Day 6 - Sew-a-long with SEMS Fabric

Day 6. Finishing the swimsuit bottoms

Welcome back for day 6, our last blog post for the Sems Fabric L&K sew-a-long with Sansahash patterns. Today we are adding elastic & finishing off our bikini or vintage swim bottoms. 

If you're only just joining us, please pop back and visit DAY 1, DAY 2, DAY 3 and DAY 4/5. There's still time to sew with today and day 7 to catch up. Once completed, add a photo of your swimsuit to the Sems SAL final entry album. You will need to be a part of the Sems Fabric Facebook group, join HERE.  

For vintage swim bottoms 

Check the L&K pattern cutting charts, cut leg elastic to size. I like to only overlap my elastic slightly to avoid bulk & sew in a loop using a zig zag or stretch stitch. 

Quarter and mark the elastic and leg openings. Pin the elastic to the marked leg openings and sew. Use a stretch stitch and be careful not to stretch the fabric as you sew.  

Repeat this step at the waist opening if required. Please note that the waist requires 1" or 2.4cm elastic. 

My swim bottoms were snug enough not to require elastic at the waist. With Sems high quality swim knit and the well drafted pattern, you will likely find the same. Try on your model first if at all possible, fold down the 1" first.  

Vintage bottoms with leg elastic sewn in

To finish vintage swim bottoms, fold over the top waistline 1" (2.4cm) and stitch using a stretch stitch. 

Fold under the elasticated leg openings and top stitch using a zig zag, twin needle or coverstitch (if you're lucky enough to have one!)

Yahoo!! Now you have completed your L&K swimsuit! Off to the beach or pool with you now!!  

Don't forget to share your creation in the Sems & Sansahash groups! 

For bikini bottoms

Check the L&K pattern cutting charts, cut leg and waistband elastic to size. I like to only overlap my elastic slightly to avoid bulk & sew in a loop using a zig zag or stretch stitch. 

Quarter and mark the elastic and leg openings. Pin the elastic to the marked leg openings and sew. Use a stretch stitch and be careful not to stretch the fabric as you sew.  Repeat this step for the waistband. 

Waistband and leg elastic sewn into bikini bottoms 

Fold under the elasticated leg & waistband openings and top stitch using a zig zag, twin needle or coverstitch (if you're lucky enough to have one!)

Hooray! You've now completed your L&K swimsuit. Time to test it out! 

Make sure you share your hardwork in the Sems & Sansahash groups.     

 Thank You!

Thank you so much for sticking with me this week. I realize sewing with swim fabric can be daunting, so hopefully you've overcome some of those fears (or maybe you're an old hat with the stuff?) Either way, be proud of yourself! As always please post your questions and share your triumphs and tribulations!

To be in the running for the very generous prize Sems Fabric & Sansahash patterns is offering, please make sure you submit a photo of your swimsuit in the Sems Fabric L&K SAL album by the 28th of January 2019 (you will need to be a member of the group.)  

Also a big thank you to Katie & Amyee of Sems Fabrics for running & sponsoring this sew-a-long and Mgeni of Sansahash patterns. 

Please check out the HUGE range of designer & custom fabric by Sems HERE. (Posting world wide.)

Sansahash patterns has a wonderful range of knit & woven pdf sewing patterns, please see the full range HERE.     

Until next time. . . 

Happy sewing!

~Zoe~