Not sure which size range to choose? Learn more about our two size ranges here.

Sizes 2-20

Sizes 18-34

The Bathing Beauty Swimsuit is designed to fit with negative ease. The vertical trunk measurement is taken lengthwise around your torso, threading the measuring tape between your legs and over one shoulder. This measurement will give you an idea of whether you’ll need to lengthen or shorten the torso of the swimsuit.

The pattern is designed to fit with between 7 and 11.25 inches (17.8 to 28.6 cm) of negative ease in the bust, 4-3/4 to 7-1/2 inches (12.1 to 19.1 cm) of negative ease at the waist, and 4 to 7-1/2 inches (10.2 to 19.1 cm) of negative ease in the hips, at the top of the leg opening. See the charts below for finished garment measurements.

Recommended Fabrics

Swimwear requires specialty fabrics and elastics. Swimwear fabrics, elastics, and notions are designed to withstand sunshine, chlorine, and salt water. Using regular elastic or non-swimwear fabrics is not recommended.

For the swimsuit, we recommend: a nylon or polyester 4-way stretch swimwear fabric with 15–20% spandex.

For the swimsuit lining, we recommend: a nylon or polyester 4-way stretch swimwear lining fabric with 10% spandex. The lining is not required, but is highly recommended if your outer swimsuit fabric is light colored or becomes translucent when wet. For an unlined swimsuit, a gusset made from swimsuit lining fabric is required.

For the overlay, we recommend: any of the swimsuit fabrics mentioned above as well as 4-way stretch polyester or nylon mesh or power mesh with about 5–10% spandex. We do not recommend compression mesh or power net for the overlay.

For the inner bra, we recommend: compression mesh or power net with 50% 2-way stretch

Notions & Supplies

• Fabric for the swimsuit
• Fabric for the lining or gusset
• Fabric for the swimsuit overlay (optional)
• Power net fabric for the inner bra (optional)
• Thread to match
• 3/8-inch-wide (1 cm) swimwear elastic for the neckline edge and leg openings
• 3/8-inch- to 3/4-inch-wide (1 to 1.9 cm) swimwear elastic for the inner bra
• One pair of poly laminate foam bra cups in your cup size

Coming soon!

The companion sew-along video is exclusive to Sewing Circle members and it is available on Patreon.

Measure yourself around your upper bust (under your armpits and above your breasts, without a bra on), the fullest part of your bust (while wearing your preferred bra), the smallest part of your waist, and the fullest part of your hips (this is likely around the fullest part of your butt). Make sure to hold the measuring tape snugly and parallel to the ground. Compare your body measurements to the size chart.

Find your upper bust measurement on the size chart to find your garment size, and then scan down the cup sizes in that garment size column to find your cup size. For instance, a 37-inch upper bust will make you a size 10, and a 39-inch full bust means you need a B cup. Don’t worry if your waist doesn’t match the size 10 column’s measurement of 32 inches; you can grade the waist in or out as needed. It is most important to choose a size to fit your upper bust and cup size, as the waist is easier to adjust up or down.

Sewing pattern sizes are very different from ready-to-wear garments and bra sizes, so be sure to work with your measurements when choosing a size.

Charm’s 2-20 size range is designed for a body with an hourglass shape. Our 18-34 size range is designed for a body with less waist definition.

Still not sure which size range to choose? Learn more about our two size ranges here.

If you have never used a PDF pattern before, this short video is full of tips: How to Use A PDF Pattern.

It will show you how to choose which PDF format to use, how to print just your size(s), and how to easily assemble and cut out your pattern pieces.

We offer digital patterns in two formats: letter-sized PDFs to print at home and A0 sized PDFs to print at a copy shop. In the US, we highly recommend printing A0 files with The Plotted Pattern. Outside of the US, these printers have been recommended.

When you join us as a Sewing Circle member, you will receive one vintage-inspired sewing pattern a month (with a companion sew-along video) and join the most creative and fun sewing community around!

Specific benefits at the Sewing Circle tier include:

• A vintage-inspired sewing pattern on the first day of every month
• A companion sew-along tutorial video for the pattern
• Access to the entire archive of Sewing Circle patterns and videos!
• A monthly live Crowdcast with Gertie where she shares the history and inspiration behind that month’s pattern
• Access to our community hub on Discord to post your projects, ask for advice, and chat with other members
• One Charm Pattern for free randomly every calendar year (Gertie’s choice)

To view all of the patterns in the Sewing Circle archive, click here and filter for “Pattern Availability = All Sewing Circle Patterns.”

Yes, absolutely! Unlike other monthly sewing memberships, when you are a Charm patron, you get access to the entire archive of sewing patterns available to your tier.

To view all of the membership patterns available at each tier, click here and filter for “Pattern Availability.”

Click here to join the membership on Patreon. There is no long term commitment required, and you can cancel at any time.