How to Make Adjustable DIY Bathing Suit Straps the Easy Way

Tools and materials:

• 1 pair of swimwear sliders- figure 8 slider (½ inch internal size)
• 1 pair of swimwear rings
• Swimwear fabric
• ¼ inch wide elastic
• Thread
• Pins
• Scissors
• Rotary cutter
• Sewing machine

1. Cut the straps

In this video, we will be cutting our adjustable swimwear straps to stitch using the Bailee bikini top pattern. So, I used the pattern as a guide for the straps.

However, you can make your own customized measurements by simply measuring your shoulders. Place the measuring tape on where you’d like the strap to be and add 4 inches to this number. This will be the length of your straps.

Cut two straps this length with a width of 1.5 inches. Cut two smaller straps that are 2.5 inches long by the same width as the longer straps - these will be the loops that hold the straps.

2. Pin and sew

Place the fabric right sides together and pin the straps at the long edges. Leave a ½ an inch seam allowance. Now, sew along with the pins, with a zigzag stitch. Start stitching ⅜ of an inch from the raw edges.

3. Sew on the elastic

Now, sew the elastic onto the seam allowance. This is the section between the stitch line and the raw edges. Place the elastic ⅜ of an inch down from the raw edge and start stitching.

Slightly stretch the elastic as you sew. Stitch all the way down until you get to ⅜ of an inch at the opposite end.

4. Turn the strap inside out

Attach a safety pin to one end of your strap and turn it inside out.

Repeat the above steps for the other strap.

5. Sew the back loops

Stitch your smaller back loops the same way, and turn inside out. Remember to turn them right sides facing before stitching.

6. Add the slider

Thread the strap through the slider by inserting it through one opening of the slider, over the bar, and out through the adjacent opening.

Now, thread a ring onto the end of the strap. Thread the end of the strap over the slider but under the previous length of the strap.

Pull the end of the strap through, just enough so you can stitch it to the strap below. Watch my video at 4:50 minutes to see exactly how I feed in the sliders.

7. Pin and stitch the straps

Stitch the strap end in position with a straight stitch.

Trim off the excess fabric when you’re done. Trim as close to the stitch line as possible. Don’t worry, this material won’t fray. Repeat this step on the remaining strap.

8. Insert the short loop

Thread the short loop through the ring of the strap, as shown. Then, pin the ends of the loop together. Repeat this also on the remaining strap, and then you’re ready for the last but exciting step!

Sew the loop ends together on each strap.

DIY bathing suit straps

You now have a set of adjustable swimsuit straps! It really seems complicated to sew, but there’s nothing to it - these DIY bathing suit straps are super easy to create.

Now you can have fun without worrying about your bikini top. I love adjustable straps as they really fit snug and are customized so that you have a tight grip.

I hope you enjoyed this bathing suits strap tutorial as much as I enjoyed showing you. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.