Learn How to Create This Gorgeous Women's Cut Out Swimsuit

Tools and materials:

• Cut out swimsuits PDF pattern: https://edgewaterave.com/products/bil...
• Swimsuit fabric - 1 to 1.5 yards
• Swimwear elastic - ¼ inch
• Sewing machine
• Serger
• Elastic foot
• Clips
• Rotary cutter or scissors
• Seam ripper

1. Make the pattern

Choose your coverage option - modest or cheeky. Cut out the pattern as directed. You should have a total of 8 pieces. To make it fully reversible, cut each piece in both fabrics. 

You have several options for the top front of the swimsuit:

(1) You can keep it as is.

(2) You can have a twist or knot which I show in this video. If you’re going to do this, have the fabric be the same for the front top panel rather than using both (as shown above).

(3) You can also have the top back piece placed in the front. This is a skimpier option with less coverage.

(4) You can also put a drawstring for a scrunchy elastic look. Follow the Kira top tutorial ( https://youtu.be/4zBcJ9U-X8g) to learn how to put in a drawstring. All of these options are in the written guide that comes with the pattern.

2. Start construction

Match all the pieces’ right sides together. On the top pieces, sew the armholes, neckline, and the bottom line.

For the bottom pieces, sew along the leg holes and the waistline.

Do not sew the tabs that connect the top to the bottom panels. I highly recommend to baste stitch the pieces first.

Once you’ve baste stitched, switch over the serger. Use a 3 or 4-thread and elastic foot to attach the elastic to all the areas you stitched. If you don’t have a serger, use a zigzag stitch on a regular sewing machine.

3. Sew the top pieces

Turn the top front piece so the right sides are showing. If you’re going to twist or knot this piece, do it now.

Insert the top front piece into the top back piece.

Clip in place on the straps and sides. To see how I do this, watch from 7:00 to 7:50. 

Use a straight stitch or overlock stitch or both. Sew across all 4 layers of fabric in the clipped areas. If you’re using a straight stitch, trim the excess.

Pro tip: Before sewing all the layers, sew the inner two layers first. Place a notch to remind you which part is the front.

4. Sew the bottom pieces

Follow the same method as the top: turn one of the pieces right side facing out. Place into the other piece.

Align the gusset and each of the sides. Sew the gusset seam straight across all 4 layers with a straight stitch, overlock stitch, or both.

For the side seams, do not sew across all 4 layers. You won’t be able to get into your swimsuit.

Instead, match up the sides' right sides together. Sew a straight line across the 2 layers of fabric. Use an overlock stitch or zigzag stitch. Remember to only sew the 2 layers. Place a notch to remind you which part is the front.

5. Attach the top and bottom pieces

Use the unsewn tabs to take the entire top to the right side. Make sure your front panel of the top aligns with the front panel of the bottom by matching the notches. Start with one side and go slow. Align the tabs of the front and bottom piece, right sides together. Clip in place.

Do the other side. You may have to pull on the tabs. Sew across all 4 layers of fabric with a straight stitch, overlock, or both. 

Everything is stuffed inside.

Use a seam ripper to rip a 2 inch hole along an existing seam. Pull everything to the right side through this hole. Close the hole with a straight stitch on the machine or an invisible stitch by hand. 

Women's cut out swimsuit

You’ve made a womens cut out swimsuit. You can make the full coverage or cheekier option.

It’s your choice. Please let me know in the comments which version you made and even better, tag me in your photos of your open front one piece swimsuit.