Discover Charlie Bottoms Sewing Patterns for Stylish and Empowering Handmade Swimwear

Introducing Charlie Bottoms

Charlie Bottoms is an up-and-coming sewing pattern designer and brand based out of Edgewater, Florida. Founded by Charlie herself, Charlie Bottoms offers high-quality PDF sewing patterns for women's swimwear and other garments. Let's take a closer look at this exciting new sewing pattern label!

The Founder - Charlie Bottoms

Charlie Bottoms was founded by its namesake creator, Charlie. Charlie is a sewing enthusiast living in Edgewater, hence the brand name's reference to the local Edgewater Avenue. After years of teaching herself to sew swimwear and perfecting her skills, Charlie decided to begin selling her own original patterns under the label Charlie Bottoms.

Charlie aims to provide stylish, flattering sewing patterns that can be sewn by sewists of all skill levels. Her passion is designing swimwear and bra patterns that make women feel amazing in their own skin. Charlie also strongly believes in ethical and sustainable fashion, so her patterns are focused on slow fashion, repair, and reducing textile waste.

Sewing Patterns

The current pattern offerings from Charlie Bottoms include both swimwear and a bra pattern. The patterns are available as instant PDF downloads, so customers can purchase and start sewing a Charlie Bottoms design immediately.

Some of the most popular Charlie Bottoms patterns include:

• Reversible Bikini Bottom pattern - make a reversible bikini for twice the looks!
• Fully lined bikini top pattern - create a flattering, supportive bikini top with foam cups
• One-piece swimsuit pattern - make a classic belted maillot for the beach or pool
• The Isla Bra pattern - craft a wireless bra with delicate eyelash lace accents
• High rise bottom pattern - sew a cheeky yet comfortable swim bottom

The patterns include multiple size options ranging from XS to 4XL. The designs are intended for sewists with at least intermediate sewing skills and familiarity with skills like installing encased elastic. But the detailed instructions will guide sewists through constructing a professional-looking swimsuit.

Ethical and Sustainable Values

Charlie Bottoms strongly believes in ethical and sustainable fashion values. All the patterns are focused on creating quality, long-lasting garments instead of cheap fast fashion. Charlie encourages customers to use eco-friendly fabrics like recycled nylon spandex in her patterns.

The reversible and mix-and-match aspects of many patterns also promote sustainability. Sewists can expand their wardrobe without creating more textile waste. And easy-to-follow repair instructions are included with all patterns to help extend the life of your handmade swimwear.

Sewing Community

Charlie Bottoms also wants to foster an inclusive, body-positive sewing community. The patterns are designed for a wide range of sizes and body types. Real women with diverse bodies are featured in the pattern images. The brand strives to make all sewists feel represented and empowered.

Charlie also shares behind-the-scenes pattern making content and sewing tutorials on the Charlie Bottoms Instagram and YouTube channels. Follow along for a fun, authentic look at life as an indie pattern designer.

Sew Your Own Charlie Bottoms

Ready to try sewing your own Charlie Bottoms design? Here are some tips to get started:

Choose Your Pattern

Browse the pattern offerings on the Charlie Bottoms website to choose your design. If you're new to sewing swimwear, opt for one of the bikini patterns first. More experienced sewists may want to start with the one-piece or Underwire Isla bra pattern.

Gather Your Materials

You'll need fabric, elastic, foam, lining, and other notions to complete your Charlie Bottoms pattern. She recommends using stretch lace fabrics with at least 15% spandex for the best fit. Be sure to pre-wash all fabrics before cutting.

Read the Instructions Thoroughly

Don't skip ahead - carefully read the pattern instructions first. The instructions include lots of tips and tricks for achieving a professional result. Pay close attention to the order of construction and technique descriptions.

Check Sizing and Fit

Double check that you've selected the correct pattern size based on your body measurements. You may want to make a test version in a cheaper fabric first to check the fit. Adjust the pattern as needed before cutting into your fashion fabric.

Take It Slow

Give yourself plenty of time, go slowly, and don't feel rushed. Sewing swimwear and lingerie requires precision and patience. Proper construction is important for support and coverage. If you get stuck, the Charlie Bottoms social channels can help.

Show Off Your Make!

Part of the fun of sewing your own swimwear is getting to wear your unique creation! Once your Charlie Bottoms make is complete, rock it at the beach or pool and show it off on social media using the #EdgewaterCharlie hashtag.

Why Sew Your Own Swimwear?

Beside the fun of wearing a unique handmade bikini or swimsuit, sewing your own swimwear has many benefits:

Perfect Fit

When you sew from a pattern, you can customize the perfect fit for your body type. No more uncomfortable gapping, squeezing or slipping swimwear when you make your own.

Flattering Style

You can choose fun details like straps, necklines and coverages that flatter your figure just how you like. Express your personal style in the swimwear you sew.

Save Money

Quality ready-to-wear swimwear is expensive, often over $100 per piece. Sewing your own allows you to create designer looks for a fraction of the price.

Ethical and Sustainable

When you sew sustainable fabrics yourself, you reduce waste and unethical labor practices in fast fashion. Your handmade swimwear will also last much longer.

Mix and Match

Sewing your own swimwear lets you make tons of mix-and-match options from a few patterns. Just switch up fabrics and colors for totally unique looks.

Tips for Sewing Swimwear

To help your handmade Charlie Bottoms swimwear turn out perfectly, here are some top sewing tips:

Use Swim Fabrics

Fabric choice is key - be sure to select fabrics meant for swimwear with at least 15% spandex. Nylon lycra blends work great. For lining, opt for powernet or swimsuit lining fabrics.

Stabilize Stretchy Seams

Staystitch seam allowances and use a walking foot to prevent stretching as you sew. Staying on grain and using pattern weights also helps.

Reinforce Seams

Finish seams with zigzag or serging, and reinforce inner leg seams and strap openings. This prevents seam tears while swimming.

Encased Elastic is Best

For the waist and leg openings, it's worth the extra effort to encase elastic for the most professional result. Follow Charlie's tips for smooth insertion.

Grade and Clip Seams

Trim inner seam allowances and clip curves to reduce bulk. This helps layers lie flat and smooth for a sleek silhouette.

Press as You Sew

Press seam allowances flat frequently as you sew. Use a tailor's ham to press curved seams gently without flattening them.

Charlie Bottoms Sewing Community

The Charlie Bottoms label has fostered an amazing online sewing community. Connect with fellow Charlie Bottoms fans for tips, inspiration, and sharing your latest makes!

Facebook Group

Join the Charlie Bottoms Sewing Lounge Facebook group to chat all things Charlie Bottoms patterns. Get feedback, share tips, and show off your creations.

Instagram

Follow Charlie Bottoms and sewists using the #EdgewaterCharlie hashtag on Instagram. Like and comment on photos for sewing encouragement and inspiration in your feed.

Youtube

Charlie shares in-depth sewing tutorials on handling swim fabrics, installing encased elastic, and more on her Youtube channel. Watch to learn top techniques.

Hashtags

Use hashtags like #EdgewaterCharlie, #CharlieBottoms, and #HandmadeSwimwear to connect with the Charlie Bottoms community and get discovered by new customers.

The Future of Charlie Bottoms

As a brand-new label launched in 2023, Charlie Bottoms has an exciting road ahead. Here's what fans can expect from Charlie Bottoms sewing patterns going forward:

More Styles and Options

Charlie plans to expand the pattern line with more swimwear designs, as well as branching into other garments like dresses and athleisure. More sizes, style options, and customization will also be added.

Print Patterns

While PDF downloads make the patterns accessible worldwide, some sewists still prefer traditional printed paper patterns. Charlie hopes to offer paper patterns in the future.

Larger Size Range

The current size range goes up to 4XL, but Charlie hopes to expand to include more plus sizes up to 6XL-8XL. Her goal is for the patterns to be accessible and flattering for all bodies.

Brick-and-Mortar Sales

Right now, Charlie Bottoms patterns are only sold through their website. Eventually, Charlie would love to get the patterns into local fabric shops and chains to reach more sewists.

Sew Confidently with Charlie Bottoms

Charlie Bottoms offers stylish, quality sewing patterns to help you sew swimwear and lingerie you feel amazing in. Sewing your own Charlie Bottoms design is an empowering experience that all skill levels can enjoy. We can't wait to see the beautiful creations you'll make!

FAQs

Where can I buy Charlie Bottoms sewing patterns?

Charlie Bottoms patterns are sold exclusively through the CharlieBottoms.com website. The patterns are digital downloads in PDF format.

What skills do I need to sew Charlie Bottoms patterns?

The patterns are designed for intermediate to advanced sewists. Some experience with skills like installing encased elastic and sewing knit fabrics is recommended.

What fabrics should I use for the swimwear patterns?

Charlie recommends using nylon spandex blends with at least 15% lycra for stretch and recovery. Be sure to pre-wash your fabrics before cutting out the pattern.

Can I sell swimwear made from Charlie Bottoms patterns?

The patterns are intended for personal use only. Charlie Bottoms does not allow selling finished products made from her patterns without approval.

Where can I connect with other Charlie Bottoms sewists?

Join the Charlie Bottoms Sewing Lounge Facebook group or follow the #EdgewaterCharlie hashtag on social media to connect with the sewing community.