VIDEO: The Esther Swimsuit (Bodice, Straps, Bra, and Finishing)
Hello bathing beauties! Are you ready to dive into swimwear? I know that making your own bathing suit can be a bit of a learning curve (especially when it has as much structure and support as our Esther Swimsuit), so we've made videos on sewing Esther from start to finish, exclusively for patrons.
In this video installment, you’ll learn how and why to underline your bodice with power mesh and how to sew the outer bodice, interior bra, back closures, straps, and more! We’ll also talk about supplies and materials, how to use boning in the Esther swimsuit, and how to get the best bust support.
This is only being released to patrons, and it will hold your hand for the entire process. We've also made a separate video that just shows the bottoms (Panty, Skirt, Bloomer, and Ruched Bottom expansion), so you will understand how to construct every part of this design.
Hope you love the video!
xoxo,
Gertie
Comments (51)
hello! I stumbled upon the links to the places where Gertie found all the supplies but now I cannot find them at all... Can someone please point me in the direction as to where they are? Ive looked on my download and on the patreon itself and i cant see them anywhere :(
I believe they are in the instructions pdf. It is on a side column if I remember correctly.
I am so excited to start making this! I am attending a bachelorette party in September and they are all pretty and skinny and blonde.. the complete opposite of me! Plus size with fantastic bright purple and blue hair! Lol and the bride would like us all wearing this slinky tiny black swimsuit that offers no support to my size that has gold lettering Bride Squad on it.. well! My plan is to cut the front panel out of the silly swimsuit on the fold so it still has bride squad on it like an overlay and then the rest will be made out of black fabric with the skirt option! I hope it works and I don't stand out too much in a bad way! Wish me luck!
Lol!
I'm curious if you've made a bra before. Underwires are not for separation only, they provide lift like a cantilever bridge does. The wires and band are where your lift comes from! Foam alone does not lift, heavier breasts like mine fall right out (I'm a US 36O in RTW bras, which only three or so companies make which is why I make my own). Power mesh doesn't lift, it compresses. Shoulder straps should not be used for lift as that puts pressure on muscles and nerves. Don't get me wrong, I love the suit and I will make it but I'm going to add wires and a little more structure.
If you have a comment that is one thing. There is no need to be rude. No-one asked for a tutorial from you, we pay Gertie for that, thanks.
What an amazing tutorial video. Cannot wait to start my muslin (I have my final fabric already) xx
I just ordered lots of swimsuit fabrics and trimmings I want every version 😃really want the bloomers.
I am thinking that I may serge the seams like modern swimwear, I would still zigzag the underling layers. Any advice before I try this? I am just thinking that may give seams a little more durability in donning and removing the garment
Did you know the opposite of “Don” is “doff”? Learned that in nursing school. Little trivia for you lol
Hello, I'm excited about the swimsuit pattern !!! I had some trouble with my email recently and was not receiving all the pdf patterns I wanted. I've been a Patreon for a little less than a year. Please get back to me @cardenasodalith@gmail.com .
they are all on the Patreon platform so you can just go back through the old posts and download all the patterns.
I admit that when this first came out I didn't think I would use any part of this pattern. Mainly because I would have to size up so much and I don't need a swimsuit. But looking at the construction video I'm thinking I could make this into a merry widow or a great bra/shapewear garment.
Could you use a clapper board to flatten the seams after pressing especially after turning the bra back before attaching the clasp? The same after turning the bra. I know it is understitched but clapper boarding it would help it sit even better. It would save the possibility of over ironing the powermesh and melting. I would try it on some spare offcuts first though. I wouldn't want to spoil all my hard work!
Currently watching. I have a question. Why would you zigzag the swim wear and the power mesh together, but then straight stitch the pieces together? Is this to prevent raveling?
The fabrics won’t ravel anyway! I’d guess you could use a straight stitch anywhere that you’ll be seaming with a straight stitch. Some of the seams need to be zigzagged otherwise the threads would break when the fabric stretches
Just ordered my supplies. And now, we wait! I guess I can get to work on my muslin...?
Is anyone else having trouble loading the video? I’ve tried on more than one device multiple times. Have only been able to see short clips:(.
It could be your bandwidth if it's not working on different devices. Have you tried turning down the quality? (Click on the three dots on the top right, then select quality and choose data saver)
I am SO excited that this pattern uses actual modern swim material and not cotton!!
I absolutely adore vintage swimwear but have yet to find one that is long enough for my torso. This suit has all of the things I love about vintage suits and now I can make as a many as I want! Yay! Thank you! 🎉 💖
Wow! Gertie, Naty, Melisha, and Charm team. You earned Elite pro badges in all thing video tutorial and production. What a treat to have this level of education content. I am pushing myself to try the rushed bloomer on my first suit. I am trusting Gertie’s words that it will be amazing!! Brian and I have loved learning all these amazing skills and fashion history. And to top it all off the exposure and awareness to whole new worlds around us has been such a blessed experience and provided so many opportunities to show more love and community support around us.
My husband loves these types of swimsuits as much as I do. I’m so excited and I’m sure I’ll be watching the video on repeat as I try to conquer this challenge.
Thank you! Loved the video and love the pattern! Can’t wait to challenge myself with this swimsuit 😊
Thank youuu! I gotta get moving on this, summer is finally exploding into action here. Gotta finish my summery date-night cinch-it first tho 🥰
I am looking forward to watching this. I really, really love this pattern and know I won’t be able to do it justice this summer. But I’m excited to learn the skills and understand the pattern so come winter, I can begin to work on it. I’m still working on my Gardner top and then think I’ll try the picnic skirt. This is going to be something for me to work towards…eventually, and all the aspects of this patreon, the discord, the videos etc, are what make this so great, not just the monthly patterns and the extra freebies.
I'm so excited to make a swimsuit for the first time. Thank you for making this.
What I LOVE about these videos is when you feel so intimidated by a pattern with so many pieces and then you see it come together and think...okay that's not so bad. I think I could do that with practice. LOL I love the videos. So worth every dime for patreon.
I just sat and watched the whole thing and just WOW! Thank you so much! I feel so much more confident going into this. I'm finally going to have the vintage bathing suit of my dreams!!!
That was really thorough and helpful! Thank you! I learned a lot and I’m excited to make my Esther suit! Edit: Your positivity is wondrous and so very appreciated. Also, I rather liked hearing the occasional ambient sounds. It makes your videos that much more relatable - as in, real peeps in a real room, sharing space and time with the rest of us ;) I like it very much.
I am beyond thankful for the hand holding. As a beginner, this is really helpful and builds my confidence. Thank you!!!
Oh this is a great timing as I really need a new swimsuit. I fear I may not be skilled enough yet, but I have printed the patterns already and will give it a try.
I am so excited for this! I already watched the youtube livestream and the Bottoms video so I am happy that this video is ready to watch. Yay! Thank you so much for all you do Gertie and Team! I really appreciate you.
This is the best swimsuit ever! I hope I don't make a mess out of it- lots of new skills to learn. I will give it my best effort.
Absolutely stunning, swim suits can't wait to make them in every style
Love this
I'm so excited, I just ordered some material.
I plan of making a swimsuit and a play suit.
I love the little skirted swimsuit design and I'm looking forward to learning how to do all the lining and structure for a swimsuit :)
I can't wait to get started!
The swimsuit is adorable! I'm so excited to make it!
I’m so excited. I almost couldn’t sleep last night.
Really excited about this one! So many new skills! 💕😍
Supplies ordered 🩱 can not wait 👒🌴😃 thank you so much 💞
Same here @Sophie allaway...probably during lunch break (2 am) lol
I love that swimsuit with the skirt 😍
Thank u!!! 💜💜💜💜💜💙💚💛🧡❤💜💜💜
Wow, Gertie, you are so good to us, thank you so much!
Yay!! I can't wait!!
I can't wait to make the skirt bottom!
Can’t wait to watch this during my quiet bits of night shift 😍