
I named this easy romper Salina. In Spanish, the name means “salt pan”. You'll understand why in a minute and if you have ever seen a salt pan, like the ones out in the desert in the western US. Many years ago, I visited Etosha National Park in Namibia famous for its wide open views of the salt pans and amazing wild animals.
I vividly remember seeing the long, thin silhouettes of elegant giraffes. They seemed like mirages like they were almost not even there. The lines and the shapes made them look narrower than they were. The design of this easy romper does the same thing and makes me look narrower than I really am, and I like the optical illusion. Believe me, at “5 feet nothing” I take all the help I can get.

I wished I brought this romper with me while on vacation recently. The truth is I forgot it pinned to the mannequin. I also forgot the step-by-step pictures for the tutorials I was supposed to share with you 4 weeks ago. I am forever packing at the last minute and for the first time in my life I ended up with more clothes that I needed. The wrong kind, unfortunately… To my surprise, I found myself wearing clothes a tad too fancy for walking miles under the blazing Tuscan sun –all because of my expanding waistline and the good food of Italy rendered the rest of my wardrobe unusable.

Oh, how I wished I had my little “mirage” with me. So comfortable, versatile and slimming (my kind of diet..). So just in case you are in my shoes, join me in this optical illusion. This easy romper is suitable for adults and teens. It has a flounce that hides the tummy and the use of a bra becomes optional.
Please print in landscape mode. Because I made this pattern compatible with one way stretch knits the seam allowance is 3/8″. No buttons or zippers are needed. All the pieces of the top are to be placed on the fold. Before you decide on what fabric to purchase, please print the pattern and take all your pieces to the shop to make sure you have enough fabric.
Materials
- I highly recommend the use of natural fiber fabrics when possible such as challis (also known as rayon is man made but from wood cellulose fibers), soft cotton or cotton knits, cotton silk. A drape and soft look is ideal.
- 1.5 yards, to 3 yards of fabric depending on the size
- 1/4″ elastic depending on your waist measurements, from 23″ to 53″
- thread to match your fabric
- light fusible interfacing for the straps, optional. I use Thermoweb.
Pattern Download

You can download the pattern for Salina The Easy Romper from our account at Payhip.
For help downloading and printing PDF patterns, please CLICK HERE.
Finished Garment Measurements
The girl in the picture is wearing a size 6 but she is actually size 4. This romper will look best on an hourglass, triangle, and a narrow rectangle figure, this is, of course, only my opinion. The measurements below correspond to the romper without the elastic, they are the maximum width of the item.
Measurements are in inches.
Pattern Layout
See next page for further instructions.
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[…] comfortable, easy going, and good-looking clothes. A few people have suggested to me that the Salina Easy Romper would be even better as a long romper, so that's exactly what I've done. The pattern has been a […]
Being 70 think I will make it with a skirt.
DEAR MYRA,
I CANT DOWNLOAD THE PATTERN FROM CRAFTSY.
WHAT DO I DO. AM FROM NIGERIA.
THANK YOU.
Thank you
Most welcome, please post a picture when you are done with the project. Would love to see it 😉
Thanks a lot! Love your patterns and ideas.
My pleasure!
Thank you!
I believe the hip measurements are off in the size chart??
Why do you think that?
Hi Myra:
I am lookng for instructions for the Salina romper. I really like the romper and hoping to make it!!
Sincerely,
Rose
HI Rose here it is the link https://so-sew-easy.com/salina-the-easy-romper/
Where do I find your sizing information? I don’t know what size to cut. I have guessed on your other patterns and had a fun time adjusting.
Love your design
I don’t write down sizing and prefer to use finished garment information it is far more acurate for fitting a fgarment to your body. Would love it you oad a picutre.
I just made this romper today, it has a very nice shape to it, the flounce makes this garment very cute and unique. I would recommend really paying attention to your measurements before making this, especially if you are using a fabric with no stretch. I am normally a size 14, I made this pattern in 16 and I can barely get the top part to go over my hips, haha. I also think the instructions for putting the top, straps, and flounce together were a little difficult to follow, but with a bit of logical thinking I managed to figure it out. Nice garment, I might even make it again in a different fabric 🙂
Hi, Ellie, thanks for your feedback, I am acutely aware that my instructions are not the clearest, with English being my second language and my patterns really start at Intermediate to advanced intermediate level. I assume way too much. (this is a fault I am trying to correct) This romper yes it is for an hourglass figure where the hips are the same measurements as the chest. Indeed it is imperative to see the measurements before cutting the fabric. I am happy you are willing to try one more time. Kind regards, 🙂
Hi I was wondering if there is a video tutorial for this lovely little outfit .I am very new too all this sewing all I have made is a patch work blanket . But I am in the presses of this little romper but I am stuck on the top attaching the flounce to the top and straps . I know it’s probably very straight forward but I’m stuck and think I may have better luck if I could watch it being done . Any help and or advice would be very much appreciated .thank you .
Hi, Tracey, I haven’t finished the video. My apologies. You should wait because the top part is tricky.
OK thank you. I will wait .looking forward to. Way hing it .thank you
Looking forward to watching it
When it was completed cause Im a size UK16 and 5’2″ I wasnt too worried about the length of the body but was pleased with the length on me. The back flounce piece needs the “place on fold” putting on it as an inexperienced sewer wouldnt know and make a mess of this. The flounce is a couple of inches too short for me……. after having surgery a couple of months ago my waitline has ballooned to 43″… bummer eh never mind Im kickin flounces and bell shapes/swing style dresses and tops. Cant do anything about this but am unable to find sufficient sewing patterns to satisfy this bulge. I used fabric bought from a sari shop in Sheffield UK 100% cotton and so light it would float away. Made my first dress at 12 years old and Im just enjoying my 65th year……. love to sew!! Thanks for the freebie x
I love this pattern! It will be great for Fiji! Being a grandmother I’d like some short sleeves in my romper. Maybe they will mimic the flounce? I’m pretty sure I can figure this out…but I wondered if you might consider making sleeves an option if you ever do a pattern upgrade.
Hi, Lori, I do have a pattern with sleeves, stay tuned.
Love the sleeves idea too, especially flutter-style. I’m too big on top to go without a bra and don’t care for spaghetti straps. I’d also make the length on bottom a tad longer, for modesty. Looking forward to seeing your next version. Thanks
I finished the romper yesterday, thank you for this great pattern. To my greatest happiness I managed to scale down my size from 20 for the shorts and 18 for the top to 18 and 16 respectively 🙂 I decided to lenghten the shorts to a culotte model to make it suitable when I move through the town with my bike or on holidays. The making is clearly explained and very quick. After finishing the toile I manged to finish it in a couple of days. Here is my version http://pin.it/fplvM4q
I made this last night using a super soft knit jersey and trimmed the flounce edge with some lace. It’s probably the cutest, most comfortable thing I have ever made so thank you for the pattern! I did have an issue with the inseam though, as someone else mentioned. The front inseam was about an inch longer than the back on either side, nothing a quick trim and serge wont fix but worth noting. It’s possible I cut out the pattern wrong (my printer is black and white, so the size markings were all the same colour) I just thought I’d mention it.
The hip measurements in the size guide seem very, very large, esp in relation to the waist figures. Can you clarify? Many thanks!
The romper has no zipper or buttons so it needs to go through the hips. Instead, you have to sew an elastic. Use the fabric suggestions I have made. Your romper is supposed to have a lot of leg room, it is not supposed to be tight.
Can I use cotton with this pattern? I have some nice light weight cotton that would be good for runner.
*Summer not runner. LOL
This pattern is gorgeous! I just want to ask what are the approximate measurements (width and length) of the fabric that you used? 🙂
Hi Lucy , all the measurements you need are on the first page of the tutorial. https://so-sew-easy.com/salina-the-easy-romper/
Enjoy the pattern!
Where did you get your size chart as I don’t have my bust and waist the same size and my hips are certainly smaller than the chart shows?
I am hoping to make this for my great granddaughter as it is just her style.
I just read earlier comments and now realise that the sizes are for the finished items and not the wearer’s size. Relief now I can continue. Thanks for the lovely pattern.
As it is absolutely sweltering over here in Sri Lanka Ive been looking for a suitable top and bottom and then remembered your wonderful romper pattern. I am just about to make it up but are seam allowances allowed on the patterns and if so how much.
Hi Arlene they are, and it is 5/8″
Thank you so much. I can now go ahead and cut the pattern out. Really looking forward to making it up. this will be my first time making one of your patterns!
Hi Mayra – I love this pattern and am currently working on making it up for my 11 year old daughter, however, I am having lots of trouble with the inseam – it just doesn’t seem to match up at all…… what am I doing wrong?? Is there a pic that you could share with me please? Thanks, Lydia
Hi Lydia, I will add more pictures to the article as soon as I find them or just take it from the romper.
Hi Mayra – the pattern appears to be a few cm’s out at the inseam for the size 6 that I have cut out…. and I looked at some of the other sizes also, and they too don’t seem to match up exactly, so I think that’s where my issue is. I will have to redraft the pattern a little – has anyone else let you know of a similar issue? 🙂
Hi Lydia, when you printed the 2×2″ square test did it align correctly? No I have not have a negative feedback form this pattern. Will have a look and make a video so we can clear out any questions.
Yes, the square test is correctly printed, and I’m sure that I have put the pattern together correctly, so I’m not sure where I’ve gone wrong….. I appreciate your time and hopefully we can work it out together 🙂
please send me an email to mayra@ so-sew-easy.com with a picture of where you are having problems.
I have downloaded to pattern, is there any way I can download the instructions
Hi, if you prefer not to look at the instructions on a tablet and want to print them or download as .pdf, you can click on the sharing button on the left with the three horizontal dots. Then select a free service called “printfriendly”. That will format each page to either print or download as a .pdf. You can easily delete anything on the page before printing if you like. Hope that helps and happy sewing!
I love this pattern and would love to make it as a Christmas present are there instructions on how to put it together, I have everything cut out but don’t know how to put it together….thanks for the help and the lovely pattern
Hi Sophie, the instructions start on page 2, under the Pinterest button. Let me know how you go would love a picture to share on our Pinterest board followed by 162K so far.
Hi! Thanks so much for sharing this free pattern. I’m super excited to try it. I can’t seem to figure out the yardage though. Is there a chart that shows the amount of fabric you need for the different sizes? Thanks
It is listed under the materials. I suggest you piece the pattern together and take it to the store. That way you will buy exactly what you need. Cheers!
Hi Mayra, thanks!
I am actually trying to purchase some fabric online so I was hoping to have some more specific numbers to work with. I’m either a 12 or a 14. Maybe one of the other readers could share how much fabric they used for their size. That’ll help me guesstimate.
Thanks!
I love this pattern. I am only curious. Are the sizes in inches? I’m usually a 12-14, but I see the hips are 63 and 65? Is it that big on the hips? I have big hips but I am afraid it would be too flouncy? Too many gathers? Is it meant to be that way?
The way to find the right size for you is to make sure the waist of the romper can go through the largest part of your body since there is no zippers or buttons. So check the waist first, then use the same fabric I am using, since you need it to drape close to your body. This style is for and hourglass, apple figure or a string bean girl, if you are a triangle or an inverted triangle you will need to make modifications to the pattern or place an invisible zipper on the side. Let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Are there instructions? I’ve printed, pieced together, traced and cut, and now I have no clue how to put it all together.
I am having the same problem….. YIKES!
Hi Jerrica, all the instructions are on pages 2 through 4 of the post. The page numbers are at the bottom of the post above the comment section. Here’s a direct link to page 2 where the instructions start:
https://so-sew-easy.com/salina-the-easy-romper/2/
I am going on a cruise soon and love the idea of wearing this on the ship. I don’t sunbathe but like to be outside on deck in the shade on a nice warm day. I am thinking about putting pants on the bottom or a skirt as mentioned in a previous post. If I use some challis instead of a knit, are there any special tricks to use, since it won’t have the stretch? Is the drape of the challis enough to compensate? Thanks for this lovely pattern!
Hi Melanie, the pattern is drafted so you can pull this from the legs to your shoulders, so make sure the waist where you will be joinning the bottom and top is side enough for the larger part of our body to go through. This depends on your body, weather is the chest or the hips area. Enjoy your trip! A picture of you wearing this on deck would be a great addition to this post. Don’t you think?
Thanks!
Looks so comfortable and pretty, too. I’ve featured your fab pattern today, Mayra.
This is such a gorgeous romper! Thank you for sharing this template – I am really excited to try it out!
Cute pattern, not sure it’ll work on my body shape. I actually lose weight when I’m in Italy, because all of the walking I do. It’s been 5 years since I’ve visited, so I’m very envious of your travel.
Hi, JK, Let me know if there is a particular style you are after. Happy to share.
Kind Regards,
Mayra
Thank you for the Pattern! I love all the sizes being included so not so many changes have to be drawn in.
You are welcome!
Thank you!! Its fabulous 🙂
Beautiful! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for tomorrow morning that features your free pattern: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/?p=89257 –Anne
Thanks Anne. Much appreciated.
This is adorable, and your instructions are great! I’m thinking it would be super easy to modify a bit and add a skirt to the waistline, in place of the shorts! Thaks for sharing 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing! It looks like it could be used as a nursing outfit too for Mom’s 🙂
Thank you for sharing. I think I’ll adjust the straps just a bit and make them wider. Thanks again.
This is so cute. Maybe not for me but certainly for my daughters. Thank you for all the detailed work on the tutorial.
Thank you for another summer pattern. Think I will steal the idea of the top half but turn it into a dress and attach it to a half circle skirt, knee length, with in seam side pockets.
CUTE CUTE CUTE Idea! My shorts would definitely be longer 🙂 Now you got me thinking skirt too!
I had the same thought, and posted before I read the other comments 🙂
This is so cute!! Thanks for sharing… can’t wait to make it!
I really like it and I think I would like to try it for my beach holiday in September if I can find the right fabric. As a suggestion, for me it would be useful to know what size the model in the images is wearing. I always have trouble deciding on what size to make and maybe it would be helpful for others too.
Hi Raluca, the best way to decide what size to wear is by reading the Finished Garment Measurements provided, the model is wearing size 6, but the model is size 4. The hips measurements are the most important since the romper has no buttons or zipper. Enjoy your holidays at the beach!
Thank you for sharing your work! What a pretty romper!
Thanks Grace. Please enjoy.