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Making a Swim Top with Isla

Hi! It’s Amanda from LoveCraftSew on the blog today to bring you some summer swimwear inspo!
We live in South Florida where the sun is crazy strong, and I am always on the lookout for swimsuits with
extra coverage to help protect my babies against those hot rays. The Isla pattern is one of my favorite
all time Simple Life patterns for my girls and I thought it would make a perfect peplum swim top as well!
I decided to pair the top with the Marina swim bottoms.

For this suit I sewed up the bottoms per pattern instructions and the only modification done was to
widen the waistband slightly and insert elastic as well. For the peplum top I cut the ¾ sleeves, shoulder
flutters and bodice pieces (at the straight length) per instruction. I used my swim fabric for both main
and lining on the bodice but you could also opt for swim lining. For the peplum I omitted the side seams
by cutting on the double fold instead of single fold. I also cut the length a little shorter than the pattern
piece (approximately 2-2.5 inches shorter) as I wasn’t planning to hem, and I also wanted the length to
hit a bit shorter than the pattern intended for top length. Use your creativity here with the length, you
can opt for a crop look for a fun suit as well and the high low bodice would be adorable! Since I omitted
the side seams, I had to very slightly gather the top of the peplum to fit the bodice before attaching.
I wanted to give the neck seam a little extra stability in the pool as well, so I added elastic to the seam.
If you are choosing the sleeveless option for your Isla top, I would also recommend adding elastic you’re
your arm scythe as well.

Here are a few tips for adding elastic to your seams for stability:

1. Always pre-stretch your elastic
2. Sew your seam on your serger first (before adding elastic)
3. Once your seam is sewn, you can feed your elastic through the foot on your sewing machine and
   zig zag it onto your sewn seam. Threading the elastic through the foot opening helps prevent
   the elastic from sliding around, it was a game changer for me!
   
   I absolutely love the result of Isla in a swim top! My daughter has added sun protection but still looks super cute! I can’t wait to sew up a few more for a mix and match swim capsule.

I hope you are inspired for summer by this look, and I cannot wait to see yours in the Simple Life Fan
Group when you are finished!

Amanda