How to Make Your Own Swimsuit This Summer

I really want a new swimsuit, but I hate swimsuit shopping. Guess I’m making my own then!

I’m using a poly cotton mix for the outer layer, which isn’t traditional swimsuit fabric but should work just fine.

Tools and materials: 

• Stretch fabric in 2 colors
• Lace edging (optional)
• Bikini as template
• Scissors
• Pins
• Safety pin
• Sewing machine

1. Cut out the bikini bottoms

As the top I’m using for the outer layer has built-up shoulders, it’s the perfect shape to make the gusset, used this way up.

I don’t want this area to be too small, so I’m using an existing pair as a template but cutting the new pair longer and wider.

I cut out the shape of the front and back pieces from the outer fabric and the lining.

2. Sew the bikini bottoms

I joined both pieces at the crotch and pinned the lining to the outer fabric with the right sides facing.

I sewed them together around all the edges with a small zigzag stitch except for the side pieces, which I left open.

I used a safety pin to turn the pieces right side out through the openings.

3. Side ties

I folded the corners to the wrong side and sewed them down across the point, leaving an open channel for the ties.

I made simple ties from the outer fabric and threaded them through the channels on each side.

4. Bikini top

I cut a rectangle of fabric from the outer and lining layers. 

They’re deep enough to cover my bust and long enough to wrap around the front and sides of my body.

I pinned them together with the right sides facing and sewed them along the long sides.

I turned them right side out and made channels on the short sides as I did for the pants.

I made a long tie from the floral fabric, threaded it through the channels from a halter neck and tied it at the back.

You can finish the top any way that you want. I used another strip of fabric to gather the center front and trimmed the top edge with black lace.