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Bathing/Swimsuit Patterns/do they exist?

ctirish | Posted in Patterns on

Does anyone know where I can find bathing suit patterns for toddlers and children.  I have been looking for a bathing suit pattern for a toddler.  I have only found one at McCalls under their Stretch and Sew Label and one under Kwik-Sew that is out of print. 

 I had a great one when my girls were little – 25 years ago. I didn’t save it because it was pretty worn out and I didn’t think it would be hard to find one.  Swim suits are so easy to make once you got the hang of it, they only took .5 yard of fabric and the cost savings is incredible. They want $30.00 for an infant bathing suit. 

Replies

  1. fabricholic | | #1

    Did you look at Kwik Sew website? http://www.kwiksew.com/Cold_Fusion/catalog/Frame_New.cfm

    I will keep looking.

    Marcy

    and this: http://img.sewingtoday.com/cat/40000/cat_img/M4818.jpg



    Edited 6/11/2007 11:45 am by fabricholic

    1. ctirish | | #3

      Hi,  Most of the bathing suits start at size 4, I really need a size 1 and size 2.  I checked out Kwik Sew and the Big 4 patterns.  Either they are suits that look like shorts and a  Tshirt or they start at size 4.   I may end up adjusting the sizing on a size 4 pattern or buying a size 2 suit and taking it apart.  

      1. Teaf5 | | #9

        Have you checked the infant/toddler patterns for onesies (those sleeveless snap-crotch infant shirts? Made in a swimsuit fabric, they'd probably work very well.

        1. user-51823 | | #10

          i was thinking the same thing. onesie pattren would be fitted properly to chubby toddler proportions and it would be a snap to leave off sleeves and alter crotch-- although a snap open crotch in a toddler girls' bathing suit with would be a very useful feature.

          1. MaryinColorado | | #11

            Why not take a onsie and refashion it into a swimsuit first to see if you like it and glean ideas on how to make it work more to your liking?  It would be a cute little sunsuit and then you could copy it onto bathing suit fabric.

          2. user-51823 | | #12

            that's what is so great about teaf's idea. a onesie is basically a swimsuit with sleeves. snaps can be left in or seamed up where they overlap, shoullders can be narrowed or not, but you're basically there! cool!

  2. Crazy K | | #2

    I have Kwik Sew pattern 2884 and have made it several times.  Fairly easy but starts at size 4.  Maybe that's larger than what you're looking for.  There is also 2605 that is sizes 4-7.  I really liked the 2884 since it's a two piece and can be made as a tankini.  I found that helped the fitting issues of growing kids......easy than a one-piece anyway.

    Hope this helps.

    K

    1. ctirish | | #4

      Thanks, I am going to look at 2884 and see if I can reduce it to a size 2 or 1, since it is a two piece maybe I can work it out. Has anyone ever tried just shrinking the pattern pieces on a copier? I wonder if that would work or if it would put things in the wrong places.  Any thoughts? 

      1. Crazy K | | #5

         

        I found another........toddler sizes.  It's more coverage but maybe you could use the pants and shorten them and then just reduce the size of the top of the other pattern a tad and it would work.  The top could be a bit larger but the pants have to be snug to avoid 'over exposure'  when they get wet!!  Or maybe you could use View C on this one and just shorten the legs to make it look more 'girly'....

        Just a thought.............for whatever its worth!!

        View Image2680

        Toddler's SwimsuitsSizes: T1-T2-T3-T4Email Page | View Catalogue PDF

        The toddler's two piece swimsuits are designed for two-way stretch fabric with 75% stretch on the lengthwise grain. We recommend using swimwear fabrics with spandex Lycra¯.

        View A and B pull-over tops have raglan sleeves and a mock turtleneck. The side panels and the collar are from a contrast fabric. View A has short sleeves with sleeve bands from a contrast fabric and View B has long sleeves. View A and B Shorts have an elastic waist. The side panels and leg bands are from a contrast fabric. View C tank top has a racing back and all the outside edges are finished with narrow hems. View C shorts have an elastic waist and leg bands. The front and back are made from a contrast fabric.

        View Image

        1. MaryinColorado | | #6

          Toddler clothing and patterns are sized a bit chubbier as children tend to slim down when they hit children's sizes.  Also, Toddler sizes often include room for diapers and training pants.  I wonder how much difference there is in the actual width of the two patterns?  Would the size charts in the back of the pattern book explain sufficiently?  I think I would buy one of each category and "blend" the two to fit.

          1. Crazy K | | #7

            I think the charts give the dimensions.  Yes, you're right.  Toddler sizes are usually a bit wider.  I was thinking the same about getting both patterns and blending the two together.  When I made suits for my girls, they were a bit older and the 4-7 or 8-12 sizes worked.  The suits were great.  One of the littler girls had a full rear so I cut the bottoms a bit longer in the back for better coverage.  It worked great!  For the older girls especially, I lined the bottoms completely and the top  front as well.  I was able to find swim suit lining in the lingerie fabric area.  It has to have a very similar stretch as the suit fabric to work well.

            K

  3. joy | | #8

    Kwik-Sew's #2329 for baby swimsuits (sizes S-M-L-XL) has recently been discontinued; however, if you contact the company, they may still have some of the patterns available. Their web site is http://www.kwiksew.com

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