Ipswich Swimsuit
Soak up the sun in the Ipswich Swimsuit! This modern pattern has two cleverly color-blocked variations: a one-piece swimsuit with a contrast waistband or a high-waisted bikini with piping detail. Both suits feature supportive straps, and an optional underwired foam swim bra and boning, so that you're comfortable lounging by the pool or playing volleyball on your favorite beach. Mix prints and colors for a swimsuit that celebrates your body and your creativity.
Interested in making a tankini version of the Ipswich Swimsuit? A free expansion pack is available here.
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SEWING LEVEL: Intermediate
SIZING: 12 to 28, with cup sizes C - H.
RECOMMENDED FABRIC: Swimsuit lycra/spandex, with 4-way stretch (at least 50% in both directions), swimsuit lining with 4-way stretch (at least 50% in both directional), optional contrast swimsuit/spandex for piping (View B).
NOTIONS:
All Views
- Stretch needle, polyester thread
- 5 yards (4.5 m) of ¼” – ⅜” (0.6 – 1 cm) rubber/swimwear elastic
- 2 yards (1.8 m) of ½” – ⅝” (1.25 – 1.5 cm) bra strapping (or firm elastic)
- 1 swimwear closure or S Hook (1” / 2.5 cm)
View B (Bikini)
- 6 yards (5.5 m) of ¼” –⅜” (0.6 – 1 cm) rubber/swimwear elastic
- 2 yards (1.8 m) of ½” – ⅝” (1.25 – 1.5 cm) bra strapping (or firm elastic)
- 2 swimwear closures or S Hooks (1” / 2.5 cm)
Optional Swim Bra
- 1 yard (0.9 m) of ⅝” (1.5 cm) wide Fold Over Elastic
- 1 yard (0.9 m) of ¼” (6 mm) stay tape
- ⅜ yard (35 cm) swim cup foam (45” / 115 cm wide)
- ¼ yd (15 cm) of stable bra lining, like Duoplex (45” / 115 cm wide)
- ⅜ yard (35 cm) of power mesh (45” / 115 cm wide)
- 1 yard (0.9 m) of underwire channeling
- 1 set of regular length underwires (coated steel or plastic)
Optional boning:
- ⅓ yard (28 cm) of pre-covered ¼” (6 mm) plastic boning, or ⅓ yard (28 cm) plastic boning plus ⅓ yard (28 cm) channeling.
USE THE DROPDOWN MENU ABOVE TO ORDER EITHER A PRINTED PATTERN, WHICH WILL BE MAILED TO YOUR ADDRESS, OR A PDF PATTERN, WHICH CAN BE DOWNLOADED.
PDF PATTERN:
The PDF comes in three files (one for each bust size), so you only need to print your size. You'll receive files to print at home or at a copy shop. Files are delivered as a .zip file which can be downloaded on a computer, but not on a mobile device. The Ipswich Swimsuit comes as a layered PDF. For more on PDFs, see the FAQs.
Instructions: 27 pages (4MB)
Pattern pieces (for each cup size): 28 pages (0.5 MB each)
Copy shop (A0 or US 36" x 48" size): 2 pages for each (0.5 MB each)
I planned the "tankini" version of the suit, in one fabric. I make my own bras, so I used my own custom fitted bra pattern.
I had no trouble with the pattern or instructions but for 1 minor thing.. There is no indication of the pattern piece number on the cutting layouts. With so many similar shapes, I think it would have been better to make these graphics bigger and print the pattern piece numbers in the layout. I spent a lot of time going over the pattern inventory and studying everything and labelling each piece on the layout myself. Also, with the tankini download, I was a little uncertain re what pattern pieces to use since some places use view A and some view B and there was no indication for cutting except for the "contrast" fabric.
The top just doesn't work. Even though I made a complete custom fitted underwire bra there is no support through the back to lift and the spandex overlay just squashes me flat to a uni-boob. With 9" difference between my under bust & full bust, a flat spandex front doesn't work. The princess seams add no shaping. This will never be good enough to wear in public.
I'm going to keep the bottoms, cannibalize the skirt to make a real bra with a supportive band & hook/eye covered in spandex, and use leftover yardage for an A-line "skirt" to drape down over the hip w/ an open "apron" back where the hook/eye are.
Took a trip to Hawaii and needed a bathing suit. I hacked it into the tankini. It was amazing. The instructions were perfect step by step. Even though I am a seasoned seamstress, the inner branwas intimidating but I was confident with the instructions. I actually made two swimsuits and they were exactly what I wanted!
I needed a new swimsuit that would look nice and hold up well for snorkeling and swimming on a cruise to the Caribbean. I bought the Ipswitch kit and sewed it up in a weekend. The suit fits very well - I made a 14 G/H.
I really enjoyed making this pattern. The thought of making my own swimsuit seemed impossible but having a pattern *somewhere* close to my personal measurements made it seem doable. I had to blend between three sizes - which over the number of pieces this pattern has wasn't a small task but I'm really pleased with the finished product. Although I also ended up hacking the pattern to make a more streamlined one piece by merging most of the back and front pieces. Two small issues with the instructions - the pattern didn't relate which bits I could leave out for the optional bra (this would have been really useful at the start of the instructions) and I also found the steps covering how the scoop under the bra strap was finished really confusing. I thought the finish on the inside could have been a bit more concealed - so I plan on figuring out something for the next version. Looking forward to making it again (this time with the bra - which is a whole other world of pushing my sewing skills!). And really happy I purchased the pattern - thank you!
I bought the pattern and a kit when they were first released. When I saw the forecast for my vacation week I knew I needed to buckle down and make the suit.
I was a bit overwhelmed when tracing off the pieces and cutting out the pattern - 20 pieces, some little and big. The instructions in the booklet were clear and detailed. It came together easier than I thought it would. The grading tips on the website was so incredibly helpful. Trust the size charts on the pattern packet.
The swim bra as drafted was too big for me. I ended up omitting it in the final suit. I think I will use the shelf bra tutorial in my next suit and there will be more.
I tried it on after I took it off my machine and took myself to the beach. The design is really flattering and holds all my rolls in. It will be great for the beach and swimming laps in the pool. Thanks for the magic. A really well designed suit.