How to Make a Wrap Bikini Top With a Unique Asymmetrical Design
Summer is coming, and what better way to prepare for the sun and poolside fun than your customized DIY bikini top? This tutorial will show you how to make a wrap bikini top, using the Harley bikini top pattern.
This pattern is unique and fully customizable according to your size. Oh, and it’s reversible! Let's get started sewing your own DIY wrap bikini top.
Tools and materials:
- ½ yard swimwear fabric (lining + main fabric)
- ¼ inch swimwear elastic (rubber-based)
- 1-inch elastic (optional)
- Seam ripper
- Loop turner
- Rotary cutter or scissors
- Sewing machine
- Matching thread
- Harley bikini top sewing pattern
- Elastic sewing foot (optional)
1. Cut the pieces
Download and print the Harley bikini top pattern Cut one back piece and one in each bust piece from your lining fabric.
Now, cut one in each piece from your main fabric. In total, you should have two of each pattern piece.
Tip: Since this fabric is asymmetric, make sure to flip the pattern piece, so you can account for both sides.
This bikini top sewing pattern also needs a bunch of straps. There’s a thin and thick shoulder strap, plus two wrap straps. So, follow the pattern to get the exact measurements.
2. Sew the DIY bikini top
It’s time to make your own bikini top! Start by matching each piece (lining and fabric) and placing them right sides together. When sewing the pieces, remember to add your ¼-inch elastic, too.
First, sew along the top and bottom of the back piece.
Then, sew the bust piece, except for the thin short ends.
Finally, sew the second bust piece with the wrap, except for the edges.
I’m sewing the pieces with my overlock machine. Also, I have a handy elastic foot that literally sews the elastic with ease.
3. Sew the straps
Fold the straps lengthwise, right sides together, and sew along the edge. Remember to attach elastic onto your thin strap, using the ¼-inch size.
Tip: If you want a stabilizer for your thicker straps, now is the time to add the thicker elastic or fabric.
4. Flip the straps
Using a loop turner, flip your straps to the right sides.
5. Attach the straps
Take each bust piece, one at a time, and insert the wrap strap into the lower opening and the shoulder strap into its upper opening. Essentially, you’ll be sandwiching the strap between the two layers.
Do this for both pieces and their appropriate straps.
Sew these straps down in place with a straight stitch. Then, trim the excess seam allowance after.
Take your bust pieces to the right sides. Sew the sides and assemble the entire DIY bikini top.
6. Sew the sides
With both bust pieces’ right sides facing out, insert each into the back piece. Pin or clip them at the sides.
Sew across all four layers of fabric to secure the sides.
7. Finish off the DIY bikini top
Seam rip a hole in the back piece (somewhere where you plan to attach the strap). Then, through this hole, take everything to the right side.
You’ll see we have these shoulder straps that don’t have a place to go. So, place the thin strap on the same side as its bust piece.
You can choose to have the thick strap crossed over or on the same side. It’s really up to you! I did mine with a cross-over style. Put the straps in 3.5 inches from the edge.
Go in with a straight stitch and topstitch these straps in place.
How to make a wrap bikini top
We are done! How do you like the final result of this beautiful DIY bikini top? It’s unique and trendy, as well as comfy, too.
You could also make this bikini wrap top symmetrical by using either bust piece. Or, go for an asymmetrical look, as I did. So, this DIY bikini top pattern can be made in three different ways.
Thanks for joining me on this tutorial, and I hope you now know how to make a wrap bikini top.
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