CORALIE SWIMSUIT + BIKINI Tilly & The Buttons

Make a splash by sewing your own swimsuit or bikini with this pattern created in collaboration with designer Evie la Lùve. With multiple versions to choose from, you can either keep it simple or add pretty details while building your swimwear sewing skills.

• One piece swimsuit with choice of high or low back
• Bikini with choice of high or low waist bottoms
• Scoop neckline finished with narrow binding and straps
• Optional neckline ruffle and leg ruffles
• Mid-cut leg
• Fully lined, with optional shelf bra and cups

SKILL LEVEL - Improver

MODEL GARMENT SIZES - Alice May (lilac swimsuit and cornflower blue & white gingham bikini) is wearing a pattern size 4 (UK 12). Abi (multi-colour ruffle bikini and chartreuse yellow & white gingham swimsuit) is wearing a pattern size 15 (UK 34).

SUPPLIES

• Swimwear fabric – see below
• Matching polyester thread
• Lining fabric – see above + below
• All versions: 8-10mm (5/16-3/8in) wide swimwear elastic (preferably rubber and NOT clear elastic) – see below
• Bikini version: 6mm (1/4in) wide swimwear elastic (preferably rubber and NOT clear elastic) – see below
• Optional: Foam swimwear cups
• Sewing machine with adjustable zigzag stitch, stretch needle and basic tools (a rotary cutter and mat are helpful) 

FABRIC SUGGESTIONS

Main fabric: Four-way stretch knit swimwear fabric with at least 50% stretch in both directions. Look for a mix of nylon or polyester with elastane (AKA Lycra/Spandex). 

Lining: Swimwear lining, stretch mesh or more of your main fabric, with at least 50% stretch in both directions.

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS

SIZES 1-5

Main Fabric - 145cm (57in) wide

• Swimsuit: 0.9m (1yd)
• Bikini: 0.8m (⅞yd)
• + extra 0.2m (¼yd) for neckline ruffle
• + extra 0.3m (⅜yd) for leg ruffles

Lining - 145cm (57in) wide

• Swimsuit: 0.9m (1yd)
• Bikini: 0.8m (⅞yd)

8-10mm (5/16-3/8in) rubber swim elastic

• Swimsuit: 3.5m (3⅞yd)
• High waist bikini: 3.5m (3⅞yd)
• Low waist bikini: 4.5m (5yd)

8-10mm (5/16-3/8in) rubber swim elastic

• High waist bikini: 1.9m (2⅛yd)
• Low waist bikini: 1m (1⅛yd)

SIZES 6-10

Main Fabric - 145cm (57in) wide

• Swimsuit: 1m (1 1/8yd)
• Bikini: 1m (1 1/8yd)
• + extra 0.5m (5/8yd) for neckline ruffle
• + extra 0.3m (3/8yd) for leg ruffles

Lining - 145cm (57in) wide

• Swimsuit: 1m (1 1/8yd)
• Bikini: 0.9m (1yd)

8-10mm (5/16-3/8in) rubber swim elastic

• Swimsuit: 4m (4 1/4yd)
• High waist bikini: 4m (4 1/4yd)
• Low waist bikini: 5.1m (5 1/2yd)

8-10mm (5/16-3/8in) rubber swim elastic

• High waist bikini: 2.3m (2 5/8yd)
• Low waist bikini: 1.2m (1 3/8yd)

SIZES 11-15

Main Fabric - 145cm (57in) wide

• Swimsuit: 1m (1 1/8yd)
• Bikini: 1.1m (1 1/4yd)
• + extra 0.7m (3/4yd) for neckline ruffle
• + extra 0.3m (3/8yd) for leg ruffles

Lining - 145cm (57in) wide

• Swimsuit: 1.1m (1 1/4yd)
• Bikini: 0.9m (1yd)

8-10mm (5/16-3/8in) rubber swim elastic

• Swimsuit: 4.5m (4 7/8yd)
• High waist bikini: 4.5m (4 7/8yd)
• Low waist bikini: 5.7m (6 1/4yd)

8-10mm (5/16-3/8in) rubber swim elastic

• High waist bikini: 2.7m (3yd)
• Low waist bikini: 1.4m (1 5/8yd)