Hey guys,
Wow that was a long unintended break! I do find it takes a lot of effort to write a blog post sometimes, but once I start, I really get into it!
Today Iām going to talk to you a bit about one of my most recent makes which is the Cottesloe Bikini by Megan Nielsen.
Iād never sewn with swimwear or active wear fabrics before, but I actually found it really easy. If you have a bit of experience sewing with jersey, youāll find this no bother at all š
For my bikini, I used a swimwear fabric from Crafty Sew and So which Iād had in my stash for over a year! It felt very satisfying to finally use it!
I decided to make view D of the pattern which is the high waisted pants and bikini top. I really like the fact that the pants cover up a lot, but youāre still wearing a bikini (if you get what I mean!)

I think I had 1m of fabric and I definitely had quite a bit left, so I think the estimation on the pattern is pretty accurate.
I fully lined my bikini in recycled nylon from Sew me Sunshine and I really like this finish. You donāt have to fully line if you donāt want to, but I was paranoid the fabric would be a little bit see through as it was light in colour.
You also need some different elastics to complete this make, and after a bit of research, I went for rubber elastic as itās quite long lasting and the brand I went for was also eco-friendly. I got two widths which were 6mm and 20mm. The 20mm is slightly narrower than recommended, but it worked just fine. Both elastics were from James Tailoring and I would definitely buy them again šš»šš»

So on to the sewingā¦.
This garment actually comes together really quickly and the pattern is great as it explains how to sew and attach a lining, and it also talks you through how to attach all of the elastic. One thing I would say though is that I will probably change where I sew the elastic in next time as it tends to roll out. I was advised by a friend that I may need to cut the lining slightly smaller and this would encourage the elastic to roll inwards, which would sit better. Iāve also heard that various other patterns have different techniques so it may be well worth checking those out (specifically Friday Pattern Co).


Iām definitely planning on making another swimsuit/bikini – Iāve recently bought the Sandpiper bikini by Helenās Closet, so I think Iāll be giving that a try š I never even imagined Iād be able to sew my own swimwear, so needless to say Iām very pleased with this make.
Let me know if youāre planning to make your own swimwear or if anything is holding you back! I promise itās not nearly as difficult as you imagine š
Until next time, take care guys xx


Fabric from: https://craftysewandso.com
Pattern: https://megannielsen.com
Elastics: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/890096983/6mm-activewear-rubber-elastic-oeko
Swimwear lining: https://sewmesunshine.co.uk/products/white-lining-econyl-recycled-nylon-activewear-swimwear-jersey