January 06, 2014

Sew: Kwik Sew 3416 Swimmers

Mary over at Idle Fancy had a great discussion going recently on sewing, blogging, plus sizes and body image. I used to have great issues with my body image. I've always been taller and bigger than most girls, now women, around me. I used to struggle with this greatly. Shopping was a nightmare and enough to send me home in tears. Over the last few years, I've come a long way in accepting my body for what it is and most importantly, for what it can do. Looking back, a major turning point was starting to blog about my sewing. There's something about the sewing blogging community that is supportive, encouraging and ever so accepting of women (and men) of all shapes and sizes.  For that, I thank you all. 

Two years ago I never would have considered showing anyone photos of myself in a swimsuit. And here I am, showing you my latest swimsuit. Actually on my body!! 


There's something about a simple black swimsuit. Some would call it boring, but I think they are stylish, practical and oh so classic. I used Kwik Sew 3416, now out of print, and a matte black lycra from Rathdowne Remnants. Thanks must go to my Mum finding me a copy of this great basic pattern. 


The only alteration I made was to lengthen the body by 2.5cm. I lined the whole suit with a black mesh swimsuit lining. The straps were made as per the pattern and aren't really strong enough to support the weight of the suit, especially when wet. I will go back and re-do them to include elastic. Next time I will reduce the elastic length in the top back by 5cm. It is a touch too loose.


Project Details
Pattern: Kwik Sew 3416, view B, size L
Fabric: Black matte swimsuit lycra and mesh lining from Rathdowne Remnants
Alterations: Lengthened body by 2.5cm

I really like Kwik Sew swimsuit patterns. They do such simple but classic styles.


I have enough of this black matte lycra to make another suit. I'm thinking another bombshell swimsuit with the halter top. I also have a piece of the beach print swimsuit fabric from Tessuti which I think will be perfect in this simple style of swimsuit. I'm hoping to make it up before the end of summer.

L x

21 comments:

  1. The togs look really good. I've got a similar pair of black jets bathers that I've worn to death, but really wasn't convinced of when my mum bought them for me (clearly many years ago). It's such a classy and flattering style. Lucky find by your mum.

    Being able to sew is such a confidence booster, no more off-limits styles and feeling rubbish in stores. Honestly I don't know why more people don't do it! There's a gorgeous girl I work with, and she wears so many dresses as tops as she's tall. It's really frustrating for her, and yet would be so easy to lengthen some of the styles she wears. RTW really is madness.

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  2. Gorgeous Leith. You, the swimsuit, you in the swimsuit! Definitely a classic.

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  3. Gorgeous! This swimsuit is awesome on you. Definitely a classic! I'd love to conquer swimwear this year.

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  4. You look gorgeous! Love the style of your swimsuit.

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  5. Gorgeous swimsuit! You look lovely! One of my goals this year is to make a swimsuit- this pattern looks like a winner.

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  6. Lovely suit! Classic and flattering. Well done!

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  7. You look gorgeous in your new cossie - I love colour, but a black cossie is also very appealing.
    The sewing blogging effect is really interesting, and very healthy... I'll have to go check out that discussion!

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  8. Simple and black swimwear never go out of style. You look great!

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  9. That looks super professional and also amazing on you! It makes me miss the summer... *sigh*

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  10. So gorgeous! I love the matte black lycra, it's surprisingly hard to find! I made this same swimsuit and I love the shape, but I need to lengthen it - you're inspiring me to get that pattern out again :)

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  11. They look just perfect on you ~ def's make up another one ... J

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  12. Perfectly stylish and what a great fit.

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  13. Way to go Leith - you look great. Can't wait to see your next version. As a fellow tall I can empathise with you and I agree that blogging/sewing is great for body image. I think partly it's because you work on getting the fit right on you, not comparing yourself to mannequins in stores etc. Hmm, I might need to track down a copy of that pattern.

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  14. Looks great - you have given me renewed inspiration to finish my Bombshell swimsuit!!

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  15. This is lovely! Useful to know about the straps vs wet fabric, something you don't normally need to think of when sewing other garments! I agree the sewing community is great for body image, still not sure I would get my own body out there in swimmers though!!

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  16. It's amazing how getting to know your body through sewing somehow makes you more accepting of it, isn't it? No mean feat! You're right about the simplicity of your bathers- you look fabulous in them :)

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  17. You are brave and You look amazing. The black is perfect and the leg height great for your legs. I think a lot of us go into dressmaking just so we can make clothes that fit nicely. Where else can you get a top that is a 14 all around but the length of a 12 and arms in a 16. You go girl.

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  18. The swimsuit looks gorgeous on you!! You look HOT!!
    Loving the new blog layout too :)

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  19. You look amazing :) Isn't it wonderful what blogging can do for one's self-esteem? With all my sewing time taken up with the wedding dress, I actually went shopping for clothes after Christmas because I haven't been able to sew anything. Not only was I promptly reminded of all the benefits of sewing (ie - properly fitting clothes!) it was a big realisation on how far I've come in my own perception of myself. It got me down! But hey. It's posts like this that make me smile... and want to sew a swim suit!!!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Melanie! It's great to hear from you. We all can't wait to see your wedding dress!!

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  20. I agree with the black swimsuit call. I had a Jets pair that I left in a hotel room and the staff failed to track it down. Quite disappointing. But hey I'll just make one now because I have this pattern in the stash! You look hot!

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