How to make a girls fully lined swimsuit in DL

I know this is one of those things that there is probably 5 different ways to do it, but here's the way I think it's easiest to do. I'm showing it on a one pc bathing suit but it works the same on a 2 pc suit.


Just as FYI - I'm sewing KS2422 for this project
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...LlineSwim1.jpg

1. pick and trace your pattern (or draft one based on a suit you love).

2. cut the pattern out with both the outside fabric and your lining.
I like to cut my lining fabric slightly larger than my outer fabric (about 1-2 mm) - this helps me sew them together at a later step.
*important - the lining must be at least as stretchy as the outter fabric. Also a lightwieght spandex type fabric works much better than a t-shirt cotton blend (yes from experience).
I omit the crotch lining pc since the suit will be fully lined with the lining
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...LlineSwim2.jpg

3. sew the suit together as if you are making 2 suits.
So, for this bathingsuit, I sewed the crotch seam (minus the crotch pc), the shoulders, and the side seams. You don't need to serge if you don't have a serger.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...LlineSwim3.jpg

4. Pin the outer and lining fabrics together. You are not going to turn them, so you pin them together, matching seams, as you will have the finished product (wrong sides together). Pinning will save time :) Spandex type fabrics can be slippery and shift.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...LlineSwim4.jpg

5. baste the lining and outer faric together. This also makes things easier. I like to baste with a very long but narrow zig-zag, but a long straight would work too. Sew it as close to the edge as possible, without puckering the fabrics. After you are done basting, you can go back and trim off any excess lining that sticks out too much and all the little threads.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...LlineSwim5.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...LlineSwim6.jpg

6. Decide how you are going to do the elastic. When I'm making a lined girls' bathingsuit, I do prefer FOE vs the fold over method due to the amount of bulk, but really either will work. If doing FOE, I like to cut the elastic a little shorter than called for on the pattern. Also, if sewing from a pattern that calls for fold over method, you may wish to cut the seamlines a little to make them more narrow. I don't normally do this since it doesn't bother my girl and gives her a little more coverage.
You sew the edges of the elastic together, making a ring. find the quarter marks - esp for the neckline. (Foe) Then, sew to the suit, catching both outer and inner lining fabrics, stretching as you sew. If sewing with foldover method - either serge elastic ring to the fabric or sew in the ring to the linging side. Then you will fold over the fabric and do a triple stitch to encase the elastic. My favorite is to topstitch with a wide triple zig zag.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...LlineSwim9.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...lineSwim11.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...lineSwim12.jpg

I'll try to make this into downloadable format later - let me know if anything needs clarification.

That is a *very* cute suit, Erika.

That was great -thanks! And it is a cute suit, too : )

Have to try this .

I've never used foe... how do you know how long a piece to use for the legs, chest, back?

I know this is an old post but thanks Erika!!!! Great tute :)

Wow this is great. Thanks (even if it's a old thread)

agreed. im late to see it too!

Wow - you make this look super easy - thanks!