The Ryan Bottoms are a customer favorite, and the first pattern we ever made! They are lower on the hips and have a seamless, cheeky back.
Ryan Bottoms Written Directions
If you prefer video instructions, click on the image below to watch the tutorial.
Note that the video tutorial is different from the written directions. The following method is considered by our customers to be easier than the method featured in the video.
Materials
-1/2 yard of swimwear fabric
-Swimwear elastic (recommended for the best fit)
-Seam ripper
-Overlock machine OR zig-zag stitch on a regular sewing machine
Step 1
Assemble your pattern by cutting out the pieces, taping them together, then cutting out the size you would like to make.
Step 2
Cut your pieces. For the front piece, cut 2.
For each back piece (Pieces 2 and 3) cut 1. Make sure to cut on the fold as marked in the pattern!
Once you’re done, you should have 4 pieces total- 2 fronts, and 2 backs.
Step 3
Match your fronts pieces with right sides together. Pin and then sew along the marked areas and attach elastic to the same seams.
Step 4
Match the back pieces with right sides together. Reference your pattern and find which seams are marked "center seam". Sew the back pieces along both the center seams. When you sew, leave a 1" hole in one of the seams.
Do not attach elastic to these seams, with the exception of clear stabilizer elastic if you choose.
Step 5
Now it's time to finish the back piece. It may be helpful to take the piece to the right side first and aligning the center seams so you can see what the finished back will look like. However, the top waist seam is still unsewn, so take the back inside out and align the center seams so they're stacked. Sew the top waist seam, and attach elastic as well.
Once this is completed, you should have a completed front and back piece, which means the next step is attaching the front and back together!
Step 6
Flip your front piece to the right side. Insert it inside of the back piece while the back piece is still inside out. Make sure right sides are together!
Step 7
Align each side as well as the gusset. Pin and sew across all four layers of fabric on each side and the gusset. This will attach the front to the back.
Step 8
Remember the 1" hole we left in the center seam earlier? Now it's time to use it. Take the entire piece to the right side through this hole.
Step 9
Finally, finish off the hole with a top stitch or an invisible stitch.
That completes the Ryan Bottoms!
Additionally, if you have questions about sewing or construction, our Facebook group is a fantastic resource for new and experienced sewers alike. You can join here: https://facebook.com/groups/edgewaterave