Summer Swimmers with RCF Swim Tour

I am so excited to be participating in Raspberry Creek Fabrics newest swim collection tour. These prints are on sale through today only! There are so many good prints to choose from, so check those out today.

I used this Navy Gingham board short fabric, and I’ll never buy another board short fabric again. I love it! If you’re nervous about making swimwear, start here. This fabric is stable and sturdy and great for beginners.

I’ve been a boy mom for almost 5 years, and for that amount of time I’ve been disappointed with most ready-to-wear swim options for our little guys. So pretty much when my first son was born, I started making him Euro-Style trunks to remedy my dissatisfaction. Fast forward 4 years and he’s much bigger, and he’s ready for a different style. He’s definitely got the booty in the family! So, I was excited to bring these trunks to life.

I wanted a curved side seam and a shorter length. I used this FREE pattern from Oliver + S. This pattern is perfect because all you need is a basic crotch curve and elastic waistband to work with for this style. From there, you can pretty much customize any trunk you want!

The fit was a bit of a guessing game for me since this was my first time using this pattern, and they only offer finished measurements. I decided 1 1/2 inches should be enough around the bum to shimmy these trunks on. I recommend at least planning for that much ease, if not a little more. I made a size 6 for my boy who wears a 6 in most stores. I think you could even size up for more space if you wanted a looser fit. Next time I may lower the rise about an inch.

From there I shortened the hem about 2 inches. Next, I curved the side seam. The only difference this made for me, was in construction. To accommodate, I did hem the legs individually before sewing the crotch and side seams together.

If you love this trunk style, also check out Tami’s post and the cute trunks she made for her boy!

Consider these three patterns for a similar look:

Oliver + S Sunny Day Shorts (FREE)
Purl Soho’s City Gym Shorts (FREE)
Lowland Kids Swim Boardies ($7)

For Sam’s trunks I used a coordinating print in a swim knit. This Navy and Light Blue wide stripe is on pre-order today.

The pattern is one I drafted myself and have tweaked over the past several years. If you love this style check out this pattern for a similar look: Sew Like My Mom – Palm Euro Suit – $7.99 Or get brave, and grab a tried and true leggings or slim style pj pants pattern and play with it.

Nicole, of Merritts Makes made this Palm Euro Suit for her son Ken and I’m loving it so much!!

Some of you know I have a baby girl on the way, coming at the end of April. So naturally she needs a bikini to rock as soon as her grand womb-exit commences. So I created this little number and now I’m pretty sure I need a Momma version… with a little more coverage.

I used this blush and white watercolor floral for the top, and this coral and white gingham for the bottoms.

Let’s talk for a minute about this pattern. The Mairin Swimsuit is the only girls swimsuit pattern you will ever need to purchase. For $9 I can’t believe you get so much! Look at all these options:

I chose the bikini length with the V-Back ruffle for the top, and a basic high waisted bikini cut bottom. I do wish these were higher waisted, and will add more height next time. This fabric combo is SO GOOD!!