The Long Body Monokini

I have to say I love this style, but unless you intend to enter the Miss Universe pageant then it probably won't be the next item on your to do list. It only suits thin women with extra long torsos. The pattern below is still based on the size 10BC one piece block, however you will need to lengthen it at the waist cm for cm for all nape to waist measurements over the average for each size (eg; anything over 39.5cm for a size 10).

The photo above was from my 2005 collection. It wasn't sized correctly for this model but you can still see the concept. You will need to have completed the center back seam bikini bottom before commencing this pattern, but you could use a different bottom pattern if you prefer. Before you start each step, click on the link marked "Illustration for this Step". A pop up window with an illustration for that step will help guide you through the instructions. At the end of each step your draft should match the illustration.

Step One

Illustration for this Step

Place the center back seam bikini bottom front and back panels in their respective positions over the one piece block. You really don't need to place the back panel, but I've done so here for completeness. Draw a guide for the strap vertically up from the bust point. This strap is 30mm wide but you could draft it as narrow as twice the width of your fold over elastic + 2mm (eg; about 20mm).

Step Two

Illustration for this Step

Lower the waist band of what are really already hipster height sides a further 10mm. Match them front to back. Draft in a guide line from bust point to the center of the crotch width on the block (not the center front of the crotch). Where this line crosses the waist line draft in another guide 25mm either side of the first guide line. Draft in another guide from 70mm to the right of the bust point extending all the way to the side seam as illustrated.

Step Three

Illustration for this Step

Draft in the outer design line. This should start at, but not originate beyond, the intersection of the strap with the shoulder line and gradually curve out to the edge of the guide on the bust line. The curve is shallow and forms a right angle with the next design line which again curves gradually down to the guide on the waist line. From here curve tightly into the waist band on the front bottom panel. See illustration.

Step Four

Illustration for this Step

Draft in the central design line starting at the shoulder as before, and curving gradually toward the right hand edges of the other guides. It is important to keep this curve as flat as possible until it meets the center front.

Step Five

Illustration for this Step

Remove unnecessary guidelines. Cut out or retrace the front panel. Clearly label your pattern pieces with a title, panel name, size, cutting instructions, author’s name, date and revision number. Finaly, add seam allowance to the pattern based on how you intend to assemble it. I've shown this pattern with 10mm allowance for overlocked seams (8mm to blade, 2mm off cut), 10mm allowance for folding over elastic and no seam allowance where the garment will use binding to seal the edge and create the straps all in one. Use an extra piece of binding to create the strap below the center front bust (notched on the pattern).