First, let’s get past the obvious: I made a swimsuit!  And not just any ol’ swimsuit; I made a really cute swimsuit using the Cosi Swimsuit pattern by Sewpony Vintage.  I was selected to pattern test for the Cosi, and I’m so glad I had this opportunity to overcome a sewing hurdle.
Just look how cute it turned out!  People – this is my first bathing suit!  EVER!
I’m not going to lie, this was not the easiest thing to sew.  Swimsuit material is slippery to work with, and you have to be really patient for some of the steps like sewing the gusset (crotch lining) with pins all crammed into a tiny area.  But Suz has done an amazing job of taking the mystery out of bathing suit construction.  Take a deep breath, be patient, and go for it!
The pattern is for girls’ sizes 6 months through 12 years with all the different views shown in the line drawings above. Â Plus, you can mix and match any of the main features, so you can have View C with adjustable cross-back ties or add the leg ruffles to View A. Â You don’t need to have a serger to make this pattern, Suz gives construction instructions for either sewing machine + serger, or only a sewing machine. Â I made View A with the ruched panel, and I did use my serger to attach the elastic after basting it in place. Â I LOVE all the different variations and the cute and modest vintage style!
One of the adjustments made to the pattern for this view after testing is that the center ruched panel is longer so the ruching is more pronounced. Â It’s still super cute as is, but you can see how sections of it get smoothed out and lose their “ruched-ness” as she moves around. Â There’s also some adjustment to where the gathers begin so there isn’t that slight looseness in the crotch.
Check out that rear coverage! Â No cute little cheeks peeking out with this suit!
We live near a Bay, so we headed out there for some photos, and a seagull so cooperatively posed himself in the background! Â It was cloudy and overcast, and we had just finished up when it began to sprinkle.
Get your copy of the pattern at Sewpony Vintage! Â And until Saturday 10am Melbourne time you can receive 10% off with the code: COSIRELEASE10.
Suz has also offered to give away a copy of the Cosi pattern to one of my lovely readers. Â I’ll make this one easy: Â just leave a comment saying what the biggest concern/fear is about sewing a swimsuit you hope to overcome by using the Cosi Swimsuit pattern. Â I’ll select a winner at random of entries through Sunday. Â ** Giveaway is closed **
Also, don’t miss the giveaway Suz is hosting for a copy of the pattern + a $30 gift certificate the The Fabric Fairy!
So now that I have this amazing swimsuit under my belt, what else should I tackle?
Outfit details:
Pattern:Â Cosi Swimsuit by Sewpony Vintage
Fabrics:Â Nylon Spandex knit from Girl Charlee (this fabric appears to be sold out, but the link I provided is for their swim collection) * It’s back in stock! Â Mint Green Navy Blue Chevron Nylon Spandex Knit
Hat: Camper Hat pattern by Jennuine Design (Hey!  That’s me!!)
Shoes:Â Old Navy
Very cute! I don’t have any fears except finding cute swim fabric ;-). Does that count?
That is fantastic! I love it! Pattern purchase time!
Definitely the fit and slipperiness of the fabric! But I love your fabric choices – beautiful!
Getting the fit right and I’ve never sewn with swimsuit material – that scares me a bit.
I have never used this kind of fabric and getting the correct fit is what scares me about sewing a swimsuit. This pattern is so cute!!
My fear will be fit! Making it fit right now and still be ok so she gets some wear out of it despite growing like a weed! And making it look great, not badly homemade!
Yay!! I am so glad you helped me test my pattern Jenn!! I just love the mint and black chevron you chose. Thanks for all your kind words about my pattern!!
These are your first swimmers? Great job! I just washed fabric to make a pair of swimmers – I am nervous as anything! I was going to suggest making a pair of jeans, and then I remembered your golden jeans… so hopefully someone else will give you a nice challenge 🙂
My fear? The right stitch … It’s such a new field!
Oh wow Jenn, this turned out darling!!! Hmm, I think my biggest swimsuit fear is that I would spend so much time on a garment with such a tricky material and it would turn out wonky. Which I guess is always the fear, right? Time/money invested for something that stays at the bottom of the drawer. But I know Suz has a habit of taking scary things (like skinny jeans!!) and removing the fear factor, so I’m sure this is the same.
I have some adorable swim fabric that I’ve wanted to sew up for over a year! I’m fearful it will look homemade vs handmade. It sounds like this pattern can get me over the hump.
I am most worried about not getting the fit right. Yours looks so great! I just got a bunch of swimsuit fabric in the mail from Girl Charlee so I need to give it a shot, I would love to try this pattern!
Gorgeous swimsuit. My main fair is adding the elastic and getting it to sit nicely. I’m keen to give it a go for my DD though.
You did a great job for a first swimsuit! It looks fabulous! My biggest fear would be getting the right fit, and the fabric not slipping on me. Especially for the lil skinny shoulder straps or ties, it’s so small that it seems it would be hard to manage with such slippery fabric. I’ve got a few different fabrics just waiting to be made into swimsuits for my daughter…..this may be the perfect pattern for my first go at it!
Using a new material that is not easy to work with has to be my biggest fear along with not having the right fit.
Lol I’m worried about it all!
My fear for our little ones it the “thong” look in the rear. Your pattern doesn’t seem to have that issue. Just found this and thrilled to see such a cute suit.
My fear for our little ones is the “thong” look in the rear where the legs ride up. Your pattern doesn’t seem to have that issue. Just found this suit and thrilled to see such a cute suit.
So awesome! I love this suit! Your photos are fantastic too 🙂
This is soooooo adorable Jenn. Love your fabric choice!
Adorable! You should make a matching one for yourself with the Bombshell pattern!