Jalie: 3023 (Tankini and Skirtini)  - Type:Swimwear  | | Viewed 410 times
| 4 more reviews | Review rated Helpful by 4 people Very Helpful by 4 people | | Reviewed by: | LM2HYD | 
 | About LM2HYD | | VA USA | | Member since: 3/7/11 | | Reviews written: 53 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 5 people | | patterns reviewed: 52 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 3/12/13 8:53 PM | | Last Updated: | 4/13/13 8:04 PM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | 
Jalie Pattern Info | | Pattern Rating: | Highly Recommend | | See other patterns in this category: Swimwear | Available for sale on PR: $12.99 (See envelope)  | | | | Fabric: | Nylon-Lycra [See other projects in this fabric] | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Pattern Description: Tankini with regular or skirted briefs. Tank top with wide shoulder straps, shelf bra and optional casing for side rutching. Briefs with wide waistband and optional attached swim skirt.
I made the tankini with the skirted briefs
Pattern Sizing: Girls age 2-13 (F-Q), womens size 4-22 (R-FF). I made size V for the top and size X for the bottoms
You choose the top size based on your bust measurement and the bottoms based on your hip measurement. You should note their drawing showing where exactly they are measuring the hip. For me, it is more of a high hip (the widest part of my hips is much lower) so I used my high hip measurement to choose the size. The briefs fit great. Since I have 'athletic thighs' the skirt is a little tight across the front of my thighs and rides up a little. Next time I will flare the skirt out a little to give my 'athletic bits' a bit more room.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, very much.
Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were great. I was a bit nervous because this was my first attempt at making a swimsuit. The drawings and directions are very clear, and the only time I had to re-read an instruction several times was regarding the folding of the tank top straps above the bodice, prior to stitching them. All in all, great instructions and diagrams.
They also give instructions on how to sew if you do not have a serger which was nice. I did use my serger whenever I could so the assembly was very quick.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I wanted to make a 2 piece swimsuit that would provide coverage (ie not skimpy) and would look RTW.
I also liked that I could use a coordinating fabric on the suit. I could have used plain white on the waistband of the bottoms, but I decided that the suit would look more like a 1 piece if I did not. Maybe next time. 
Front view
Back View
Side View (gives an idea of the skirt length)
Fabric Used: Nylon Spandex from Spandex World
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I graded the tank out from a size V at the bust to a W at the waist. I also sewed bra cups to the shelf-bra lining using a zig-zag stitch.
photo of bra cups
I used a twin stretch needle for the top-stitching that would show, along the straps and top of the contrast yoke. There is also top-stitching on the inside of the front yoke and on the inside of the bottoms' waistband. For that stitching, I used a triple (three step) zig-zag stitch rather than the twin needle, because I felt it would be stronger and tolerate stress better.
One thing I noticed was that after I top-stitched below the contrast yoke, the fabric became a little wavy. Thankfully, it's not noticeable when the top is worn.
Closeup of Top
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would DEFINITELY sew this again. The pieces of the pattern lined up beautifully. I don't think I have ever sewn anything that was so well drafted. I was a little nervous but up to the challenge of making a swimsuit and it went together so well!!
Conclusion: I am so proud of how well this suit came out. Right when I finished it, I put it on and ran to show my husband who was quite impressed. I think this pattern is wonderful, it is well thought out, well drafted, and the instructions are great. I anticipate making many more swimsuits in the future. I mean seriously, I posted photos of me in a swimsuit on the INTERNET! It MUST be good!
For more photos and reading about my unabashed joy, see my Blog!
EDITED TO ADD: I have done a little step-by-step for attaching the straps to the bodice. You can find it Here. Hopefully that will help clear up any confusion anyone may have. | Buy this pattern for $12.99 Add to Bag  |
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16 Comments
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Classy!
3/12/13 9:04 PM
Well you SHOULD be proud. That suit looks fantastic, very complimentary on you. OK, I'm gonna go ahead and get that Jalie pattern. Thanks for the review.
3/12/13 9:27 PM
Wow! Great job on the fit! Love the fabric!
3/12/13 9:32 PM
Your suit looks wonderful!! You inspired me to get this pattern out of my stash.
3/12/13 9:51 PM
Your suit looks beautiful! Swimwear is surprisingly easy and actually saves money... fast to sew... you can be proud of your beautiful results. How many more can you sew before summer sets in???? :)
3/12/13 10:36 PM
You did a spectacular job on this. This looks great on you, and the fit is good. I have this pattern and plan on making it this summer so I appreciate your advice on the hip sizing and what to watch for.
3/12/13 10:53 PM
You've done a great job and your suit certainly does look RTW. I love the fabric and you look fab in it!
3/12/13 11:30 PM
You should be proud! Great work. It looks wonderful on you too.
3/13/13 0:08 AM
Wow, looks RTW, I can see why you are so happy with it, fits great , flattering. It will be my first pick if I ever get around to making a swimsuit. thanks for the useful info and pics, especially of the bra cup insertion. Is the skirt attached to the bottom? Or is it a 3 piece...
3/13/13 8:07 AM
Super cute ! Looks great on you. I want one.
3/13/13 8:12 AM
I like it so much- I just ordered the pattern. Nice work!!! ETA- if you read the review of this pattern by MN Barb, she does a really nice job of inserting the bra cups btwn two layers of the front shelf bra pieces. Thanks ladies, can't wait to try this pattern.
3/13/13 2:48 PM
Great swimsuit!
3/13/13 4:25 PM
Really flattering suit. Great job!
4/13/13 11:30 PM
Looks GREAT on you! Well done!
4/14/13 9:25 AM
Very nice! I really want to get this pattern to make for the beach in August.
4/15/13 7:26 AM
4/15/13 7:27 AM