried it.

I originally intended to make the Bombshell swimsuit because I bought the pattern last year as part of a Pattern Parcel bundle. But sometimes inspiration strikes and you just go a different way. I decided that what I really wanted to wear was a basic 70s style one-piece. I immediately thought of the Stretch & Sew pattern line and went searching online. Fairly quickly I was able to find Stretch & Sew 1313, Gathered Swimsuit from etsy seller Happy I Found It. I loved the low legs in contrast with bare back and shoulders.

The only alteration I made to the pattern was to lengthen the body a few inches. The pattern was created in the 70s using a technique where they stretched the fabric while stitching. I suppose it worked quite well but I intended to use modern day stitching techniques so I only loosely followed the pattern instructions.

For support, I added a shelf bra, using the instructions from the Nettie bodysuit and added soft bra cups. The only trouble I really had was my machine decided to start skipping stitches when sewing elastic. It was very annoying and my troubleshooting never really solved the problem. In the end, the fit is pretty good. If I made the pattern again, I would take out some of ease in buttocks as it's a little baggy there.

I was surprised how much the fabric stretched once I got in the water. I never really thought about how the fit would change once it was wet. It's something you really don't have to think about with other clothes. But I was relieved and pleased that the straps stayed on the little hooks at the back and there was not a wardrobe malfunction. :)

Now, I must say, I really never, ever, ever, ever thought that I would post photos of myself in a swimsuit on the internet. It's a little horrifying. Not to mention embarrassing. But that's what a sewing blogger must do. Right? And of course I had to take my photos while on the beach in Hawaii. Have you sewn a swimsuit? Will you go back to RTW?