COTTESLOE SWIMSUIT – Megan Nielsen | A Beginner’s Attempt

The Megan Nielsen Cottesloe swimsuit has been blowing up my Instagram feed for weeks, needless to say, I was itching to give it a try. Now, I know that I said I was focusing on basics, but I think that ship has sailed. I WANT TO MAKE ALL THE PRETTY THINGS. But I mean…a swimsuit is necessary, right? My soul needed The Ana Kimona, that was different.

Why I made the Cottesloe Swimsuit.

Last year, I spent a torturous hour trying on dozens of swimsuits before settling on a simple black bikini that was the best of many undesirable suits. It cost $300, and it seems to have disappeared. As a result, there was no way I was putting myself through that kind of emotional and financial misery again so even though I’m still a beginner sewist, I decided to attempt to tackle the Cottesloe Swimsuit!

I’m the type of sewist that works best under a deadline, and I had such a good one! Because my boyfriend and I went for a little vacation to Fairmont Chateau Whistler. First of all, laying by the pool was high on my list of desires for our little overnight trip so finishing my Cottesloe swimsuit became high priority the minute that we booked.

Speaking of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler here is a tangent about how much I adored it. Above all, It’s was so lovely to be out in nature but also enjoy the luxury of sitting in a hot tub or in front of a fire drinking yummy wine. I definitely like to be spoiled and the staff at the Chateau do such a good job! There was chocolate waiting for us in our room with a welcome card and if I hadn’t been desperate to get out into the woods I think we would have had a hard time dragging ourselves away from the luxury of the hotel. I felt like such a lucky lush for the night!

Project Details:

The Pattern

The Cottesloe Swimsuit by Megan Nielsen Patterns is described on their site as such “Cottesloe is a classic one piece swimsuit and mix and match bikini sets. Pattern features athletic elements, four variations and includes detailed instructions to guide you through swimsuit construction techniques. View A is a one piece swimsuit with low scoop back, shelf bra and ties at the back. View B is a one piece swimsuit with high scoop back. View C is a bikini top and a low rise bikini bottom. View D is an athletic inspired bikini top and high waisted bikini bottom with wide waistband. All versions are able to be fully lined.“

• Size Range: 0-30
• Difficulty: Brave Beginner

My Cottesloe Swimsuit

• Fabric: Nylon Swim Tricot – Rust from Blackbird Fabrics
• Lining: Nylon -Nude from Dressew
• Size: I made the top in a size 6 and the bottoms in a size 4.

What I learned sewing Megan Nielsen’s Cottesloe

First of all, swimwear is doable. That being said, now that I have worn it, I wish that I had stitched through the waistband elastic to prevent it from twisting. I also think that it would have been nice to have a serger to finish the edges before applying the rubber elastic around the leg holes. Due to not having a serger, the inner leg holes are a little messy. Still, I can confidently say that I don’t ever intend to purchase another swimsuit. Also, this was cheaper and I feel proud to be in a swimsuit rather than my usual discomfort and embarrassment.

Final Thoughts on the Cottesloe Swimsuit

I had a great time sewing this pattern and I have never felt so comfortable and confident in a swimsuit. Also, it seems like a version of the bottoms with a higher cut and a cheeky bum would probably be a cute alteration, luckily for me, I still have fabric left over.