Doll's two-piece swimwear sets are a fun and satisfying sewing project, especially for doll wardrobes. They combine quick construction with stretchy fabrics, making them a great way to practice sewing knits while creating a stylish coordinated outfit. Whether you're sewing for imaginative play, gifting, or expanding a doll collection, a handmade swimwear set is a rewarding project to complete.
The Winslet's Eva Doll's Two-Piece Swimwear Set Sewing Pattern features a crop tank top and matching shorties, with optional frills on the shoulder straps and leg openings for extra styling flexibility. Designed for knit fabrics and suitable for very easy skill levels, this pattern is perfect for sewing a comfortable and playful swimsuit for an 18-inch doll.
Why Sew a Doll's Two-Piece Swimwear Set?
- Create a coordinated swimwear outfit with a crop tank top and matching shorties.
- Customize the design by choosing whether or not to add decorative frills to the straps and leg openings.
- Learn essential knit sewing techniques, including working with elastic, coverstitching, and stretch fabrics.
- Practice sewing with lightweight knit fabrics while creating a polished finish.
- Make a fun handmade swimsuit that's perfect for doll collections, gifts, or imaginative play.
Why Choose the Winslet's Doll's Eva Two-Piece Swimwear Set Sewing Pattern?
- Skill Level: Very Easy
- Design Features: Crop tank top and matching shorties with optional frills on the shoulder straps and leg openings.
- Available Size: Our Doll Patterns are designed to perfectly fit popular 18 Inch dolls.
Supplies & Notions
Prepare the following supplies before you begin sewing:
- Lightweight knit fabric with 30–50% stretch
- 3-ply polyester sewing thread
- 5 mm wide elastic (18.5" length)
- Sewing machine
- Serger (or use a zig-zag stitch as an alternative)
- Coverstitch machine (or twin needle / narrow zig-zag / straight stitch alternative)
- Sewing needles suitable for knit fabrics
- Fabric shears
- Thread cutter
- Pins
- Iron
- Tape measure
- Fabric marking chalk
Fabric Recommendations
Use lightweight knit fabrics with 30–50% stretch, including:
- Jersey
- Interlock
- Rib knit
The sample garment shown in the sewing guide is made from cotton single jersey.
Cotton single jersey is recommended because it offers:
- Soft, smooth, and slightly stretchy texture
- Natural drape
- Lightweight, breathable, and crease-resistant qualities suitable for warm weather
- Easy sewing when using a stretch needle
Size Charts
Check the size charts and measure yourself to select the correct size, using the garment and body measurement tables in the guide.
Verify how much fabric you need by referencing the fabric yield table in the guide.
Pattern Inventory: What Pieces to Prepare
Prepare the following pattern pieces before cutting your fabric:
- A. Front bodice — Cut 1 fabric
- B. Back bodice — Cut 1 fabric
- C. Bottom — Cut 1 fabric
- D. Frill — Cut 4 fabric (optional; cut 0 if sewing without frills)
- E. Shoulder strap — Cut 2 fabric
If you're printing the pattern at home, use the A4/US Letter version. For copy shop printing, use the A0 version.
Pattern Marking
Transfer all pattern markings carefully before sewing. The Eva Two-Piece Swimwear Set includes markings for:
- Grainlines
- Necklines
- Armholes
- Gather markings
- Waist
- Waist hem
- Side seams
- Leg openings
- Strap ends
- Shoulder markings
- Frill curve
- Panel markings
Cutting Layout
Arrange all pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams so every grainline runs parallel to the fabric selvage before cutting.
Separate cutting layouts are provided for the top and bottom pieces and for the optional frill pieces, both based on 60-inch-wide fabric. The layouts are intended for non-directional fabrics. If you're using fabric with a nap or directional print, purchase additional fabric to accommodate the layout.
Fabric Cutting and Preparation
Arrange the pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams before cutting, ensuring every grainline arrow is parallel to the fabric selvage.
If you're using fabric shears, trace the pattern pieces before cutting. Cut away any pen, pencil, or chalk lines and clip all notches carefully, as these markings help align the pieces accurately during construction.
Transfer all pattern markings, including circles, buttonholes, fold lines, and center front markings, to the wrong side of the fabric using a suitable marking tool before sewing.
Seam Allowance
Please follow the seam allowances as indicated on the pattern file layers. These are provided specifically for each piece to ensure accurate construction.
This pattern uses:
- 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance all around.
- 1.3 cm (1/2") seam allowance at the neck and waist.
- 0.8 cm (1/4") seam allowance at the armholes, the curved edge of the frill, and the leg openings of the bottom.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
Optional Frill Preparation
1. Prepare the Optional Frills
1a. If you're sewing the version with frills, set your sewing machine to a long basting stitch. Sew a row of gathering stitches along the straight edge of each frill piece.
1b. Pull the bobbin thread gently to gather each frill evenly until it matches the edge it will be attached to.
1c. Set the prepared frills aside until they are needed in the following steps.
Note: Skip this step if you're making the swimwear set without frills.
Top
2. Prepare the Shoulder Straps
2a. Fold each shoulder strap lengthwise with right sides together and align the long edges.
2b. Sew along the long edge of each strap.
2c. Trim the seam allowance if needed, turn each strap right side out, and press flat.
3. Attach the Shoulder Straps
3a. Place the prepared shoulder straps onto the right side of the front bodice, aligning them with the shoulder markings.
3b. If sewing the frill version, position the gathered frills between the shoulder straps and the bodice, matching the marked placement.
3c. Baste the straps and optional frills in place within the seam allowance.
4. Attach the Back Bodice
4a. Place the back bodice on top of the front bodice with right sides together, sandwiching the shoulder straps and optional frills between the two layers.
4b. Align the neckline and armholes.
4c. Sew around the neckline and armholes.
4d. Clip the curved seam allowances where needed, turn the bodice right side out, and press carefully.
5. Sew the Side Seams
Align the front and back bodice side seams with right sides together and sew both side seams.
Finish the seam allowances using a serger or a suitable stretch stitch.
6. Finish the Bottom Edge
6a. Fold the bottom edge of the top toward the wrong side to form the elastic casing.
6b. Sew along the folded edge, leaving an opening for inserting the elastic.
6c. Cut the elastic to the length specified in the sewing guide and thread it through the casing using a safety pin.
6d. Overlap the elastic ends and stitch them securely together.
6e. Close the opening in the casing with stitching.
7. Complete the Top
Press the finished top gently, ensuring the shoulder straps and optional frills lie evenly. The crop top is now complete.
Bottom
8. Sew the Crotch Seam
8a. Fold the bottom piece with right sides together, aligning the front and back crotch edges.
8b. Sew the crotch seam.
8c. Finish the seam allowance using a serger or an appropriate stretch stitch.
9. Finish the Leg Openings
9a. If making the optional frill version, attach the prepared gathered frills evenly around the leg openings before finishing the edges.
9b. Fold the leg opening seam allowance toward the wrong side to form the elastic casing.
9c. Sew around each leg opening, leaving a small opening for the elastic.
9d. Insert the specified elastic through each casing, overlap the ends, stitch them securely, and close the casing opening.
10. Finish the Waist
10a. Fold the waist edge toward the wrong side to create the waistband casing.
10b. Sew around the waist, leaving an opening for the elastic.
10c. Insert the specified waist elastic through the casing.
10d. Overlap and stitch the elastic ends securely.
10e. Sew the casing opening closed.
11. Complete the Swimwear Set
Give both the top and the bottoms a final press using a suitable temperature for your knit fabric. Your Eva Two-Piece Swimwear Set is now ready to wear.
Ready to Sew Your Own Doll's Two-Piece Swimwear Set?
The Eva Doll's Two-Piece Swimwear Set Sewing Pattern is a quick and enjoyable project for creating a stylish swimsuit for an 18-inch doll. Featuring a comfortable crop tank top and matching shorties, with the option to add decorative frills for extra charm, this pattern is perfect for practicing knit sewing techniques while creating a polished handmade outfit.
Whether you choose the simple sporty version or the playful frilled style, this beginner-friendly pattern makes it easy to sew a coordinated swimwear set you'll love. Download the Eva Doll's Two-Piece Swimwear Set Sewing Pattern today and enjoy creating a fun addition to your doll's summer wardrobe.
Explore More Sewing Patterns
Browse our Doll Sewing Pattern Collection for more stylish handmade doll outfits. From swimwear and casual separates to dresses, jackets, and coordinated sets, you'll find plenty of inspiring patterns to grow your doll's handmade wardrobe.
Join the Community & Get Support
Share your finished Eva Doll's Two-Piece Swimwear Set Sewing Pattern on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com.
