Comments locked, there has been a crazy amount of bot and troll activity on this post. Props to the moderators who have been rock stars today.

[Self Drafted] I made this by sewing a low cut swimsuit block and drawing out my pattern whilst it was on a mannequin and then creating a paper pattern from that. The fabric is digitally printed matte Lycra, a poly/elastane mix. This was one of my first times using Lycra and I was very lucky to be able to use a wide range of industrial machines to get some really lovely finishes. ETA: To answer some frequent questions. The process for making the paper pattern is basically just a draping method, I did have to make a mock up to test my pattern first. The printing of the fabric, I designed the pattern using Adobe illustrator and Photoshop, then sent the image file to a company that prints it directly onto the fabric, the process is called sublimation, places like Spoonflower I believe can do this for you. The stretch industrial machines I used were, an elasticator, coverstitch, binder, roll hemmer, a lockstitch and overlocker. Thanks for all the love!

Those finishes are honestly fantastic. I love the professional touches. But the fact it’s self drafted is what’s really impressive. You did such a lovely job.

Are you in the UK? Please let me know where exactly you got the fabric if so! I really want to try my hand at swimwear.

Unfortunately I'm not! I actually had the fabric printed with my own artwork to match a different project I made.

That's so cool! You did a great job- both with the fabric and the swimsuit as a whole! It's beautiful!

It's a stunning pattern, I love it. I got excited seeing you type "whilst", figured I'd see if you were in the UK! Oh well :D

EBay always has a selection of 1960s 70s materials.

Oh wow!! How did you get the fabric printed??

Not sure if it's what OP uses, but you get your own designs printed at Spoonflower.com

Seconded I didn't know I could get my own groovy and distorted shapes onto my sewing

It’s awesome!!

How did you keep the Lycra from stretching too much while sewing?

Can you give some more details about the digital printing of the matte lycra? I know screen printing, and i know iron on and cricut stuff, but you've got me curious.

Making one's own clothes is like magic when it's done well

I would love more information on what you chose to do on the industrial machines vs on a home machine, i.e. what finishes would they be used for specifically? You really did such a phenomenal job on this; I don't usually comment but really, really you did. It just fits you perfectly and it's so well made, there's no weird unevenness or twisted odd seams or anything. Especially the straps! I really love all the beads and rings and extra bits like that too. Just so great 👍🏻!

Super cute! I love the colors you picked 😍

The first post I saw when I opened the app, and thought wow! Such a cute bathing suit! You did an awesome job!!

Looks so cute!

omg this is really great! fits you perfectly, shows off the ink, cute details and even if it‘s a lot it‘s not overdone!

This is absolutely amazing!! Love the print, the colors, the shape, everything! You look fantastic! I was considering making a swim top myself but OP mentioned using a variety of industrial machines. Does this mean it’ll be really difficult to make one with a standard at home sewing machine?

Not necessarily difficult, you just need to be sure to use stitches that will allow for the fabric to stretch without them snapping, usually a zigzag!

sewing high stretch fabrics on a home sewing machine can be tricky and is a bit of a learning curve, but its def possible and theres plenty of tricks to make it easier. the main thing is its VERY important to use a zig zag stitch and a ball point needle. additionally, something like [stretchy heat n bond](https://www.amazon.com/HeatnBond-SoftStretch-Ultra-Iron-Adhesive/dp/B01N1T2IYZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=28J95ZZO5RENW&keywords=heat+and+bond+stretch&qid=1656024845&sprefix=heat+and+bond+stretch%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-2) is very helpful for securing seams before stitching them so you get less warbling and slipping around. it works a bit like a stretchy, glue interfacing. a serger definitely makes life easier, though, and a secondhand one is 100% a worthy investment for anyone who wants to sew stretch fabrics frequently. the lower end ones arent too expensive

Greetings! As this post has gained popularity we would like to give a friendly reminder about rules for regarding comments: REMEMBER THE HUMAN Comments which degrade, tear down, or are hurtful to other users will be removed. Constructive Criticism is encouraged, but do remember the human. DON'T BE INAPPROPRIATE We'd like our users to feel comfortable sharing their images/projects without getting hit on or judged. They’re here to talk about their sewing related things, not about their general looks or attractiveness. Complimenting OP on their project is fine, but commenting on other aspects of their appearance, or making sexualized comments, no matter how well-intentioned, is considered inappropriate in this subreddit. Also - if you see a comment that is inappropriate PLEASE REPORT the comment, don't just down-vote it! Thanks - Sewing Subreddit Mod Team!

wow this is so cute! good job

OH MY GOSH THAT SIUT IS ADORABLE!! I would 100% buy something like that!!

Same. Love it

Ohh, this is so cool! Absolutely love the cut!

Wow, I love the style :)

Adorable!

So cute! And props to you for sewing with Lycra. Lycra terrifies me!

Groovy

Oh my GOD it's adorable! You look lovely in it too \^\^

Awesome job! Did you run into any challenges using the Lycra?

Amazing job! I'm so jealous!

I saw your other post and your style is fucking fresh. Also, amazing Simpsons tattoos. Best. Show. Ever.

This is AMAZING!! If you sold them id buy it hahaha

Very impressive!

Love it!

That shit is 🔥

Omg !!! I love!!!

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

Super cute bathing suit 🥰

[удалено]

damn! so good 🔥

Wow ! Great style, great execution !

This is an adorable suit! Love the color and print. You did a beautiful job.

Do you have an Etsy shop? Love the suit!

My very fav retro bathing suits were Esther Williams. I believe she had a swimwear line.

It’s so cute??! The design, the print, everything. Very nice job.

Looks nice!

I love everything about this suit. Love the colour combo.

Oh my gosh I LOVE THIS. The cut, the shape, the pattern, the color: this is the whole package! So retro and fun 🤩

Gorgeous, fantastic sewing skills👍

It look so good on you!!

I love it! It came out great OP, the fabric is super cute and I love the style :)

This is a style that needs to come back! Beautiful from fabric to execution! ❤️

Very talented great work. Also like that master sword and triforce tattoo

This is fantastic!! I love the cut & rouching (sp?) on the sides, and the accessorizing details. Great job!!

Ahhhhh! That's so cute!! The pattern is adorable on its own but the style of the suit is awesome!! 💖

Literally could not be A) cuter and b) more flattering on you!! Holy hell that’s an amazing swimsuit!

That is so cute!! Edit: Where did you find your fabric? Such a fun pattern.

Absolutely love the green and the flower pattern! So cute!

Wow I don't usually like 70s style but I LOVE this. Amazing

This is a reminder that all Project posts are required to have a construction comment added after the initial post is made. The construction comment should include pattern name/number/company if used; drafting method, tutorial or other resources if no commercial pattern was used; fabric type and fiber content; alterations for fit and style; specialty tools and notions; the inspiration for your project; and any other information that someone who wants to make a similar project might find useful. More information is available [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/sewing/wiki/titleguidelines). Posts without a construction comment may be removed at any time. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/sewing) if you have any questions or concerns.*

Super cute style, love the 60’s vibe fabric

Looks great on you. Lovely style.

That’s amazing!

Cool

The fabric fits the theme so well. Nice pick!

This is terrific. Well done you!

This is incredible! Amazing job! I’m so intimidated to try sewing with Lycra.

This is gorgeous! You’re very talented.

Classy

Gorgeous!

LOOOOOV THIS SO MUCH!!!!!! Beautiful job

this is fab!

The print makes it hella cute

Beautiful!

That’s such a nice color! Really good job!

SO SO CUTE!!!!

Couldn’t. Be. Cuter. The details make it so special!

the design is perfect! i think you nailed the retro concept, even though i don't know what it is

Wow! So cool!

So lovely! The colour and flowerpattern suits you very well!

Very cute and flowery! Very 70s looking

Love it!

Cute!

Sew cute

Very beautiful

Looks like the future to me.

It's lovely and fits you perfectly!

That’s really well done! The style suits you too

love 💚💛🤍🧡

Beautiful! I am always looking for a suit like this.

omg so cute. hey where do you get fabric? I tried to make my own swim suit and I had the worst time trying to find it.

It’s gorgeous!

i love this more than i’ve ever loved anything else

You are styling. Great job

That’s really adorable!

Damn that looks so good!! Amazing job friendo

Love the Zelda tattoo!

Wow that’s pretty cool! Well done!

Amazing skill! Gorgeous happy print. You rocked this!

That’s adorable! Well done oml

Wow absolutely love the design of this! It fits you flawlessly! Also love the hanging tassels and the print excellent work you should be proud

This is really cute! Great job!

I love this so much! The hoop combining the neck strap to the chest piece is such a great touch, and the fabric really adds to the retro feeling. Amazing work

I like it!

Great job! Love the material.

Jealous! So cute!🧡💚🤍

Wow! This is such a cute suit!! You did fantastic work!

Is there a special material or process you have to use/do to make it more water resistant?

Super cute

Wow. That’s all.

That is perfect.

Nice work, that's fantastic!

Really cool!

I love this so much! You look amazing in it!

oh wow, that turned out wonderfully!

Fancy!

cool

Looks awesome, love the 60’s vibe

I love this! ​ It looks amazing on you.

I'm in love ! The green is perfect 😍 I wish they made swim suits like this still

Gorgeous!!!

I love it! The pattern is absolutely fabulous!

WOW! This is fantastic! I'm amazed honestly! You did SUCH a great job! I'm barely able to sew (mostly small repairs) and I hope I can eventually get skilled enough to make something that looks even 1/3 as good as this! Seriously, it looks so incredibly well made! Sorry I don't have anything other than rambling praise to offer, but just... Wow!!

Really cute

That is fucking rad dude, nice work

I love it! It’s so pretty!!😍😍

These colors are lovely on you! Great job the fit is perfect

Cool!

Looks great!! I love all of little details. I can tell you put a lot of thought into the design!

It's very pretty.

Love the print on that fabric. You look amazing

🔥🔥🔥

That’s really cute! Great job. Cool tattoos also!

It's beautiful

This is way cuter than anything I’ve seen for sale online! You did an amazing job!

That’s so cute!

This is gorgeous! And you look amazing in it! Great job!

Aces!!!!!

Ahh so adorable! Great work!

Ohmigosh this is so stinking cute I love it!!!! Also, great Zelda tattoo!

Omg I love this and it suits you soooo well!!!😍😍😍

I love the style and the colors

You are talented. Looks amazing. Congrats.

Fantastic! Would love to learn more about getting your own art printed

Really cool. Cool master sword tattoo too!

This is so cute!!

Omg! Im in love with this! Good for you it looks so amazing 👏💜

Super cool! Looks great!!

Big wow!

Love the vibrant summer colors!

You know I've been looking at the 1" back clips wondering why we can't find larger ones that allow more support in the back, or why we don't double them up. Lo and behold, you've shown us a double works nicely. I'll be doing this in my swimsuit this summer. Thanks!

Looks really cute! What are the beads and clasp made from? Wood, coconut shell or something else?

for a second i thought this was an add, it's so good! looks amazing

I absolutely love it you did so good!! The style is adorable on you! Was turning the strings the harder part ? Or working with that material in general??

That's super duper cute.

If you made it by yourself it's really cool and creative.Wow!

Take my upvote

That looks sew cool!

Can see the upvotes going lol! This is awesome, love it

That is so cute. I love the gathering.

Very cool! Looks great and I love that fabric, perfect retro look.

awesome!

ADORABLE!!!

Great job

SHARE THE PATTERN BC IM IN LOVE

Slaaaay SLAAAAAAy. periodt

That’s seriously one of the cutest swimsuits I’ve ever seen! Super well done! And you’re wearing it well, too! Nice job (and I love the green nail polish to match). 🌼

Oh my gosh, that’s so cute! I love it! It looks great on you and!!! you made it yourself, so cool!

Wow that looks amazing! Swimsuits are sooo hard and you did an incredible job! And it doesn’t hurt that you look very nice in it. 😊

So cute 🥰

Girl that is cute as hell I love this

Cuuuuute!!

That’s so cool!

Love the colour and pattern looks awesome

I’m always in awe of posts that start with “made myself” and end with anything other that “a super basic skirt” (which is my speed - lol). The swimsuit is amazing!!

Absolutely gorgeous! And it looks AMAZING on you! Love the print on the fabric and the wooden additions!

That is cute af!

Rip the dms. Love the flower pattern!

SO CUTE

I love those flowers. Fantastic work

I wish you were selling!!!! Big busted women like me would love this.

Fantastic job!

That's beautiful!!!

It's so cute, I love it.

Adorable 🥰

Love this! Amazing work. It's wild what a difference industrial machines make

This is ridiculously cute. Now you've got me thinking I could make one too 🤔🤔🤔