A beach ready pattern that doubles as date night wear equals the perfect DIY Cover Up Pattern. Meet the Lola from Made for Mermaids. Here is a full pattern review and a look at the 3 cover-ups I recently sewed up using this pattern.
For the Beach
Or pool in my case 🙂 The Lola Cover Up is great to throw over your swimsuit for a bit of coverage. Here you can see both the short and long versions of the pattern. I paired these with my Alexandria Swimsuit and Camilia Swimsuit, both swim patterns from Made for Mermaids.
For a Night Out
The Lola Cover-up makes a fantastic DIY Maxi Length Duster as well. Perfect to throw on with jeans and a tank (shown here with the Bree Pattern). It is cute, casual, and a great way to look put together while staying comfortable.
Lola Pattern Review
Here is a closer look at the pattern, how I created these looks and thoughts on the pattern.
Pattern Info
From the website: Lola is a kimono style cover-up with several options. Includes both a short and duster length. Choose to add side vents to the duster length for added drama and easy walking! An optional waist casing brings in the waist for a beautiful silhouette. Suitable for soft, light wovens, or knits with drape. Great to wear over your swimsuits, and dresses, or even with shorts and tanks!
Fabric Requirements:
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Suitable for soft, light wovens, or knits with drape. I chose to make my dusters in Chiffon from Olga’s Fabric Closet. While it makes for a lovely piece, chiffon is not my favorite fabric to sew. It’s fiddly and loves to pucker. Make sure you are using a needle for lightweight fabrics like these Schmetz 70/10 sized, an iron with plenty of steam, tissue paper, or this medical exam paper when cutting your fabric to avoid shifting and a hefty amount of patience while sewing.
Did the Pattern Look Like the Envelope?
Yes, I followed the instructions for both the long and short length cover-ups. I added the optional drawstring in the two longer dusters and love how it cinches in the fabric for a beautiful flowing look. You will need bias tape like this to make the optional casing and drawstring, or you can make your own. Adding the bias tape casing takes a bit more time but I think the end result is worth it.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, the Made for Mermaids patterns include full color photos and detail instructions for their patterns. I did not have any trouble with the instructions except when I accidentally forgot to follow them – make sure you complete the finishing on the front prior to sewing the shoulder seams together. I missed that on my yellow Lola and had to correct my mistake which was a pain.
Pattern Modifications
I didn’t really change the pattern much except for the finishing choices. I chose to use french seams throughout and had to alter how the neckline was constructed in order to use this seam finish. I did my first line of stitching at 1/4 inch and then pressed the seam and encased it for the second line of stitching. Prior to stitching, I placed the back neck facing on top of the seam, right sides together. Then I stitched according to the pattern and was able to attach the neckline and use french seams. I found it way easier to use my serger french seam method than the traditional method. I used them on my yellow version and it saved me a ton of time with no trimming. I also added binding to the back neckline facing and think it really elevates the pattern.
Would you recommend the pattern? Would you sew it again?
Yes and yes- I think this is a great pattern for beginners and up. If you use a chiffon or slinky fabric it will make it more difficult so keep that in mind while selecting your fabric based on your sewing comfort level. I have already made three of these. I plan on making my daughter several using the girl’s pattern as well. So, I will certainly be using this pattern a lot.
I can’t wait to wear my Lola Cover Up both out on the town and to the local pool this summer.
About 18 years ago I decided to teach myself how to sew. Long before blogs and resources available today which meant it was often disastrous. But I never gave up because I loved it so much. Today I love helping others get started on their own sewing journey. You can read more about my family and I