Nautilus Bikini

Nautilus Bikini Seamstress Erin Design, Pattern Testing Sew Pomona

I pattern tested this swimsuit design way back in May and have been eagerly awaiting the release to share it with you guys!   This is the Nautilus Swimsuit from Seamstress Erin Designs.  I’ve been following Erin’s blog since I first started sewing and was psyched to test out this new pattern, especially since I’m at the beach or pool almost year round.  You can check out all the amazing swimsuits from the pattern testers here!

I really love sewing swimwear and learning new techniques to improve my finishes. I’d love to have a coverstitch machine but happily my sewing is finally looking more professional both inside and out. I made this bikini version as my first go at the pattern.  And yes I have another version coming soon too!Nautilus Bikini Seamstress Erin Design, Pattern Testing Sew Pomona

Bikini Details:

~I received this pattern free in exchange for my feedback during the tester phase-all opinions are my own~

View C

Twist Bikini Top: size 4 (C/D Cup). the sizing on this pattern was modified after testing so for my second version I made up the size 2 (C/D) based on my measurements resulting in a better fit.

Bottom (modified to higher waistline): size 8  I originally made the twist bottoms from View B in a size 8.  While pretty I felt they were too low cut for my comfort.  This second pair was modified to a higher waist.

Fabric + Notions:

this Navy Floral on White Nylon Lycra Print  , white swimsuit lining  , white 1/2″ swimwear elastic and 3/4″ S hook all from  The Fabric Fairy 

note: the pattern calls for 1/4″ elastic and 1″ Swim hook- I used what I already had on hand in my stash.

I wish this fabric was still in stock-I’d buy more!  The print is lovely-matte and opaque!  It has a great hand and was so easy to sew.  Both top and bottom are lined with white swimwear lining.

Nautilis Bikini {Seamstress Erin Designs} Sew Pomona Nautilus Bikini Seamstress Erin Design, Pattern Testing Sew Pomona

I love the twist center design of the bikini top.  It’s such a cool, unique feature.  And learning how to sew the twist itself was fun.  I went with the halter strap ties as I love the sweetheart shape it gives to the neckline.  Super flattering!  With the inserted foam cups this suit is quite supportive and secure. A very important factor for me.  My kids love to roughhouse in the water and I need a suit that stays put even with kids trying to stand on my shoulders!

I originally made the View B bottoms with the twists, which are so pretty, but the rise was just too low for my comfort.  As a mom to two I have nowhere near a flat belly right now and I prefer a higher rise for comfort.  I modified the version you see by adjusting the waist to match my Watson underwear  which I prefer.

Construction wise I just followed the directions.  Erin went through and fixed everything I had an issue with during the testing phase.   She really paid attention to our feedback so I know this is a great pattern.   Her construction drawings and step by step instructions made this relatively easy to make, even the tricky parts like the bodice twist. The pattern is labeled as intermediate, but if you’ve sewn swimwear or lingerie before it’s quite easy to follow.  I used a lightning stitch for all my edges on the bikini and added a zig zag stitch to the bottoms.

IMG_3544 IMG_3547 IMG_3543 Nautilus Bikini Seamstress Erin Design, Pattern Testing Sew Pomona

I hope everyone here in the US had an awesome 4th of July!  I took most of these pics this weekend at the beach with the family.  My husband took off two extra days for a lovely long weekend/staycation!  Probably why I look nice and relaxed in these pics! :) We spent some time chill-axin at home with the kids, at our community pool and at the beach.  Plus Monday we went to Lakes Park for a super fun bike ride with the kids- they have awesome 2 person pedal bikes with a basket seat in front for the kids.  The kids also played at the playground and splash pad followed by lunch out at Bahama Breeze.

Nautilus Bikini Seamstress Erin Design, Pattern Testing Sew Pomona

These were so fun to sew up- plus I love a project where I don’t need a ton of yardage!  The twist added just enough interest to make it different.  Plus I love learning new sewing techniques. My fav is the strap attachment which leaves a nice enclosed edge.  Erin has some great tips over at the Sewalong which has just started!  Plus checkout Erin’s Pinterest board for more versions of this great swimsuit!

Happy Summer!

Nautilus Bikini Seamstress Erin Design, Pattern Testing Sew Pomona

17 responses to “Nautilus Bikini”

  1. emeralderin Avatar

    Love your fabric choice- it looks beautiful on you! beach days are great days :)

    1. Rebecca Avatar

      Thanks so much! I think this is my prettiest suit yet. So true- I’m so glad I live near the beach :)

  2. Carolyn Avatar

    Wow, this came out great! Your photos are so serene too – makes me wish I could spend more time at the beach relaxing. :) So far all the reviews of the Nautilus that I’ve seen have been very positive. Looking forward to seeing more pop up!

    1. Rebecca Burnett (Sew Pomona) Avatar

      Thanks so much Carolyn! I try to get to the beach at least once a week. It really helps me recharge, it’s so peaceful and relaxing. I really enjoyed working on this pattern. It was a fun challenge :)

  3. SeeKatSew Avatar

    You look amazing in that bikini!! Gorgeous bathing suit.

    1. Rebecca Avatar
      Rebecca

      Thanks Kat! I love how this bikini turned out! :)

  4. qplourde Avatar

    I really love the look of this bathing suit. I just recently bought some fantastic pink flamingo bathing suit material and I have been on the lookout for the perfect bikini pattern and this actually might be perfect for what I am looking for. Definitely going to check this out! Great job – it really looks like a professionally made suit.

    1. Rebecca Burnett (Sew Pomona) Avatar

      Thanks! It’s a really great pattern! And your pink flamingo fabric abounds awesome!

  5. Diane Carel Avatar
    Diane Carel

    Perfect suit for July 4! Such a cute design,, and great fit that you can’t get in the stores!

  6. gingermakes Avatar

    Gorgeous swimsuit!!!

    1. Rebecca Burnett (Sew Pomona) Avatar

      Thanks so much! :)

  7. Elizabeth Made This Avatar

    I love the fabric! Everyone’s versions of this pattern look so good, and Erin strikes me as the type of person who would as you say really listen to tester’s feedback and do an excellent job fine tuning everything. How nice to be able to enjoy the warm waters in FL in such style.

    1. Rebecca Burnett (Sew Pomona) Avatar

      Thanks Elizabeth! It’s really a great pattern-I love seeing all the different versions of this swimsuit! FL is just wonderful- I hope I can always live near the beach! :)

  8. […] to go into as much detail with all the construction since I think I covered everything in my last bikini post.  The top here is a size 2 C/D cup with light foam inserts  and the bottoms are a modified size […]

  9. […] the kids me made outfits are here and here for Ami and here for Nigel.   I’m wearing my Nautilus Bikini and a new rashguard that I’ll be sharing […]

  10. […] fabrics were purchased from The Fabric Fairy when I was making my Nautilus bikini and tankini. The medallion fabric is so soft and lightweight, lovely to sew up and comfortable to […]

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