The Jellyfish Swim Cap is a fast little project to sew up and it can complete the look of your little ones whole outfit for swimming lessons. Keep reading to get this pattern for free.
Making one of these caps is a great opportunity to use up those scraps and sew your little swimmer a great little swimming cap to either team up with your favourite swimsuit or with the Stinger Bodysuit Pattern.
In Australia, for swimming lessons, it is a requirement that our little ones wear a swimming cap and goggles in the pool. The swimming caps are mainly used to keep the pools cleaner. Due to our hot summer weather conditions more families to want to teach their children to learn to swim and for this reason swimming school pools can see 100’s of students each day.
Do your kids have a need for a Swim Cap, for swimming lessons? Maybe you’d like to try our Jellyfish Swim Cap Pattern?
The lovely Samantha Wolgast fromLittle Jem Handmade has been sending me the most beautiful photographs of suits that she has been making from our Stinger Suit pattern, with the zip inserted up the back.
If you would like to keep a copy of this tutorial for later use, please download a copy here. (Works from desktop-only!)
The tutorial has also been added to the files menu of our Sewing Group.
I know many of you out there have been wanting to be able to do this also. I asked Samantha if she would be able to capture some pics of the process the next time she made one and put a few instructions with them, so that you can see how she does it and be able to follow along and make some of your own.
Samantha was only too pleased to do this for us and therefore I hope you enjoy reading and following along with her instructions below. We hope to see your own creations, using these instructions, in the near future either on our Facebook Group or tag me @sewbypatternpieces via your Instagram account.
Sammantha’s Instructions
So, I am sure we’ll get stuck into our sewing projects to while away the time while we are in isolation. I have been asked several times by my customers if I could do a stinger suit (awesome sun protection!) with the zipper at the back!
Well sure why not I said hahahaha…. Surely it can’t be that hard……well guess what? It isn’t hard at all! If you have already made a stinger suit you should find this super easy to do….
Grab your pattern & check measurements of the child you are making it for & work out the best size. (all sizing info and how to work out the mixing of sizes to get the perfect fit instructions are included in your stinger suit pattern). For my model I made a straight size 8.
Gather all your pattern pieces…. For the collar, you will need to make a basic adjustment. Grab some paper or pattern trace & take your collar piece and re-draw making the curved ends into a straight rectangle piece adding a further 1/4″ or 6mm each side, see pic below.
Cut out the collar piece but leave the zipper cover for the moment.
Now following the original instructions from the stinger suit prepare your BACK piece for the zipper… I like to draw on my lines with a sewing pen. See pics below.
For this suit I made the zipper about 10cm longer than what would have been needed for the front. The back neck is higher than the front and extra is also required for the zip to reach to the top of the collar.
I drew the mark at the end of the pattern piece adding the extra, then drew on the lines.
Now you are ready to proceed just like you would any other stinger suit, do not forget to sew in your little tab at the base of the zip as described in the purchased instructions.
After you have sewn the front & back pieces together you will need to attach your NEW collar piece (it should be a rectangle) The end of the collar should line up with the edges of the zip insertion spot on your back piece. Sew on your collar matching the centre fronts together.
Now you are ready to insert your zip. Make sure that the top of the zipper sits nicely to the top of your collar.
You now need to add your zipper guard & top stitch (same as the original pattern) you will need to add extra length, to the zipper guard, so re-measure how long you will need. Finish off inserting & top stitching your zip.
Now complete the rest of your suit following the instructions, and you are done!
Thank you so much to Samantha for this awesome tutorial.
If you would like to purchase a copy of the original pattern you are welcome to visit our store. The Stinger Suit is available in both Ladies and Girls Sizes.
Shop for Pattern: Girls Pattern HERE Ladies Pattern HERE
It is with much excitement today that I share with you the Ladies Stinger Bodysuit Tester Round Up. This style has all the same options as the girl’s stinger suit but with the added option of cup sizes.
The Ladies Stinger Bodysuit is a comfortable, skirted bodysuit with the option of sleeveless, short, 3/4, or long sleeves. You also have the option of 1pc or 2 pc.
A wide range of sizes have been made and are included in this pattern are as follows: AU 6-26, US 2-22, EU 32-52 and cup sizes A through G.
This style has been on my to do list for a number of years as it is a style I have personally been wanting to make.
This pattern has been tested in all available sizes and cup sizes and fits like a dream when all size measurements have been adhered to on the chart. There are ladies out there that have not been able to wear one-pieces for years and now due to the fact that they can sew, and because of all the sizes available to them in this pattern they can confidently head to the water looking so good. A A fact that makes me so happy!
I am so proud to say that ladies that had a real fear of sewing zips and especially into stretch have now mastered the art and are so happy with their finished projects.
The written instructions guide you through every step of the zipper installation, with links to step by step video tutorials. Making zipper installation into stretch super easy to master.
Now for you to see all the wonderful suit these lovely ladies have made across all sizes I present you with the Ladies Stinger Bodysuit Tester Round Up.
Aimee Louise
Ali Gadsby
Amy Hodge
Brooke Ashcroft
Jacqueline Evans Bledsoe
Janette Barnes
Jennifer Williams
Katy L Geyer
Nicole Jupp
Rachel Harris
Rachel Harris
Sarah Mumford
Synthia Lee Gerritson
Tai Xie
Teri Roberts
These ladies all look so fantastic in their new suits. I hope that you have loved seeing all the options available to you in this pattern. Are you in the market to make a Ladies Stinger Bodysuit, that will protect you in the Summer heat?
It is with much excitement today that I share with you the Girls Stinger Bodysuit Tester Round Up. We have many style options included in this pattern. It is a comfortable, skirted bodysuit with the option of sleeveless, short, 3/4, or long sleeves. You also have the option of 1pc or 2 PC. The sizes included in the Girls Stinger Bodysuit PDF Pattern are from 1-14.
50% 4-way stretch knit fabric blend containing Lycra/elastane/spandex. Chunky Plastic Zip – 5mm Width – Open or Closed End Video tutorials to shorten zip from the top or the bottom included. Magic Tape or “Sew Easy” Wash Away Quilters Tape (Dissolvable) 1/4”-5/16” or 6mm-8mm Leghole and Armhole Elastic 3/8” or 10mm Crop Top and Swim Pant Turnover Waist 3/4” or 20mm Crop Top and Swim Pant Waistband Elastic 1” or 25mm
To make a Girls Stinger Bodysuit just takes one step further than making a plain swimsuit. The Zip! You need not be afraid of inserting a zip. You just need to get hold of some wash away tape. Using this tape to hold the zip will make sewing a breeze. If you join our Facebook Sewing Group you will see a post, with this picture, where members have shared where they get their tape or zips from. There are many places online where you can buy Wash Away Tape from and have it sent right to your door.
We have found zips in both Spotlight and Lincraft and some of these stores carry the tape also. In the instructions of the pattern, there are video links, showing you how to shorten your zips if too long and another to help you sew the zip into your garment, using the wash away tape.
Be prepared to be blown away by our tester’s gorgeous makes. They have gone all out with fabrics, photography, and look at those zipper installations. Such perfection!
I will always be very thankful for the effort testers go to, to help me sew and check the fit of the patterns, look over and give suggestions for the instructions, and then help promote the new styles on social media.
For the Ladies Zip-It Good Rashie Set it was no different. Firstly, what does this pattern include? This pattern is brimming with options.
Zip front closure,
Plain or frilled hem,
Fitted body,
Flutter, puff, short, 3/4, long sleeve options.
Swim pant,
Leggings with 5 length options.
This pattern comes in a wide range of sizes, but the most exciting detail is that it comes with front pattern pieces specially made for cup sizes A through G.
AU 6-26, US 2-22, EU 32-52.
All pattern pieces are computer-generated, color-coded, and layered so you can choose to print the actual sizes you require.
These are a few of the lovely versions of the leggings and swim pants that our fabulous testers made in the first part of the test.
Hannah Bnana
Brooke Ashcroft Hannah Bnana Kylie Pollard Synthia Lee Gerritson
What I love about making my own rashies is being able to use the gorgeous fabrics that are available on the market. I cannot understand why we need to settle for plain black, white, and navy when we visit the stores.
To make a rashie all it takes is one step further than making a t-shirt. The Zip! You need not be afraid of inserting a zip. You just need to get hold of some wash away tape. Using this tape to hold the zip will make sewing a breeze. If you join our group you will see a post with this picture where members have shared where they purchase their tape from. There are many places online where you can buy it and have it sent right to your door. In the pattern, there are two video links. One to help you shorten your zip if it is too long and another to help you sew it into your garment using the wash away tape to hold it.
Next, the zips. They are also easy to get hold of to sew your garment. In Australia, both Spotlight and Lincraft have a great selection. The zips used are just a standard 50cm or 19 5/8″ open-ended chunky 5mm or 1/4″ zips. Have a search online if you cannot purchase from your closest store.
In the weeks to follow, we tested Ladies Zip-It Good Rashie Set and wow what an array of gorgeous results we had.
One of my long time testers Alison had a brain wave and decided to try out the band from our Glamour Swirl Skirt on the Swim Pants. They look awesome and were able to be added to the pants with no adjustments necessary to the band or pants. She just popped them straight on.
You can find the free file to this pattern in the “Files” section of our Group. If you choose to join this is the link HERE
Linda Stilling
One of the most beautiful times of our lives is being able to breastfeed and this can be difficult when you are near the water. One of our testers remedied this with the use of her Ladies Zip-It Good Rashie. How cool is this? The zip front allows the ability to breastfeed while in your swimsuit.
Robyn Buchbach
If you are in love with the makes you have seen and wish to make a Mummy and Me version you are also able to purchase the pattern as a bundle. Yes, we have this same pattern in girls’ sizes. From size 1-14 youth. Here are some fun pics of Mum’s with their little ones in pieces from the Girls version of the Zip-It Good Rashie Set.
Don’t forget you also can add a fun frill to your rashie. It looks so adorable!
So are you wanting to have a summer where you can head to the water for the day and not come home sunburnt? Ready to bite the bullet and make your own?
Get ready for cuteness overload in this Girls Zip It Good Rashie Set Tester Round Up. Our pattern testers have sewn up a storm putting together these gorgeous zip front rashies in the hope they can keep their little ones burn free this summer.
Such a huge selection of options are available in this pattern. You could make a different option of rashie every year, for years to come. On top of these options shown here, there is the option to add a frill on the hem as well.
Amy Hodge
Alice Blackmore
Fea Stephens
Fea Stephens
Linda Stilling
Michelle Ball Johnson
The written instructions guide you through every step of the zipper installation, with links to step by step video tutorials. Making zipper installation into stretch super easy to master.
Tanya Karolia
Sarah Mumford
Carmen West
Helen Currie
It does not matter what the age. Frills look so sweet on both long sleeves or short sleeves. You have the choice to add cuffs or turn up the hem on the sleeves.
When you have such fair skin and there is the risk of stingers in the water a pair of leggings come in really handy at the beach. The swim pants can be worn underneath if you do not wish to line the leggings.
Karen Fildes
Kristy Fleischmann
Nabilah Razif
Shannon McClain
Yvonne Pyke
Shannon McCraken
Weren’t they just the cutest photos to scroll through? Are you ready to make your kids burn free this summer with a Girls Zip It Good Rashie Set as well?
For a while now people in our sewing group have been requesting an Add On to our Girls Fun Tee. It is with great excitement that I am here to tell you that we now have this option.
This pattern is an Add On so, therefore, you will need to have access to the Girls Fun Tee pattern and will need to print the sleeves, neckband, and cuffs from that base pattern in order to create the dress.
As a bundle you will have all you need to make these sleeve options each with the choice to add Mini or Full Flutters:
A. Short Sleeve; B. Long Sleeve; C. Gathered Short Sleeve; D. Gathered Long Sleeve; E. Full Flutter on its own.
Sizes supplied in this pattern 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,12,14.
One of the newest features is … wait for it… drumroll, please… It has POCKETS! Yes, how exciting is that? Now your little ones can store all their treasures while on the go in these easy to install side seam pockets.
If you like to have FABRIC PANELS or have bought them in the past and you want a dress pattern that does not use up a lot of fabric, you have come to the right place. This is the perfect a-line dress that does not use up a heap of fabric.
This was a Stenzo Panel that I bought from Zebra Fabrics
Girls Fun Tee Dress Add On Tester Round Up
The pattern test was so much fun. It was lovely seeing the enthusiasm of the ladies in the group choosing their favourite fabrics to make the dresses and even the children themselves helping decide from the various stashes which fabric the dresses should be made from. Thank you to all our lovely testers for the time and effort you put into each test that you do.
Alison Daines
Amy Hodge
Beth Dodlady
Beth Dodlady
Beth Dodlady
Beth Dodlady
Fea Stephens
Jess Norris
Karen Grimshaw
Kel Curteis
Leanne Axelson
Linda Stilling
Meg Moore
Melinda Jane Walker
Michelle Ball Johnson
Nabilah Razif
Sue-Ann Jones
Tanya Karolia
Do you need a little dress pattern that has pockets, and does not use up too much fabric from your precious stash? You have come to the right place.
First we gave you the Ladies Norma Jean Shorties and now we have sized this pattern down to childrens sizes. We have been amazed at the popularity of this pattern. It seems to have become a staple in so many childrens wardrobes. This is something that continues to bring me joy.
The Girls Norma Jean Juniors PDF Pattern makes the perfect every day under pant garment, suitable for all seasons. Featuring soft comfortable bands on the waist and legs and designed to stay in place and not ride up.
Instructions for 4 different finishes have been supplied in this pattern being;
Wide self-fabric bands,
Narrow self-covered elastic bands,
Picot, and
Fold over elastic (FOE).
The PDF pattern includes 4 Video tutorials links for the ‘flip’ and ‘burrito gusset methods’ and application of ‘picot’ and ‘FOE’ elastic.
From above left to right and bottom left to right. Wide bands, Narrow bands, Decorative FOE and Picot.
Thank you to all from the Norma Jean Juniors Test. I really appreciate all that you do to make our test fun and run smoothly. Due to the nature of this release, I will not be providing your names. I do hope all your little ones are enjoying their new Norma Jean Juniors are getting a lot of wear out of them.
Weren’t these just the cutest line of photos. If you would like to find out more please hit one of these links below and you can view our shop, Insta hashtags, and Pinterest Boards. Happy browsing!
The Ladies Norma Jean Shorties PDF Pattern makes the perfect every day under pant garment, suitable for all seasons. Featuring soft comfortable bands on the waist and legs and designed to stay in place and not ride up.
Instructions for 4 different finishes have been supplied in this pattern being;
Wide self-fabric bands,
Narrow self-covered elastic bands,
Picot, and
Fold over elastic (FOE).
The PDF pattern includes 4 Video tutorials links for the ‘flip’ and ‘burrito gusset methods’ and application of ‘picot’ and ‘FOE’ elastic.
The Norma Jean Shorties are great to wear as a separate or to attach to our Glamour Swirl Skirt. The Glamour Swirl Skirt is available for FREE online in our Facebook Group.
Thank you to all the Ladies from the Norma Jean Shorties Tester Round Up. You never cease to amaze me with all your gorgeous makes and fantastic suggestions to make these patterns the best that they can be. I really appreciate all your help. Due to the nature of this release I will not be providing your names but you know who you are and I thank you. I hope you all enjoy wearing your new comfy shorties.
If you would like to find out more please hit one of these links below and you can view our shop, Insta hashtags, and Pinterest Boards. Happy browsing!
“Winter days are made for Playtime … and what better way than to do that in clothes, and with toys, you’ve made for your kids!”
One Thimble | Issue 19
Playtime Dress | Issue 19 | One Thimble
What an exciting pattern release this is. Releasing alongside the Pixel Pullover, Alfie Sweatpants, Monster Mash Pinny, and the Pinky Promise bag is the Playtime Dress PDF Pattern for Issue 19 of the One Thimble Magazine. I am here today to present to you the complete Girls Playtime Dress Tester Round Up.
The Playtime Dress is the perfect base garment for summer or winter. This is a comfortable A-line Swing Dress that your girls will love wearing. It can be made plain or by making the front a feature with the fabulous circle pockets. Perfect teamed with stockings, socks or leggings.
The Girls Playtime Dress PDF Pattern comes with all the pieces you need to make 3 sleeve styles:
A. Cuffed Short Sleeve B. Cuffed 3/4 Sleeve C. Cuffed Long Sleeve
It also includes two dress lengths:
Knee-length and short, and with optional feature pockets.
Lauren Wernli
Alison Daines
Amy Hodge
Fee Stirt
Fea Stephens
Karen Grimshaw
Kel Curteis
Linda Stilling
Pam Allen
Sandra Schommer
Sue-Ann Jones
Tanya Karolia
Whitney Hyer
Jennifer Van Meter Deshazer
Girls Playtime Dress Tester Round Up. Such a cute line up of beautiful, fun Playtime Dresses. If you feel your little ones need a Playtime Dress in their lives? Would they love a one with pockets or plain?
We have Katie to thank for this beautiful post today. She has completed the most outstanding top using the Girls Sunshine Tee Template to adapt one of her favourite t-shirt patterns.
Why not hack the girls’ tee to make one for yourself or with a different t-shirt base pattern. Apply the Sunshine Tee Template to your favourite t-shirt pattern.
As we knew you’d love to see how to do this, as you have been asking in the group, Katie graciously offered to take photos of each step on her top that she was making, so that we can share how she has made this top with us.
Print and assemble the corresponding size of Spliced Sunshine Front Piece Template for your sewing project. For example; If you are sewing a size 2, then choose the “Size 2 Template Pattern.” If you are sewing a ladies size then choose the largest youth size, which is the youth size 14. This size template will be a suitable size ratio for most ladies sizes. Begin by tracing both sides of the chosen shirt pattern so you end up with a full front piece.
Transfer pattern marks. Fold your new traced piece in half and fold whole Sunshine Tee Template Piece in half to make it easier to line up centre using the crease. Line up traced shirt front pattern on top of spliced pattern. Line up the armsyce so the sun will stay in about the same place.
Trace sun and rays lines, extending if necessary.
Number the pieces! Also, I’d suggest adding a grain line arrow on each piece at this stage – I wish I had done that! It was a little hard to figure it out once it was cut up.
Play with fabric arrangements.
On piece #13 be sure to mark all the corresponding notches for the sun ray lines. This will assist you when sewing this curve.
Cut up new pattern pieces.
Don’t forget to add seam allowance when cutting out your pieces or retrace and add all your seam allowances to your pattern pieces!
Pieces rearranged before sewing the front together to keep them in order. When ready to sew, I recommend following the instructions from page 28. This will show the correct layout for sewing the pieces together this way all seams lay the same direction on the finished garment.
Ta da! Front piece done. Continue tutorial as written to add sleeves and back.
Beautiful t-shirt made, yeah!
The lovely Amy Hodge has also been able to make one of these for her son. It is a boys version of the Sunshine Tee, using the “Front Piece Template!”
In this version Amy has made and adjustment to better fit her print of CP30 in the semi-circle. Note; all the the “grainlines” and “direction of most stretch” placed on the pattern pieces which just assist when going to cut out fabric.
Amy went the route of retracing and adding seam allowances to the pattern pieces before cutting.
The completed Tee. Looks awesome doesn’t it?
We hope that you will get the time to make one for yourself or loved one and put a little Sunshineinto their life too.
Welcome to the Girls Sunshine Tee tester round up. We have had so much fun creating this pattern.
Something that just started out as a fun scrap buster for a shirt for my daughter has turned out to be a great hit. We could not wait to get started on this pattern test.
We broke this test into two parts. Testing the plain version of this pattern and then the spliced Sunshine version. The plain version of this pattern really shows off fun prints and panels in a basic, fun and quick sew.
I am so thankful for the beautiful sewing and photos that all the Girls Sunshine Tee Testers provided.
Alison Daines
Emilie Griffin Zaugg
Emily Harrison
Fea Stephens
Felicity Williams
Heather Heidlage
Jan Crawford
Jennie Lindstrom
Karen Olivia Mathews
Kristen Prystupa
Linda Stilling
Magda Estrela
Ondinneke van Hoof
Sarah Mumford
Sue-Ann Jones
Whitney Hyer
During this part of the test we decided it would be fun for kids to design their own Girls Sunshine Tee. At the beginning of the PDF pattern instructions you will find this colouring in printable. You are welcome to print it off and have your kids design their own with your scraps or just have fun colouring in while you sew.
This colouring in sheet – minus the competition details – is available in the instructions PDF.
It was now time to pull out those boxes of fabric scraps and design away. These wonderful testers blew me away with the pretty combinations they came up with. Enjoy the colourful round-up ahead!
Abigail Shelling. Such a fun way to use stripes.
Alison Daines
Amy Hodge
Emily Harrison
Fea Stephens
Heather Heidlage
Jennie Lindstrom. Supporters Jersey!
Kyrsten Prystupa
Lynsey Breivogel
Linda Stilling
Ondinneke van Hoof
Pam Allen
Pam Black
Rachel Barnes
Sarah Mumford
Sue-Ann Jones
Tee Bee
Margo Parkyn
Such a fun Girls Sunshine Tee Tester Round Up. Don’t you think the testers provided such a great line up of colour? Which colours or fabrics will you choose to use to make up your Girls Sunshine Tee? I hope you will show us in our Facebook Sewing Circle.
The Final photographs sent to me from the lovely testers of this pattern were so gorgeous I just had to share them in one location for all to see as a Sport Dress Tester Round Up.
I have been very fortunate to have many testers come back a second, third, and fourth time to test my new patterns. I feel very thankful for that and for the friendships formed through this process.
Thank you to all the lovely testers that helped work on this pattern. Without you, it would not have been possible.
I have shown the widths and lengths testers have used to make their model clothes to demonstrate that not many people are standard height and width. Through using the layers function when printing the patterns you can easily make the correct size required for your model. Full instructions for making combination sizes come with the pattern.
Photographs shown are in order of size.
Size 1 width 3 height Mirelle Melanson
Size 1 width 2 height
Rhonda Bowen
Size 2 width 4 height
Megan Ray
Size 2 width 3 height
Kary Davis
Size 2 width 3 height
Linda Stilling
Size 3 width 3 height
Amy Hodge
Size 3 width 4 height
Thao Luxa
Size 3 width 4 height
Shalini Verma
Size 4 width 5 height
Megan Ray
Size 3 Chest 5 Hip and 4 length
Juanita Bell
Size 4 width 5 height
Rena Knotingham
Size 4 width 5 height
Alison Daines
Size 5 width 5 height
Danielle Kuznia
Size 6 width 6 height
Lauren Wernli
Size 7 width 6 height
Dianne Firth
Size 7 width 7 height
Jessica Vert
Size 10 width 10 height
Lauren Wernli
Size 12 width 14 height + 3″
Cindy Parett
Size 14 width
Donna Welburn
Well there you have it, so many amazing testers showing just how you can utilize this pattern, in all its views whether that be the Top, Tunic, Knee length, or Long length.
We cannot wait to see your version of this fabulous Sport Dress if you’d like to share photos in our sewing group.
The latest pattern from Sew by Pattern Pieces has arrived! The Sport Dress is the perfect base garment for this up and coming Summer. The pattern can be adapted in so many ways. Featuring 4 lengths it can be a comfortable tapered top, tunic, or dress along with 3 back armhole options. The Tbar, Sport, and Sleeveless.
Every little girl wants to feel comfortable while they are playing and this design sure makes them feel this way but feminine at the same time. As I have two girls, I watch which items of clothing my kids pull out to wear time and time again and I design with this information in mind.
You will love how quickly these garments come together. It has an easy to follow tutorial with a combination of line drawings and photographs and video links to help you every step of the way.
The size chart and finished garment measurement chart ensure you will get a perfect fit on your little model. The coloured and layered printing function helps you to achieve the combination sizes for when your child is having those growth spurts. Sizes included are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14. The PDF pattern is available for download on tiled pattern pieces that can be printed and taped together using US 8.5″ x 11″ and or A4 paper or take your A0 file to the copy shop and do away with all the taping.
It is not always easy finding gorgeous prints on stretch so I have put together two fun applique templates, which you will be able to access in my sewing group as a Free Download Sure to add some fun to your next project. These templates are in a layered PDF printable document and are available in three sizes to suit sizes 1-14 and will also suit the Fun Tee pattern already available in the store.
Download your FREE star and heart sewing template. HERE
Projector File HERE 1″ and 5cm Grids for calibration, toggle on and off in layers menu.
We were having so much fun in testing we came up with a pattern hack at the same time and this has also been included in this pattern release. The technique to add ties or splits to any of your existing favourite patterns, is fully described and comes with a “Turnback Template” to help you adapt your pattern and add these features.
So much included in this pattern, so why not head over to our store and purchase your new Summer staple pattern today.
While I have your attention also be sure to be on the lookout for our leggings pattern which also looks lovely paired together with the Sport Dress.
The 3/4 length leggings look great with the tunic or top from this pattern release.
Thank you for viewing this post and have a great day!
If you’re having trouble downloading from here pop into our sewing group and look in the files menu to download your FREE star and heart sewing template to add to your next project.
Today I am very excited to show you my latest sewing project. Stinger bodysuit vintage ruffle hack. From the time that I created this pattern, my daughter’s friends have quite vocally let me know they wanted one as well. Slowly the whole group of them are getting one to wear, this is the 10th Stinger Suit that I have had the pleasure to sew.
The image above shows the finished swimsuit, however, it does look like it needs a little more to complete the look in this fabric and we have decided it needs a ruffle on the hem. So today I am going to show you how to add a ruffle to the Stinger Bodysuit, which can be utilized on any project made from Lycra.
1. Firstly, measure the hem of the area you will be adding the ruffle to.
2. Next cut the strips to be ruffled at 1 1/4″ or 3cm wide. These strips need to be cut with the longest measurement going from selvage to selvage 2 1/2 times the garment length measured. The total circumference of fabric required was too long for the width of fabric, so I cut 2 1/2 times the front for the front strip and 2 1/2 times the back for the back strip.
3. Now run a gathering stitch along the left and right edge of our strips of fabric. Start by putting your machine on the longest straight stitch possible. Then line up the right edge and sew 3/8″ or 1cm in from the edge, as shown below.
4. Next with the left side under the pressure foot sew the second row of gathering, again this is done 3/8″ or 1cm in from the edge, as shown below.
5. Now pull up the gathering stitches on your strips of fabric, pulling on the bobbin threads only. Pull the threads so that they gather evenly along the length and check that they now measure the correct length to fit onto the area you wish for them to attach to.
6. Next, change your machine to a wide zig-zag stitch, or in this case I used a 3 step zig zag. The reason you will use a zig-zag is because the ruffle is being added onto stretch fabric and if we use a straight stitch it will be more prone to cracking or getting damaged if the area is pulled whilst being worn.
7. Pin your ruffle to the area that you are attaching it to. To begin sewing place the ruffle under the foot of the machine and let 3/8″ or 1cm overlap the side seam of the skirt. Start your sewing 3/8″ or 1cm in from the strip of edge.
Ensure you are sewing your row of zig-zag in the centre of the ruffle strip and do not stretch the skirt as you sew.
8. This how it should look once sewn.
9. This is what the reverse side of the skirt looks like. With the ruffle slightly showing as it covers the raw edge of the skirt.
10. Next place and pin the ruffle to the back of the skirt.
11. To begin sewing the ruffle onto the back tuck the back ruffle under the front 3/8″ or 1cm overlap and continue using your zig-zag to attach.
12. Remove all your gathering stitches and yippee you are done! Easy as that! Now you will want to start ruffling everything in sight.
The complete Stinger Suit can be made by following the instructions that come with the pattern. If you would like to make this suit without a skirt, instructions to eliminate it also come with the pattern. How cute is this fabric?
You can also visit the Sew by Pattern Pieces Sewing Circle to ask questions or gather more sewing inspiration. Thank you for your time today and happy sewing!
Ready to make your own?
Shop for Pattern: Girls Pattern HERE Ladies Pattern HERE
Today I’m sharing our new Girls Skip Skirt PDF Pattern and Leggings PDF Pattern makes from the testing group with you. I will forever have so much appreciation for all that our Testers do! They provide so much valuable feedback on the instructions and fit of the patterns we are testing. It can be an anxious time to put a new pattern to the test and expose all its flaws but as we reach the end I’m so grateful for the whole process and the sewists that test for us.
Alison Daines
The original style option I came up with for the Skip Skirt was as shown above by Alison Daines that has been paired with the Fun Tee PDF Pattern. It is a cute 2 tier 1/2 circle skirt a style my girls adore wearing. As I started putting the pattern together I became inspired to offer other options that could also attach to the the yoke and offer more options, within the one pattern, that could look great being worn with our Fun Tee.
I am excited to tell you that through the design process these are the options that have been made part of the new Skip Skirt:
Single Tier Skirt, View A. Gathered Single, Tier View B. Plain Pocket Single Tier, View C. Gathered Pocket Single Tier, View D. Gathered Patch Pocket, View E. Plain Double Tier, View F. Gathered Double Tier, View G. Leggings, 3/4 Length and Boyleg
Bunky Bell. View C, and G.
Carmen West. View C.
Carmen West. View G and Bike Pant.
Cindy Parrett. View C.
Cindy Parrett. View G.
Dianne Firth. View C.
Dianne Firth. View G.
Emma Schmack. View A and Bike Pant.
Linda Stilling. View A and Leggings.
Linda Stilling. View C and Leggings.
Linda Stilling. View G and Leggings.
Lisa Neri. View G and Leggings.
Lisa Neri. View E and Leggings.
Meahd Farnaby. View C.
Meg Moore. View F and Leggings.
Megan Ray. View A and Leggings.
Merav Ganz Ruthman. View C and Leggings.
Michelle Peterson. View A.
Sarah Benbrook. View B.
Sneha Nirody Monga. View B
Sneha Nirody Monga. View C.
Laurie McDonnell. View D.
I hope you have enjoyed looking through all the fabulous photos of the Girls Skip Skirt PDF Pattern that our wonderful testers have provided us of all the fun options the Skip Skirt offers. Which one will you be making up first? We hope you will give it a try.
