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Look I made a swimsuit…ok, ok, nothing new as I have recently been posting about many swimsuits. I have two other posts on women’s suits here and here and a whole review of the newly released Roxy suit for girls here. But, I never shared this suit I made last year using the Mama Camila Swimsuit from Made for Mermaids. Mine looks a little different as I hacked it to be a one shoulder suit. Read on below for my full Made for Mermaids Swimsuit Pattern Review.
Made for Mermaids Swimsuit Pattern Review
PATTERN DESCRIPTION:
The Mama Camila swimsuit is a one-piece suit with two views. View A is a fun and flirty off the shoulder flounce. View B is a halter style bodice with the flounce under the arms. Choose to add halter or shoulder tie straps. View A can be worn with or without straps and worn with the flounce under the arms like View B. The flounce creates a very flattering silhouette, hitting right above the rib-cage. The suit is slightly ruched along the side seams at the waist to high hip. Includes partial or fully lined options. Plus optional added support with sew in swim cups, elastic shelf bra and boning. This pattern is a beginner pattern, perfect for those wanting to dive into sewing swimwear. Makes a wonderful bodysuit too!
PATTERN SIZING:
Sizes Grey-Red which coordinates with the Made for Mermaids size charts. I cut a Pink chest graded to a purple hip. Since I was altering the top of the bodice I can blame any fit issues on myself- not the pattern 😊
Supplies Needed:
Swim Fabric- I used this from Joanns
Swim Lining- I used this lining from Joanns
Bra Cups- I love these
Swim Elastic- I personally use the Dritz elastic found here
DID IT LOOK LIKE THE PHOTO/DRAWING ON THE PATTERN ENVELOPE ONCE YOU WERE DONE SEWING?
No, I chose to create a slight modification and create my suit to only be worn on one shoulder. I simply retraced the pattern using a tank top I liked the fit of to create the bodice of my suit. I added one shoulder seam and traced around the tank to get the new neckline. I then wrapped the elastic around me instead of using the cut lengths on the pattern for the bodice. I added pom pom trim to the bottom of the flounce for a fun little detail.
WERE THE INSTRUCTIONS EASY TO FOLLOW?
Yes, this was the first Made for Mermaids swimsuit that I created and I found the instructions easy and thorough. I have since made several other suits that can be found on the blog. My biggest tip for creating swimsuits is baste, baste, baste. Seriously- it helps so much when working with slippery fabrics and multiple layers.
WHAT DID YOU PARTICULARLY LIKE OR DISLIKE ABOUT THE PATTERN?
I love how Made for Mermaids always packs in several options for their patterns allowing you to create a look you want to wear. The no trim pages and size layers so you can print just the sizes you need is key! I loved the flounce as I can always use a little help in creating fullness at the bust. I also liked the side ruching for a flattering look. I thought the original leg opening was too low cut so I raised mine by following the cheeky hack on the Made for Mermaids blog.
WOULD YOU SEW IT AGAIN? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHERS?
While I currently have plenty of swimsuits this is a pattern that I am sure will get more use over the years either as a suit or as a bodysuit.
CONCLUSION:
I think this is a flattering swimsuit and one that is easy to put together. It provides many different looks as well a blog post featuring additional hacks.
My daughter is wearing a coordinated Roxy Swimsuit in these photos.
I hope you are having a great week- until next time, Happy Sewing.
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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