Hey Everyone,

My summer holiday seems like a long time ago already, but here I am only just posting the second to last holiday related items.

This is a review for a swimsuit made using Butterick 5795 and also a swimsuit cover up, which was made using the April Rhodes Staple Dress pattern.

You will have to read the reviews below for the full details but in essence I do recommend the swimsuit pattern, with adjustments. It certainly is the best fitting and most supportive swimsuit I own in terms of bust fit. I think that is largely due to the fact that I made my own swimcups using swim foam – pattern pieces are included for this. I will put links to suppliers down below too. The Staple Dress happened to be in my pattern stash from a few years ago, and it worked out fine, but I don’t know if I would rush to make it again.

I had to remove 2 inches of length from the body of the swimsuit and because I felt this resulted in a lot of the ruching over the stomach being taken out I slashed and spread the pattern to add an extra 4 inches back in, just in this region. See here (this adjustment is made just to the right front only):

Here are some flat lay and inside shots. The swim suit is fully lined and I love how neat it looks inside.

The entire swimsuit was constructed on my Janome sewing machine, with only the inside side seam allowances being neatened using my overlocker. I really want some more swimsuit fabric now so I can have a go at making another one with refinements. I think the major lesson I learned was that I don’t need to stretch the elastic quite so much! Put it this way: there is no chance of this swimsuit sliding off. 🙂

Pattern Review Butterick 5795

Pattern Description: 

Pattern Sizing:

18 – 32

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes. Very good.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love the multisize cup pattern and the fact that pieces are included to sew your own swim cups: the fit through the bust is so comfortable and supportive.

The pattern is obviously drafted for people of considerable height? So I did have to remove some length and I am not sure if the ruching over the tummy is quite like I want it to be.

Fabric Used:

4 way stretch spandex swimsuit fabric with a swim lining.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

• Pattern has you cut the body pieces on the cross grain. I am guessing they do this so the greatest stretch goes around the body? But my fabric had equal stretch in both directions, and because my fabric had a directional print, I cut on the straight of grain.
• I removed 2 inches in length from the body of the swimsuit but slashed and spread the right front pattern piece so I go some of the ruching back (adding in 4 inches for ruching).
• I ignored all of the pattern elastic lengths and did my own thing. With hindsight I think I don’t need to make the elastic quite so tight next time.
• Shortened lower bra elastic by 1″.
• Scooped lower back out by 2 inches.
• Raised armholes by 2 inches.
• The lining didn’t seem to match the outer swimsuit at the armholes so I “redrafted” and raised to match.
• Shortened shoulder straps by 1 inch from the front and also from the back.
• For next time:
  • I have narrowed the front crotch, removing 0.5 inches from either side.
  • Lower back a tad more?
  • Lower armholes a little more? 0.5 – 1″?
  • Adjust the ruching so it is better distributed over the tummy area.
  • Do a sway back adjustment.
  • The inside lining fabric at the V-neck does want to peek out so this needs to be trimmed down.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

If I can get the fabric I would definitely like to have another go at making this. Yes, I recommend…but be prepared for some possible alterations.

Conclusion: 

I am so happy to have this classic swimsuit style in my repertoire: another version or two is required to perfect the fit!

Pattern Review April Rhodes Staple Dress

Pattern Description: 

Designed to be simple yet flattering. This dress has a lot of ease through the bust and hip, with elastic shirring at the waist to cinch it in. The waistline can be customized and adjusted up and down to accent the wearer’s natural waist. Choose between two hemlines, a classic straight hem or a more dramatic drop hem style, with optional side-seam pockets.

Pattern Sizing:

xs – xxl

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I thought the finished garment was fine for my swimsuit cover up, but it’s a pretty basic style and I am not sure if I will rush to make it again.

Fabric Used:

Polyester chiffon.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

• I added 1 inch to my front and back side seams for fit insurance.
• I made the armholes 3/4 inch deeper in the front and the back. It still feels  a little restrictive in the arms. Not enough to make it unwearable, but just not perfect.
• Lengthened by 2 inches.
• 1 inch FBA. Bust dart position might need to be moved slightly?
• French seamed bust darts and overlocked seams.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I thought the finished garment was fine for my swimsuit cover up, but it’s a pretty basic style and I am not sure if I will rush to make it again. Everyone was making this pattern a few years back: if you like the style, make it up.

Conclusion: 

This served its purpose well enough and I will probably bring it out for future holidays. But next time maybe I will try a different pattern. I happened to have this one on hand.

Suppliers list:

• Swimsuit and lining fabric: this ebay seller (Swimwearfabrics01). They were good but are based in Venezuela, so don’t be prepared to receive items in a rush.
• Chlorine resistant swimcup foam: Fit2Sew. 
• Chlorine resistant elastic: from Hemline (one shown is from SewEssential).

I have already worn this swimsuit back at home to my gym….so it can’t be all that bad 🙂

See you soon.