School’s out and summer vacation is here!
Have you taken a dip in the pool? Or hit the beach running?
As a mom, water activities with kids is a juggling act. And if you’re like me, your post-swimming towel is always falling off as you try to manage 10 other things.
There’s a better way!
and it’s SO easy.
I’ve seen beach cover-ups in stores for years. I’ve always thought to buy one but never have because I figured I could make one (of course it took me two years to get around to it)
But with a simple beach towel, elastic thread, and your summer vacation dress pattern, you can easily make your own!
Still on the fence about sewing with Elastic Thread? It truly is easy. You can find it at normal sewing shops and you wind it in your bobbin by hand (more detailed info about it and a Preview in our SHOP pattern):
Time to sew something for YOU. Okay, here’s what I did….
- I bought a beach towel at Target ($5.99, appx 56 x 29 inches). The gathering ratio was smaller here than the pattern info, but it works fine because a towel will gather up slightly less for you, due to it’s bulk.
- Thinner towels are best because they are less bulky.
- Just use the edge of the towel as your top and bottom (no hemming needed)
- Wind Elastic Thread in your bobbin, shir as many rows as you like (I did about 32), sew down the side seam, add shoulder straps, and you’re done! I used less than one spool of Elastic Thread for the entire dress. Of course I had to wind it onto my bobbin about 5 times.
- (NOTE: if you have a Brother sewing machine and have had problems sewing with Elastic Thread, THIS info will help you.)
- DON’T forget to spray and iron over the top of your shirring when finished. This will cause your elastic thread to really gather up.
Then, you’re ready for the water!
Wear your beach towel dress over your swimsuit,
go for a dip,
then throw it back on after you’ve been wet.
It stays on well, keeps you dry, and allows you the freedom to accomplish 9 other things while your towel stays put.
….like squishing your toes in all that sand.
Three cheers for Summer!
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, this looks awesome! Love it. I can’t wait to give it a go! Now, to find a nice thin beachtowel….
What a great idea! One question though, what did you use for the straps?
This is a great dress,love it i made two for myself and one for my daughter,they are lovely dresses.Thank you,all the best.
Thank you for this great idea. I bought a towel today an I am making it tonight.
I just love love love it! Now for a serious question what would you charge to make me one? I would want the exact same look and target towel but the warm color one if possible… Would you be interested in selling one?
sorry! I don’t sell products, I just share ideas.
It’s really easy to make though if you’re looking for a good beginner project.
Using rubber gloves (yes, those beautiful yellow ones we use for housework
) are great when sewing with elastic thread. Once you sew the first row of elastic, the fabric can start to get you a little frustrated. The gloves make it easy to help hold the fabric flat.
Maybe I am missing it, but does it just wrap around? Or is it sewn together somewhere??
You sew in a side seam.
@ Tracy: Wind Elastic Thread in your bobbin, shir as many rows as you like (I did about 32), SEW DOWN THE SIDE SEAM, add shoulder straps, and you’re done.
Love this idea
This is SO STINKIN’ CUTE!! Now I’m going to have to be brave enough to try using that elastic thread!!
Hi! Found this link via pinterest, can’t wait to try this!!!!
Thanks for posting.
Thanks to a pinning of this I found last year, I have made 1/2 doz. already and more to come! Have had requests from friends as well. I made these for my sisters and I to wear on a cruise at the end of April, and they were perfect. No carrying heavy towels to the beach! We even wore these over our swimwear to go shopping/lunch before hitting the waves. Thank you to the designer for this fabulous creation!
Just absolutely luv this topper dress. I have elastic thread for years – guess I can go and find it now, lol. I just have to try this- it’s for me. Thanks for the instructions as I have been looking for this a long, long time.
Have fun all :}
This is so fun. I linked up here:
http://sewprettysewfree.blogspot.com/2012/06/beach-towel-coverup.html
“DON’T forget to spray and iron over the top of your shirring”
What do you spray it with?
water. Just a dollar store spray bottle, set it to the mist setting and lightly spray the fabric with it, then iron over. nothing fancy ^^
I’m thinking of making this for our upcoming beach trip
do you think it would fit properly without the straps added? Is it snug enough? Thanks in advance!!
I love this dress!! its so very pretty! I have never used elastic in my bobbin before, that makes me a little nervous!! also, no info about the straps!!
thank you!
This is a really wonderful idea, i can’t wait to try it!
Love this idea! I’m going to have a go at this for next years holiday. And maybe one for my 10 year old daughter too!
Hi. This is terrific & so cute. Can you tell me what size towel you would start with for a 2-year old? Her chest is 20 inches.
I just hot some thin towel, and 3 spool of elastic threads.. Lol. I am gonna try it this evening… Wish me luck with my brother sewing machine!
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I bought 2 spools at the fabric store, They only had the small spools. Do you think that would be enough for 32 lines of stitching. Do I stitch it horizontally? What can I use for straps?
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