Swim SewAlong Day 5: Topstitching & Jalie Claudia Bikini Top Review
Hello friends! I’m back with Day 5 of the Swim SewAlong!
Every day this week, I will be walking you through the construction of the Greenstyle Cami Tank and the Jalie Gigi Swim Bottoms, through video tutorials, blog posts and support in the Fabric Fairy Facebook Group. You can use any patterns you’d like, but those are the two I’ve chosen to demonstrate through video, because they include alot of techniques common to many swim patterns.
I also have some prizes to offer at the end! What’s not to love?
If you need fabric and supplies, you can get 10% off through 3/27/22 with the code “MarchSAL” at the Fabric Fairy.
Sew-Along Schedule
- YouTube Video link HERE
Day 2: Assemble Pattern and Cut Fabric, bonus Edgewater Tegan Pattern Review
- YouTube Video link HERE
Day 3: Sew Main and Lining, Sewing Binding, bonus Greenstyle Moxi Shorts Stack!
Day 5: Hemming/Topstitching (YOU ARE HERE)
Hemming & Topstitching
Today’s task is to hem our Cami Tank and topstitch the elastic we inserted yesterday on the underbust band, and also on the Gigi bottoms waistband and leg openings. It’s a pretty simple day, but I’ve got a few tips to share that might make it easier, so check out the video below:
Jalie Claudia Bikini Top Review
Asking for a sewing-swimwear-addicted friend: How many swimsuits is too many when you live steps away from the ocean for half the year?
I’ve decided that unlike rice, vegetable oil, or toilet paper, there is no actual limit on how many swimsuits one can make. I mean, finally something isn’t affected by supply chain issues, and I’m going to celebrate it!
Today, I have the Jalie Claudia bikini top to share with you. This is one of their newest collection, and features a scoop or a crossover front. There is also a bottoms pattern included, but since I have so much love for the Gigi bottoms, I haven’t attempted it.
The first time I saw this pattern I was excited to see the crossover front design done by Jalie, because I love the style, but never find a good fit in patterns because of my small bust. Since Jalie sizing goes from child all the way to plus size, I knew they’d have something for me, and I’m thrilled with how it came out.
The front feels very secure (like, diving into the ocean secure), and the side pieces, while small and fiddly, do add a little visual interest and a tiny bit of accentuation to the bust. After nursing three children, I’m proud of what this little cup size can do, but I don’t mind just a little help when a design offers it!
The fabric, lining, and elastics for this one also came from the Fabric Fairy, and were a deadstock from a popular swim manufacturer. They feel really high quality, and I’m sure this suit will last a while (especially since it gets rotated with all my other favorite swimsuits…)
Wrapping it Up!
Well, that’s it for today! I’m really enjoying interacting with ya’ll in the group, and look forward to seeing all those swimsuits start to take 3D form, so please post progress photos! If you’re catching this later, you’re always welcome to drop me a line letting me know what you’re sewing- I love hearing about new patterns and answering questions!
I’d d also love it if you took the time to subscribe to my blog and my YouTube Channel– that way you’ll stay up on any new posts or videos, and I can connect with you on those platforms to answer any questions!
Note: This post contains affiliate links. I sew and share my tips for the joy of the craft, but a little extra affiliate encouragement goes a long way to helping fund these projects, so I really appreciate when you use them!
Hi Sarah and welcome back! I don’t even own a swimsuit but am really inspired by your series and definitely plan on sewing at least one before the summer. Thank you!