Love the Figgy’s Scirocco Dress Pattern, and want an updated version of it for Summer?
How about a bathing suit…
I’m so excited to share a fun tutorial with you today about how to morph a fabulous dress pattern into an adorable swimsuit.
I have two daughters and I love making girly dresses for them with lots of ruffles and details. Figgy’s Scirocco pattern is amazing, and surprisingly easy to whip up…even for a beginning-ish sewer like me. If you don’t have the fantastic Scirocco pattern already, head over to my blog for a chance to win it!
Recently, we took a family trip to a water park. The day we left I decided my 3 year old needed a new swimsuit (any other last minute sewers out there?) and an idea popped into my head. Wouldn’t the Scirocco pattern make a fun bathing suit?? I decided to see if I could make it work…and LOVE the way it turned out! (So does my little girl.)
Wanna make one too? It’s easy! Here’s how:
Cut and sew the bodice following the Scirocco directions.
Note: I would recommend making the bodice one size smaller than you would make the dress since the pattern was written for woven fabric and you’ll be using swimsuit material. It stretches quite a bit in the water and a smaller fit will work better.
Cut 4 of the top flounce. This is the only other pattern piece you need from the original pattern.
With right sides together, sew two pieces along the bottom. (I used a 1/2″ seam allowance and a small zig-zag stitch.) Then repeat with the second set of flounces. Grade seams.
Open up each set and place one on top of the other with right sides together, matching the seams. Sew one edge. Trim.
Fold the pieces together with the long curved edge on the bottom and sew along the top edge from the center seam to one side…stopping 1/2″ from the end.
Trim the seam allowance. Turn the piece right side out.
Take the open-topped side and place it wrong side down on a flat surface. Then bring the lower seam of the tube side to meet the lower seam of the flat side. (see below)
Pin the lower seams together, and then pin the top seam of the tube to the corresponding edge of the flattened piece.
Stitch from outer pin to the middle and then continue sewing the rest of the tube to the remaining open edge. You have made a circle with half of the top seam open and half sewn closed.
Cut a piece of elastic using the following measurements: child’s waist divided by 2. Then subtract 1.5″ to 2″ depending on how snug you want the ruffle to be at the child’s back.
Insert the elastic through the open part of the circle and tack it down at each of the side seams. (There isn’t an actual casing for the elastic, but by tacking it to each side seam, I found that it stays in place really well and holds the flounce nicely to the body.)
Sew the flounce to the bodice, matching side seams. You can follow the Scirocco directions for this, if needed.
Then you just need to make swimsuit bottoms. I used the bottoms from the Santa Monica Sweetheart Tankini pattern by Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop.
You are done! I know your little girl will LOVE her new swimsuit!
Happy Sewing!
This is too cute!
Thanks Teresa!
What a great idea! The pattern really makes for an adorable swimsuit. Too cute!
Thanks Jen!
Go Elisa! THAT is pretty smart…what fancy bathing suit – love it!
Thanks Mie! Fancy is such a good word…my girls call it fancy too!
I love this pattern. This is on my to sew list now :). If I was a sewing animal, I would say I would be a sewing monkey, because sometimes I just don’t know what I’m doing. 🙂 I’m hoping to transform into something more elegant as the years pass
I’m right there with you…a sewing monkey! 🙂 If you make one of the swimsuits like this we’d love to see it!
This is genius!! And so so cute.
Thank you Cherie!
OMGeee! its a 2 piece, so unexpected and cute.
Thanks Farrah! A two piece is a must with these little girls. 🙂
I seriously LOVE this! I want one in my size… 🙂
Erin, you are so gorgeous you’d look great in it!
This is awesome!! I didn’t even realize it was a 2 piece until I read all the way through. Thanks for using my bottoms pattern 🙂
Amy, I love ALL of your patterns! I actually made a full Santa Monica Tankini too that I’ll blog about soon. With a Bathing Beauty Swim Cap, course! 🙂 Your patterns are amazing!
I just finished my first Scirocco. I love this idea!
Courtney, I’m sure it’s adorable. I just love that pattern. If you try it as a swimsuit we’d love to see it!
Cute idea. What type of fabric did you use to make the swimsuit and where did you buy it?
Veronica, I used a regular spandex swimsuit fabric. I usually get mine at Jo-Ann Fabrics or Hancock Fabrics – but there are lots of places online that sell adorable swimsuit fabric too!
How cool! I love this idea! It’s such a great tutorial, thank you. 🙂
Thank you Caila!
Super cute, girlfriend!!! LOVE her in it!!!
Thank you! Can’t wait to see your tutorial soon!
Haven’t been brave enough to try swimwear sewing yet, but your take on the daunting task is too, too cute! LOVE IT…. Thanks for the inspiration!
I love your blog and all of your incredible designs. I’m sure you would make a gorgeous swimsuit! It’s really not hard. 🙂
Such a great idea! I love this 🙂
Thanks Ajaire!
So I have 2 weeks until we go on vacation and if I have to pull an all-nighter to make this for my daughter, then it will have to be! I LOVE this- it’s just too cute and a great idea for a cute top as well! Thanks for your genius idea.
Thanks Celina! You don’t need to pull an all-nighter, it’s a quick sew. Have fun on vacation!
I’ve just finished my version of the Scirocco Swimsuit – HOORAY! LOVE IT – Thanks so much for the idea! Photos here: http://threadridinghood.com/wordpress/made-by-me-monday-scirocco-swimsuit/ ~ Sherri