SwimAlong 2013: Kids Swimwear, inspiration and patterns

While I'm really excited about sewing up a swimsuit for myself, I started off sewing swimwear for kids. Sewing kids swimwear is awesome. Most kids have a pretty straight up and down shape, so fitting is minimal, and their suits take so little fabric that they're almost free. It's a great way to hone your skills before tackling a suit for a curvy grown up.

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Nevermind that the cuteness factor is OFF THE CHARTS. Seriously, how adorable is this little sweetheart??? You can get the pattern for her suit here and here, and one to match her 18 inch doll here.

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Here is an adorable tank style suit with some fun design extras. Flutter sleeve? Cute bow in back? Check and check! Get this pattern here.

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And of course, the entire Jalie swimwear line comes in children's sizes, all the way down to 2T. If you are a swim or exercise gear beginner, Jalie patterns have fabulous instructions and are full of great tips to make your sewing experience successful.

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Kwik Sew also offers a line of children's swimwear for both boys and girls. Their styles are classic and the patterns are well written and well drafted.

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Of course, we can't forget the accessories! How cute is this little swim cap! Get the pattern here, as well as a pattern for the matching ruched tankini here. Doesn't get any cuter than that.

Well, that gets our girls ready to hit the pool, but there is an unsurprising lack of good boy patterns for swimwear. I hunted down a few for you...

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This guy looks pretty darn thrilled with his Surf's Up board shorts! We like them, too. I particularly like that they include instructions for the mesh lining you see in RTW board shorts. Nice work Peek-a-boo Pattern shop! Pick this one up here. 

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Dana of Made also provided a great tutorial for a board shorts refashion. You can find it here. Instructions for the mesh lining are included here as well, although the diaper cover pattern she references is only up to a size 24 months. I think the Kitschy Coo Boy Cut Brief pattern would be a perfect substitution for the larger sizes - just use elastic in the legs instead of the bands. 

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Looking for a more streamlined fit? How about these great Euro Swim Trunks by Running with Scissors? Get the pattern here. 

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Of course, no discussion of kids clothing is complete without a mention of Ottobre Design.

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The issues in which you'll find swimwear are 02/2002, 02/2004, 03/2009 & 03/2011. Back issues are easily purchased from Ottobre directly. Click here.