Materials
-1.5 yards of swimwear fabric
-1/4" swimwear elastic (recommended for the best fit)
-Seam ripper
-Overlock machine OR zig-zag stitch on a regular sewing machine
Carter One Piece Written Directions
Printing & Assembling the Pattern
Choose either US Letter, A4, or A0 format, all of which are included inside your download links. Open up your desired file and read through the initial instruction pages for more information on how to print and assemble this pattern. Note that if you're using the A0 version you will need to pull up either the US Letter or A4 formats in order to access the direction pages and strap measurements.
This pattern is layered, so see the instruction pages for information on how to use the layer feature so that you can print out only the size you need.
Print and assemble your pattern according to the provided instructions inside the pattern, then you're ready to begin!
Choose Your Coverage Option
This pattern includes cheeky and full coverage options. Before you get started, decide which coverage option you'd like to make and ensure you have the correct pieces out.
Cutting
Top (Use for all coverage options)
Piece 1 (Top)- Cut 4 mirrored
Full Coverage:
Piece 2 (Front Bottom)- Cut 2 on fold
Piece 3 (Back)- Cut 2 on fold
Cheeky Coverage
Piece 4 (Front Bottom)- Cut 2 on fold
Piece 5 (Back)- Cut 2 on fold
**Strap measurements are inside the US Letter or A4 files and are not part of the pattern pieces. Don't forget to cut them!
Step 1
The top pieces need to be attached to the front bottom pieces to make a complete front panel. So first, group the bust pieces with their matching front bottom pieces. Flip the tops down onto the bottoms so right sides are together.
Align them along the tabs that kick out from each piece. Then, sew across each to attach. You can use an overlock stitch if it's available, otherwise you can use a zig zag or stretch stitch of your choice.
Step 2
Match your front pieces and back pieces with right sides together. We are going to pin and sew along the marked areas. But first, it is highly recommended that you use a basting stitch first! Set your machine to a straight stitch at the longest stitch length. Stitch the marked areas.
A basting stitch is meant to be temporary, but this will make elastic application much easier!
After these areas are basted, you can sew your final stitch and add your 1/4" (6mm) elastic at the same time. You do not want to stretch the elastic at all- the goal is for it to sew on evenly. You can use an overlock, zig zag, or stretch stitch of your choice.
For more information on how to sew elastic, click here. There's much more information than can be encompassed in one tutorial!
Step 3
Sew your straps in half lengthwise with right sides together, attaching elastic at the same time. Again with no sort of stretching of the elastic! Then, use a loop turner to take the straps to the right side.
Step 4
Insert each strap into each strap opening on the front piece. The front piece is still inside out, so right sides should be together! Sew them using a straight stitch. Afterwards, trim the excess.
Step 5
Flip the front piece all the way to the right side. Using a basting stitch, sew closed the side seams and the crotch seam.
Step 6
Then insert the front piece inside of the back piece (which is still inside out). Right sides should be together. Move the pieces so they are aligned at the gusset and the side seams.
Pin and sew across all four layers on both side seams and on the gusset This will attach the front to the back.
Step 7
Time to take the piece to the right side. To do this, seam rip a 2-3" hole somewhere along an existing seam. We recommend choosing a discrete place.
Step 8
Through this hole, take the entire piece to the right side.
Step 9
Straighten your piece out, then use a seam ripper to mark where you want your straps to go in the back. There are notches on the pattern you can use as a guide. We recommend placing them about 3.5" in from each side seam. Using the hole we left earlier, sew down each strap from the inside for a clean finish. Use a straight stitch.
Step 10
Finish off the hole with a top stitch or an invisible stitch.