Vela Swimsuit
Learn to sew the Vela swimsuit step by step with the included pattern. It comes in sizes 34–56, offers several customization options and includes a complete video class in Lulu Ferris.
Project preview
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Sew the Vela, a fully lined halter swimsuit with ties at the neck and elastic support across the back. The outer front is softly gathered beneath the bust and along the sides.
The standard back provides fuller coverage, while the separate lesson shows how to redraw the back leg opening for a more cut-in shape.
What you’ll learn in these classes
- Choose and test stretch stitches for swimwear Lycra.
- Sew and turn the halter ties while reducing bulk at the ends.
- Gather the bust pieces between the pattern markings.
- Control the side gathers so the outer front matches the smooth lining.
- Enclose the bust sections between the outer front and lining.
- Apply swimwear elastic across the back and around the leg openings.
- Turn and stitch the elasticated edges for a neat finish.
Fabric options
Use swimwear Lycra for the outer swimsuit and a suitable stretch lining. Swimwear elastic supports the back edge and finishes the leg openings.
Test the machine’s stretch stitches on a scrap first. Depending on your equipment and experience, you can use a zigzag, another built-in stretch stitch or an overlocker.
Make it your own
- Use the gathered outer front, or cut the smooth front-lining piece in the outer fabric too for a version without side gathers.
- Redraw the back leg opening for less coverage by following the separate adjustment lesson.
- Widen the back leg opening if you prefer more coverage.
- Add removable cups using the method taught in the Ibiza Bikini class; cups are not included in the Vela design.
Sizes and fit
The included pattern covers sizes 34/36 through 54/56. Its body chart spans an 86–132 cm bust, 64–110 cm waist and 90–136 cm hip.
The halter ties let you adjust the tension at the neck. The pattern is supplied in tiled A4 and full-size A0 formats.
The two-video class includes the swimsuit construction, a focused leg-opening adjustment, A4 and A0 patterns, and a project-information PDF with the verified size chart.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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