Revealed: The Shocking Truth About the Ralph Pink Coverup.

I’m talking about the Ralph Pink RP088 beach coverup and the shocking truth is, I love this sewing pattern!!

Ralph Pink Beach Coverup in cotton/silk.
Ralph Pink Beach Coverup in cotton/silk.

It’s tempting to rave about every shiny new thing you make, but the ultimate test of a good sewing pattern is whether the finished garment suits you, how often you wear it, and how long it stays in your wardrobe.

ralph pink coverup 7

This is where this pattern excels.

Back view
Back view

Beach coverups are classic, timeless and suit most body shapes. This Ralph Pink one is well designed with a faux pocket on the front, a fringed hem, a belt for shaping and seams which work well with this border print fabric.

Design details - faux welt pocket on front yoke seam.
Design details – faux welt pocket on front yoke seam.

But beach coverups aren’t just decorative, they’re also really useful.

ralph pink coverup 9

I’ve just got back from a family trip to the Italian Riviera and my beach wrap was invaluable. It boosted my confidence to have something to throw on that made me feel chic, instead of self conscious about my body, when I was in my swimmers.

It was also a relief to be able to wander into town or a restaurant directly from the beach without breaking dress codes or raising too many eyebrows!

Swingy viscose fringe trim.
Swingy viscose fringe trim.
Ralph Pink RP088 Beach Coverup Pattern.
Ralph Pink RP088 Beach Coverup Pattern.

If you’re looking for a chic and easy beach wrap pattern, then Ralph Pink’s got you covered!

Pattern Description: Ralph Pink RP088 Beach Coverup PDF digital download pattern available from Ralph Pink Patterns.

Fabric Used: I used about 3 metres of cotton/silk batiste from my stash and 3 metres of 20cm long viscose fringe trim from B.L.Trimmings in London online store.

Pattern Sizing: I cut the smallest size XS and didn’t change anything.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes they were easy and clear.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the fringe trim but it was awkward to sew on with my sewing machine and the sewing steps which come after you’ve sewn this on were also tricky because of the added weight of the trim pulling on the fabric as you sew. I’d advise hand sewing the fringing.

Ralph describes this as a beginner level sewing pattern which I’d agree with but I’d advise caution when you’re sewing on the fringe trim.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did 2 bound buttonholes using the patch method on either side of the front of the wrap for the belt holes. Instructions for how to do these weren’t included in the pattern instructions. To make belt holes with a finished length of 4.5cm for my 4cm wide belt, I cut a patch of my fabric 5cm wide and 7cm long (2.5cm longer than the buttonhole).

I also did French seams which weren’t included in the pattern instructions but I thought were more suitable for this silky fabric.

Would you sew it again? Yes, I’d like to make a cotton batiste one.

Would you recommend it to others? YES.

ralph pink coverup 12

Happy sewing,

Christine

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4 thoughts on “Revealed: The Shocking Truth About the Ralph Pink Coverup.

    1. Merci beaucoup and merci for stopping by! This pattern is from the Ralph Pink Beach collection. Have you tried any of his patterns? Are they popular in the French sewing community?

  1. Hello there,
    I do hope that you don’t mind my contacting you in this way. I came across your wonderful blog recently whilst, quite unsuccessfully, trying to locate a wholesaler of plain cotton/silk batiste in the UK / Europe. I was so excited to find your blog and read your post about the lovely coverup you created – as you have used this very fabric! I have been trying to find this fabric for a scarf design, as I believe it will be incredibly fine/lightweight, but also silky and with a subtle sheen – does this seem an accurate description?
    I wondered if you might be able to advise or offer any details / information on the fabric and also regarding potential stockists / wholesalers? I completely understand if you are unable to help, but thought I might ask just in case!
    Thanks for creating this great blog, so lovely to see!
    With best wishes,
    Victoria

    1. Hi Victoria, Thanks for your generous comments and for stopping by my blog. I got my fabric from a wholesaler I found at Munich Fabric Start, http://www.munichfabricstart.com. I’ve also been to Premiere Vision textile trade fair in Paris but prefer the Munich fair because of its focus on organic fabrics. If you’re in the UK, you can also find wholesalers at The London Textile Fair. I haven’t been to this, but the wholesaler I’ve bought from, has a stand there. I share more information about my fabric sources in my newsletter, you can sign up for it at the top of the sidebar. I hope this helps – good luck!

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