How to DIY a Cute Bathing Suit Top for Summer
It's getting hotter outside which means it's time to make a cool lined DIY bathing suit top.
The same pattern is also perfect for making a halter top. You'll need a 4-way stretch Spandex for a swim top or any kind of stretch fabric for a cute summer top.
The pattern comes in sizes XS to 2X and is very easy to follow.
Tools and materials:
- DIY bathing suit top pattern
- Paper for pattern
- 4-way stretch Spandex or t-shirt fabric in 2 colors
- 4 yards of 1/4" wide elastic
- Safety pin or loop turner
- Scissors
- Pins or fabric clips
- Hand sewing needle and thread
- Sewing machine
- Serger (optional)
- Elastic guide foot for serger (optional)
1. Cut out the pattern pieces
The pattern only takes 3 sheets of Letter/A4 size paper. Print it out and cut out the individual pieces for your size.
Cut one top from each color of fabric and two straps from the main fabric.
2. Make the straps
Fold the strap in half lengthways with the right sides together.
Pin the elastic to the edge of the folded strap.
If you have a serger, use this (with an elastic attachment if you need it) to sew the elastic to the strap.
Otherwise use a zigzag or broken zigzag stitch on a regular sewing machine.
Be careful not to stretch the elastic as you sew it. Keep it flat and close to the edge of the strap.
Repeat for the second strap.
Attach a safety pin to one end of the strap, without pinning through the elastic.
Feed the head of the safety pin through the strap to turn it right side out.
3. Cut and attach the loops
Cut three 2 inch strips from each tie.
Fold the loops in half. Pin the open ends next to each other on the right side of the outer top, with the loop facing inwards.
Position one loop 3/8" from the top, one loop 3/8" from the bottom of the straight section on each side and one in the middle between them.
Baste the loops in place by hand or machine.
4. Attach the lining
Place the inner lining fabric right side down on the outer fabric, sandwiching the loops between them.
Cut 3 pieces of elastic, to fit the two angled sides and the lower edge of the top.
Serge or zigzag stitch the elastic to the angled sides through both layers as you did for the straps.
Work from the wrong side of the outer fabric and stretch the elastic slightly as you sew.
Sew the elastic to the lower edge in the same way, leaving a 1.5 inch opening.
Join the straight side pieces, ensuring the loops are enclosed between the two layers.
Insert the straps between the layers at either side of the top edge next to the side seams.
Line up the open edges of the straps with the raw edges or allow them to extend slightly and trim them off afterwards.
Serge or stitch the top edges together, enclosing the straps.
5. Finishing
Turn the halter top right side out through the opening in the lower edge.
Hand sew the opening closed using invisible or ladder stitch.
Lace the straps through the loops and tie them together.
DIY bathing suit top
This would make a great two piece DIY bathing suit with my pants pattern, if you use the Spandex fabric for both.
Or make it up in a stretchy t-shirt fabric and you have a very cool and adorable summer top to wear with shorts or jeans. You could even upcycle a t-shirt into a halter top.
The elastic ensures the top fits well with no gaps or sagging even if it gets wet.
This pattern has lots of potential for summertime. I'd love to know in the comments if you make it and what fabric you use.
Next, check out my post on How to DIY a Dupe Anthropologie One Piece Swimsuit.
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