Paradise Patterns
Cowrie Kini
Cowrie Kini
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You will learn:
✿ How to sew swimwear on your regular sewing machine, no serger necessary.
✿ Two ways of finishing edges on a bikini
FABRIC RECOMMENDATIONS
Choose knit fabric labeled “swim” or “active wear” with 4-way stretch. Typical compositions include Nylon/Spandex and Polyester/Lycra. Aim for at least 15% of elastane (also known as Spandex or Lycra). For US residents, bluemoonfabrics.com has a large selection of swim fabrics.
ELASTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
For View A, you will need 1” FOE to finish all edges. For US residents, the website elasticbytheyard.com has a good color selection of FOE. For View B, you will need good quality 1/4”(6mm) swim elastic or knit elastic, either polyester or cotton. Rubber and clear elastic is not recommended for this pattern.
PATTERN OPTIONS:
✿ A4/Letter print at home
✿ A0/COPYSHOP
✿ Projector file
NOTIONS
View A
✿ 1”(2.5cm) FOE
✿ 3/8(1cm) swim elastic for shoulder strap
✿ 5/8”(1.5cm) G-hook
✿ Matching thread for both FOE and SELF fabric
View B
✿ 1/4”(6mm) swim elastic
SIZING
✿ Bust 28”-58”/ 71-147cm
✿ Hip 31”-61”/ 79-155 cm
LEVEL
✿ Intermediate
Customer Reviews
The bikini looks very nice, basically on everyone I saw made it. I also looks very nice on me, so I'm happy with the result. However, I was surprised that the upper and lower top pieces are identical. I had expected some more shaping. After I finished it, indeed I noticed that the lower part was way too wide for me (note: I have relatively big boobs, but my underbust circumference is small, so that might play along). To solve that, I slashed the lower top piece and removed about 8cm total from the underbust. Now the top fits much better and feels more secure, but the total cup volume has decreased of course, In my next version I'll probably add a little room to the upper top piece.
Also the bottoms are cute VERY high so I removed some height by increasing the seam allowance of the crotch seam with a few cm.
Awesome design with one of the best instructions I've ever read in a sewing pattern. I am used to wearing more sporty styles with lots of coverage, but this one feels the most secure of all my bikinis. I made two blue sets right before my summer vacation and was very excited wearing them at the beach and jumping in the waves. The fit was great at first try. Because of the pattern using the vertical breast measurement I was able to select the two sizes for my quite different boobs and make pattern changes before cutting in my fabric. What I love is the finishing with the fold over elastic. It is my preferred style when sewing underwear and I enjoy the colorblocking options and the more playful and less "feminine" style compared to the swim- and underwear I usually see.
I will try to transform the pattern and make it into underwear since I am very pleased with the combo of high leg/high waist. For the top I think jersey underlined with powernet will work nicely. I also think about making another bikini in dark green with pale pink FOE although the summer is almost over. It really is a fun project to dive into and quite a quick make without the need for a serger/overlocker. 100% recommend!
This might just be my favorite swimsuit ever! I find the top looks really good on most body types, and using FOE as a binding is a game changer.
Loved this pattern! It was my first try at sewing swimwear and the instructions were so clear, the pattern was well done, the outcome is gorgeous. Amazing all around!
I love the pattern and all the resources provided. The instructions are amazing as always. I love the fit of the bikini.
