Box Cut Swim Suit

©1997 StitchBoy
www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/Heights/3204/



Requires: 1-1/2 yards (1.37m) spandex; 1/2 yard (46 cm) swim lining; 1-1/2 yards (1.37m) of 1/2 inch (13 mm) elastic; 1-1/2 yards (46 cm) of 3/4 inch (18 mm) elastic; 2 yards (1.8m) of drawcord.
Level: Fairly Easy.

 

 

  • Place pattern on fabric as indicated.
  • Trace pattern onto fabric with tracing wheel.
  • Use a ballpoint needle for spandex.
  • Use a stitch length of 3mm on straight seams.
  • Sew straight seams 1/4 inch (6 mm) from edge.
  • Use a stitch length of 4mm on zigzag seams.
  • Use widest setting on zigzag seams.
  • Stretch fabric as you sew.
 

 

 1) Begin by sewing the back side of the suit. Arrange pieces of fabric with right sides facing each other as shown.

 

 

 2) Sew a straight stitch 1/4 inch (6 mm) from edge along the curved part of the fabric as shown.

 

 

 3) Sew a wide zigzag stitch around edge shown, being sure the outside of the stitch catches the edge as you sew.

 

 

4) Now sew the front side of the suit. Layer the pieces of fabric with right sides together then lay the 2 pieces of lining on top as shown, matching the curved edges. Sew a straight seam 1/4 inch (6 mm) from edge through all 4 layers of fabric.

 

 

5) Sew a wide zigzag stitch around edge shown, being sure the outside of the stitch catches the edge as you sew.

 

 

6) Open the front of the suit so that the seam is hidden between the lining and fabric.

 

 

7) Open the back of the suit the same way as in step 6. Lay the front of the suit on the back of the suit making sure the right sides of the fabric are facing each other.

 

 

8) Sew a straight stitch 1/4 inch (6 mm) from edges shown, along outside of legs and along crotch.

 

 

9) Sew a wide zigzag over same seams, being sure that the outside edge of stitch catches edge of fabric.

 

 

10) Sew two buttonholes 3/8 inch (9mm) from top of suit and 1/4 inch (6 mm) away from center seam 1/4 inch (6 mm) in length. Open buttonholes with seam ripper.

 

11) Cut elastic for waist and legs as indicated:

Waist Elastic (1 piece, 3/4 inch (18mm) wide)
S= 25 1/2 inches (64 cm)
M = 26 3/4 inches (67 cm)
L = 27 1/2 inches (69 cm)

Leg Elastic (2 pieces, 1/2 inch (13mm)wide)
S= 18 inches (45 cm)
M = 18 1/2 inches (46 cm)
L = 19 inches (47.5 cm)

Butt ends of waistband elastic to form a loop and stitch a wide zigzag, using a 1mm stitch width. Repeat for both pieces of leg elastic.

 

 

12) Pin leg elastic to wrong side of fabric, flush with cut edge, from side seam to crotch seam on FRONT ONLY.

 

 

13) Using zigzag stitch, sew elastic to edge of fabric, stretching elastic evenly across back of leg opening. Make sure stitch catches the edge of fabric. Repeat for both leg openings.

 

 

14) Divide waistband elastic into fourth and mark with pins.

 

 

15) Divide waist of suit into fourths and match marks with pins of waistband. Pin elastic to wrong side of fabric.

 

 

16) Stitch elastic to fabric using a wide zigzag seam, stretching elastic to fit. Make sure stitch catches edges of fabric.

 

 

17) Fold elastic to wrong side of fabric, so the edge of the elastic is enclosed by fabric. Using straight stitch, topstich through fabric and elastic. For a more finished look, use a twin needle.

 

 

18) Cut draw cord the length of the waist plus 10 inches (25 cm). Knot one end and catch the other end in a safety pin and close it. Using the safety pin as a makeshift needle, thread into buttonhole and guide it around waist. Pull safety pin out of other buttonhole and the end of draw cord with it. Knot cord.

 

 

19) Finished garment.

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