How to Make a Cute DIY High Neck Bikini Top From Scratch

Tools and materials:

• High neck bikini top sewing pattern
• ½ yard swimwear fabric: outer layer and lining
• ¼-inch seam elastic
• 1-inch seam elastic
• Polyester thread
• Scissors
• Seam ripper
• Loop turner
• Sewing machine
• Serger (optional - if you don’t have one use a zigzag stitch)
• Elastic foot (optional)
• Needle and thread (optional)

1. Make the pattern

Assemble your pattern by cutting out the pieces, taping them together, then cutting out the size you would like to make. Adjust the size based on your measurements. Seam allowance is included in the pattern.

Cut the 2 pieces: outer layer and lining.

Cut the straps according to the measurements in the pattern. You’ll have 2 shoulder straps and 1 back strap.

2. Sew the top

Place the fabric and lining right sides together. 

Sew along the neckline, armholes, and bottom. Leave the shoulders and back strap openings unsewn. Use a 3 or 4 thread overlock stitch. If you don’t have a serger, use a zigzag stitch.

If you need more help, you can watch my video on making swimwear on a regular sewing machine.

As you’re sewing the top, attach the ¼-inch elastic to these same areas. You can use an elastic foot to sew up the top and attach the elastic at the same time. If you don’t have one, sew the fabric together and then go back and attach the elastic.

If you’re finding it tricky to sew elastic onto your swimwear, check out this video series on sewing with swimwear elastic.

3. Sew the straps

Fold all 3 straps in half lengthwise, with the right sides together. Sew along the long edge. Do not sew the short ends and do not attach elastic.

Once the straps are sewn, use a loop turner or your fingers to turn them right side out. 

Trim the 1-inch elastic to the length of the straps. You may want to add an extra inch to give you some wiggle room. You can always trim any excess.

Insert the elastic into each one of the right side facing straps. If you’re having trouble inserting the elastic, use a safety pin or the loop turner to help you. 

The next step is optional but highly recommended. Tack down each end of the straps with a long straight stitch. If you’re using your serger, use an overlock stitch so you don’t have to switch machines. 

4. Insert the straps

With the front piece still inside out, insert each of the shoulder straps into the shoulder strap opening at the top. Make sure the entire strap is tucked inside, then clip in place.

Take the back strap and insert it into both left and right openings. Clip in place.

Because this strap is shorter, you may need to scrunch the top slightly so you're able to access and sew down the back strap into both openings.

5. Finish the top

Sew the straps in place, either using a tight straight stitch and trimming the excess, or use the serger with an overlock stitch.

Everything is inside the top but it’s still wrong side facing. Use your seam ripper to make a 1- to 2-inch hole along an existing seam. Find a discreet place, like under the armpit or along the bottom. Take the top to the right side.

The shoulder straps should be hanging loose.

Place them along the center of the back strap and use a straight stitch to sew them down.

The pattern is designed so the shoulder straps are centered in the back but you can change the placement to create your own design. Depending on how you do this, you may need to modify the strap length.

The last step is finishing off the hole you made on the seam. You can fold the raw edges inward and use a straight stitch to sew the hole closed. Alternatively, you can hand stitch an invisible stitch (this takes a bit longer to do!).

DIY high neck bikini top tutorial

You’ve just made a DIY high neck bikini top that’s so pretty and stylish with the right amount of coverage. Please let me know in the comments if you’ve made this or if you need more help in sewing a bikini top. Thanks for joining.