Swim Shirt Sew-along

We are going to be somewhere warm and sunny for a week and I fear we will get too much sun. In Oregon, it seems there could be no such thing as too much sun. So for our trip, swim shirts are needed. Without them, I think we may be in trouble–we’re not used to so much sun and warmth.

I used an Otto Raglan tee pattern, which is basically what most rash guards or swim shirts are. This one has a lower neckline than most rash guards, but my dd doesn’t like the way rash guards fit so high up on her neck. Farbenmix makes a great raglan pattern, Zoe, which I know others have used for this purpose. I plan to use it for my son.

Here are some tips to get started with:
Size down if you want it to fit snugly.
Use wooly nylon in the loopers and regular serger thread in the needle if using a serger.
3-thread overlock stitch for serging seams.

Stretch needles 🙂 in all machines

If using a traditional machine:
sew seams with a narrow zigzag and medium length
sew hems with a medium zigzag and medium length, or stretch twin needle

Sew the sleeves to the bodice front and the bodice back

Add a neckline binding–I made it a bit bigger than I normally do, so it would stand up taller.

Sew side seams

Hem sleeves and bottom edge (I used the twin needle)

Done and done 🙂

She’s all set. She has 2 swimsuits with matching rash guard swim shirts. I just now need to get the rest of the family set up.

Cheers!