It’s almost May, which means Me-Made-May, a month where sewists all over the world wear as much handmade as possible and connect, blog, encourage and make more beautiful well fitting clothes and spread the joy that is wearing your own! In that spirit I wanted to start a sew-along to make the Closetcore Patterns’ Bombshell swimsuit. This is the ultimate in gorgeous swimsuits, with various options for a halter neck or bikini top, high waisted bottoms and a separate top or a ruched back all in one with great vintage style coverage for those among us who don’t like swimsuits that just cover our clitoris and not much else!

This is the link to the pattern, there is a sale on at the moment so the pattern is only about £14! I have made it before and it is such an interesting make as well as great fitting and the only swimsuit I have ever felt cute in!

You will need a few fabrics and notions you probably don’t have in your stash, here is the complete list from their website:

SUGGESTED FABRIC

Swimsuit lycra and swimsuit lining

Tilly and the Buttons have just released a swimsuit pattern and have fabric, lining and elastic on their website, really cool gingham fabric! Here is the link: https://shop.tillyandthebuttons.com//collections/swimwear-supplies?utm_source=Product%20launch%20segment&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Coralie%20launch%20campaign%20%28X9ekKv%29&_kx=_VMBPa7SEXL3T1FCbADdVbhDx3wS1ZEJWmHwJIcHiLw%3D.RZw45c

YARDAGE REQUIREMENTS

45″ / 1.14m
0-8 = 1.5 yd/1.4m, 10-16 = 2yd/1.8m, 18-20 = 2.25yd/2m
60″ / 1.5m
0-8 = 1 yd/1m, 10-16 = 1.5yd/1.4m, 18-20 = 2yd/1.8m
Lining
0-8 = .5yd/.5m 10-20 = 1 yd/1m,

ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES

• 4 yards 1/4” rubber or “swimwear” elastic
• Needles designed for “stretch” fabrics – I used Microtex as even normal jersey or ballpoint needles didn’t work with the lycra! Do buy Schmetz needles!
• Polyester thread – Coats Duet or Gütermann All-sew!
• One pair of foam cups (optional)

UPDATE

I needed this swimsuit done and made before heading off to the Isles of Scilly so I ran the sew-along with very little notice and needless to say no one joined me haha. It did feel a little like re-inventing the wheel anyway as Closet Core Patterns have a brilliant and well documented sew along for this on their website here so other than links to UK websites for fabric etc I really didn’t add anything new to the experience. I did however absolutely rock the swimsuit I made in fabulous jellyfish fabric!

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