Maker Morris

Using swimsuits that I already own, I created a new swimsuit that incorporates all of my favorite features from those I have. This swimsuit is reversible, 2 in 1!

MATERIALS

  • 1 yd. Nylon Spandex (1/2 yd outside fabric, 1/2 yd lining)
  • Swimsuit Elastic
  • Stretchable Thread
  • Scissors
  • Sewing Machine
  • Sewing Needle
  • Other Suits (used for pattern)

STEPS

All stitching should be done using a zigzag stitch.

  1. Cut Fabric:

Main Fabric:

I traced a bottom I already had. Cut with seam allowance.

Ensure the crotch and hip width match both front and back, see blue marks on photos.

(qty. 1) Bikini bottoms front (F) piece on fold

(qty. 1) Bikini bottoms back (B) piece on fold

(qty. 1) Bikini top front (F) piece on fold

(qty. 1) Bikini top back (B) piece on fold

Liner Fabric:

If you are choosing to make this reversible, cut all “liners” called out in this post with your other color fabric. I decided to use the same color for both sides of my swimsuit.

Cut the liner fabric to the same shape as the main fabric, but about 1/8″ smaller all around. I cut both the main and liner fabrics at the same time or you can cut the liner separately (to make it smaller)if preferred.

(qty. 1) Bikini bottoms front (FL) piece liner on fold

(qty. 1) Bikini bottoms back (BL) piece liner on fold

(qty. 1) Bikini top front (FL) piece liner on fold

(qty. 1) Bikini top back (BL) piece liner on fold

SEE WHITE MARKS FOR CUT LINE
REFER TO BLUE MARKS AND MAINTAIN THE SAME DIMENSIONS.

2. Pin the right sides of the bikini bottom main fabric together. Sew across full crotch.

    SEE BLACK MARKS FOR SEW LINE

    3. Pin the right sides of the bikini bottom liner together. Sew the crotch but leave a hole in the middle.

    4. Pin the right sides of the bikini bottoms main and liner blocks together and sew around, leaving the hip joint open. Since the liner is a little smaller, you will want to pull it while sewing to match up with the main fabric.

      SEE BLACK MARKS FOR SEW LINE

      5. Add swim elastic to the same lines you just finished. You will want to sew the elastic on the same side as the “outside fabric”.

      I wanted a snug bottom so while I sewed, I pulled on the elastic just a bit – this is optional, this is also why mine looks so scrunched.

      6. Take the front part of the bikini and insert it into the crotch hole while lining up the hip joints. Flatten it out as best as you can and pin.

      7. Match up the hip joints and sew.

        SEE BLACK MARKS FOR SEW LINE

        8. Turn the bottoms right side out through the crotch hole. At this step, try them on and see if you need to make any adjustments.

        9. Sew up crotch hole by hand or use the machine across. The bottoms are now done.

        10. Onto the top; Measure how long you need your top straps to be, and cut the desired elastic length.

        11. Cut the swim fabric about 4x the width and the same length of the elastic. Do not worry about getting this perfect, the access will but cut off later.

        12. Pin elastic and sew the full length.

        13. Roll over elastic 2 times, then sew down the length again. Cut any access close to seam.

        14. Take your main front piece, with the right side (R) facing up, pin the straps close to the corner, but leave a bit of gap.

        SEE BLUE MARKS FOR GAP INDICATION

        15. Place the front top liner on top, with the right sides facing together, the wrong side up, sandwiching the straps. Sew the top edge. Add elastic to the top, sew onto the main fabric side.

        SEE BLACK MARKS FOR SEW LINE

        16. Turn inside out and lay this flat on the table facing up. Cross the straps and lay on top of the back piece liner. You should be looking at the right side of the liner.

        17. Pin straps in the desired location, and place the back main fabric piece on top of the liner. The right sides should be facing together, sandwiching the straps. Sew the top and add elastic. Turn right side out.

        SEE BLACK MARKS FOR SEW LINE

        18. Laying down the back pieces flat, roll up the front panel and burrito the back. Sew the back pieces together. Do not sew the front panel.

        SEE THE BLUE HIGHLIGHT TO SHOW THE ROLLED UPFRONT PIECE
        SEE BLACK MARKS FOR SEW LINE

        19. Add elastic to the main fabric side, and pull the right side out.

        20. Do the same burrito method to the front piece by sticking the back piece in between the front.

        21. Flatten out the swimsuit onto a table. Make sure everything is right side out. Line up the open side edges to each other and pin just the liners together.

        22. On the back piece, use a seam ripper to make a small hole, about one inch. Take the side that you just pinned and pull through the hole from the inside.

        23. Now you can pin and sew around the side seam. Do this to both sides.

        SEE BLACK MARKS FOR SEW LINE

        24. Close up the hole on the back piece.

        SEE BLACK MARKS FOR SEW LINE

        You are done! This was the first time using this fabric, besides the bottoms scrunching up (they fit great though), I think it turned out to be a success. I want to try different styles and colors. I would love to see how yours turned out!