I have a fun bonus to share today!  Just because!

Now that the Ruffle Tankini Swimsuit is available in the shop I am thinking of other fun variations for the pattern.  (Variations are my favorite!)

This time I decided on a fun fashion detail for the swimsuit.  Aaaand while I’m at it, why not create a pattern and include it as a bonus with the swimsuit!  Yay!

Oh, and how goooooood it is to be back at the creative process and making things with my hands!  After just finishing the Ruffled Tankini Swimsuit last week it is nice to take a break from the computer and be back making stuff!

I even splurged and drove up the canyon to take a few pictures by the creek.  Yes, for the fun backdrop, and yes, because my heart loves a quite moment by the creek.  Ahhhhh.  It was a bare foot photo shoot and I quite enjoyed navigating the water and rocks and sand.

Now for this fun bow!

I am loving it with the ruffles on the suit.  The suit was cute before, but now?  Wow!

I sewed through a few bow variations before I came to just the right thickness and width.  This bow is a perfect match with the Ruffled Tankini!

Let’s get started!

Supplies:

• Bow pattern printable PDF (It’s included as a bonus with the Ruffled Tankini Swimsuit pattern.)
• swim knit fabric
• pins
• thread
• needle
• scissors/ rotary cutter
• pencil

Notes:

• Use 1/4″ seam allowances.
• Tested on swim knit fabric.  Other fabrics may be suitable.

The Bow pattern PDF is available only as a bonus with the purchase of the Ruffle Tankini Swimsuit.  You are welcome to follow along the step by step instructions to make your own version.

Bow Pattern

Print the bow pattern that comes with the Ruffle Tankini Swimsuit pattern.  Cut the two pattern pieces out of a swim knit fabric.

Lay out the bow piece with the right side of the fabric facing up.

Fold the fabric in half with the right sides together.  Pin along the short side.

Straight stitch across the short end with a sewing machine or by hand.

Trim the seam allowance.  With the fabric segment laying flat, mark the fold, opposite the seam.

Turn the fabric right side out.  Match up the seam and the pencil mark.

With the pencil mark and seam matched up, lay the piece out flat.

Fan Fold

Fold the segment in half with the cut sides lined up.

Fold the top cut side towards the fold.

Fold the bottom cut side, the opposite direction, towards the fold.

Pinching it in the middle, we have essentially folded the center like a fan or an accordion style.

Pinch the center with one hand and stitch through the center a few times.

Bow Center

The top of the bow has one fold in the center. Press the folded area flat with your thumb.  It will help the bow lay a little flatter.

We will be adding the bow center piece to complete the bow.

Lay the bow center piece across the middle of the bow.

Flip the bow with the right side of the bow facing down.

Wrap one side of the bow center piece to the middle back and stitch in place.  Use the center seam on the bow to make sure the piece is centered.

Wrap the second side of the bow center piece to the back.  If it is too long, trim the end to meet in the middle.  Stitch in place with needle and thread.

The bow is finished!

Attaching to the Swimsuit

Lay the bow on the swimsuit to position it.  Even better, put the swimsuit first on the doll and then place the bow.

Pin in place.

Starting on the inside of the swimsuit, stitch through the back layer of the bow.  Attach the bow at the center knot, and along the sides, where the bow touches the elastic edge.

Here’s a look inside the bow to see the stitches attaching it to the elastic edge on the swimsuit.

What about adding it to the back of a suit?….

I think the bow in the back would be another fun option!

I am looooving this bow!  It is such a sweet addition to the swimsuit!

I am excited to offer the bow pattern as a bonus with the Ruffled Tankini Swimsuit pattern.  The swimsuit was already cute but now….Wow!

If you already purchased the Ruffled Tankini Swimsuit pattern you will recieve an email with a link to the bow pattern!  I hope you will enjoy the possibilities!

Anna

Here’s the scoop about today’s post.

• Doll– Saige is a American Girl’s GOTY 2013.
• Outfit– Swimsuit pattern is available in the shop.