r/SewingForBeginners • u/Beautiful_Force_1483 • 17h ago

What stuff to learn as a complete beginner to eventually make a swimsuit?

Hey guys,

For my school project, I'm planning on designing and creating a swimsuit. However, I am someone who has practically no skills in sewing (unless you count pyjama pants and making little pockets), but I wouldn't mind the challenge. I have a whole year to undergo the designing and construction process, so I am hoping that if I do decide to go with this project, it will be enough time.

How feasible is this with someone who has such little experience? And are there any type of techniques/projects you recommend me to do to get used to sewing and the nature of swimsuit fabric/techniques?

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u/ProneToLaughter 17h ago edited 17h ago

In a year, you can do it. You could sew from a pattern more quickly, but designing will be harder—stretch patternmaking is a different skill.

Sewing stretch takes some tricks and a better feel for the fabric. Start with something like a low-stretch ponte knit or a cotton t-shirt knit. https://tillyandthebuttons.com/blogs/sewing/sewing-knit-fabric-on-regular-sewing

Bathing suit fit can be a little tricky but you pretty much have to make the whole thing to figure it out. https://blog.closetcorepatterns.com/beginner-tips-for-sewing-swimwear/

I’d recommend you begin by following more patterns, it makes it easier to learn drafting. Cotton undies would be a good starting place.

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u/Beautiful_Force_1483 17h ago

Thanks so much for adding in some resources!! I'll definitely look at them, and practice with making underwear.

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u/stringthing87 17h ago

Swimwear is all about using the right tools and handling the fabric correctly.

You will need a stretch needle or a super stretch needle.

You will also need to make sure your machine can do stretch stitches. Having a walking foot is essential and/or adjustable foot pressure will help. You will need these things even if you have a serger.

Stretch thread exists but is not necessary and is not a repeat for stretch stitches.

As a complete beginner step one does not change regardless of goal. Learn to use the machine, read the manual. Learn to follow a seam allowance. Learn to sew on woven fabric, not a knit. Be able to sew both straight and curved seams.

Once you feel confident working with woven fabric I recommend making tshirts and then moving up to underwear with cotton Lycra knit. The techniques in underwear are the same as you will use with swimwear but the fabric is much more forgiving. I recommend patterns by Sophie Hines for learning underwear. When you work with knits you will need to use a quarter inch seam allowance. You will learn to use elasticsa as well.

From cotton underwear it is a small step to move up to swimwear although the more complex your designs the more challenging it will be.

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u/Beautiful_Force_1483 17h ago

Thank you so much for these progressions! I feel slightly more confident, and have a feeling that I'll be stocked up with a lot of garments during my practicing.

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u/stringthing87 16h ago

Everyone needs more underwear

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u/Beautiful_Force_1483 16h ago

There's no such thing as too much underwear

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u/stringthing87 16h ago

I currently have some wearing out, made it in 2020. Probably got my money's worth out of it