How to make a bikini?
Are you crafty? Do you like to sew? Or maybe you're just looking for a unique bikini that no one else has. You just can't seem to locate the right bikini at times.
Make your own bikini to achieve the bikini of your dreams! You'll need 12 to 34 yards (0.46 to 0.69 m) each of attractive swimwear fashion fabric and lining fabric, as well as thread, bust pads, and swimwear elastic. The procedure of making a personalized bikini is surprisingly simple, despite the fact that it necessitates strict attention to dimensions and some basic machine sewing abilities.
Swimsuits
Whatever your reasons, making your own bikini can be a fun and rewarding experience. Plus, it's not as difficult as you might think! With a little effort and the right construction supplies, you can easily make a bikini by following these steps.
Step #1: Measure And Cut Out The Front Of The Bikini Top
There are many different bikini patterns available online or at your local craft store. Pick one that you like, and that will fit your body type. Once you have your required pattern, cut out the fabric pieces using a sharp pair of scissors. Make sure to cut accurately so that your bikini will fit together properly when you sew it. Below is the proper procedure to measure and cut out the method for your bikini top
1. Measure the circumference of your front bust
Hold the far side of your bust with one end of a measuring tape. This is where your bra cup's exterior edge is located. Place the tape horizontally over your bust's widest area until it reaches the opposite side's outside edge. Take note of the length; this will be the measurement of your front bust.
Always remember to stand up straight, hold the tape measure parallel to the ground, and keep your elbows close to your torso when measuring. Lifting your arms will cause the measurement to be distorted.
2. To estimate the front width of the bikini top
Emily Top in Leopard Print
The amount you subtract will depend on the size of your bust and how tight you want the top to fit. It should also include a 14-inch (0.64-centimeter) seam allowance. Subtract 4 inches for a smaller bust or a tighter fit (10 cm). Subtract 2 inches for a larger bust or a looser fit (5.1 cm). When you measure horizontally across the front of your bust, this number will become the breadth of the two cups. This is the breadth of the front of your bikini top.
If the front bust measurement is 18 in and you have a modestly big bust, you might deduct 2 12 in (6.4 cm). The front width of your finished bikini top will be 15 in (38 cm), plus a 14 in (0.64 cm) seam allowance on both sides. Simply add this to your measurement if you prefer a broader seam allowance.
If you choose, you can draw in both the finished line (where you'll sew and marks the finished garment's boundaries) and the cut line (which contains the seam allowance).
3. Determine the height of your bikini top based on the amount of coverage you desire
When finished, this measurement should be at least 5 to 7 in (13 to 18 cm), plus a 14 in (0.64 cm) seam allowance. It all depends on your bust size and desired coverage. More height can provide you with broader coverage if you have a larger bust or want more coverage.
Choose a shorter height measurement if you have a smaller breast or want less covering. If in doubt, take the height of your preferred bra or bikini top as a guide. Then, on all sides, add 14 in (0.64 cm) for seam allowance.
4. Using the width and height measurements, draw a rectangle on your swimsuit fabric
Passione Top
Place the right-side down fashion fabric (the material you'll use for the bikini's outer piece layer) on a level surface. Draw a rectangle on the wrong-side of the fabric with a ruler and a fabric marking pencil or chalk. Its measurements will be the front width divided by the height of your bikini top. For example, if you want a top length of 15 inches (38 cm) and a height of 7 inches (18 cm), your rectangle will be 15 by 7 inches (38 by 18 cm).
The ideal fashion fabric for swimwear is one that is expressly marketed for that purpose, as it will have the proper amount of stretch, water absorption, and colorfastness. To discover your preferred print, look in the performance fabric section of a few online fabric stores.
If your fabric has a striped or another printed pattern, make sure your free pattern pieces are oriented correctly so that the design is visible when the item is finished. After all, you don't want sideways zebra stripes or upside-down characters! If you want a certain design, such as a giant flower, to be visible on the swimsuit, center your pattern piece around it.
5. Using fabric scissors, cut out this rectangle
When cutting, use sharp fabric scissors to get a clear line. Because you're cutting a stretch cloth, avoid stretching it out or snagging the raw edges. The outside portion of your bikini top will be made up of this piece.
Step #2: Create a Bikini Top Lining and Ties Pattern
In order to make a bikini top, you need to create a lining and tie pattern. This is the second step in making a bikini. The first thing is to cut out the pieces for the top. The lining and ties pattern helps to keep everything in place while you're sewing the pieces together. In this tutorial, we'll show you how to create a simple lining and ties pattern that will work with most bikini tops. You can then customize it to fit your specific needs. Let's get started!
Serene Set in White and Nude
1. On your lining fabric, draw a similar rectangle and mark the center.
On the wrong side of your lining fabric, trace the same dimensions as you did on your fashion fabric. Draw a 3 in (7.6 cm) tall vertical line in the horizontal and vertical center of this rectangle. Later on, your outer fabric will be collected to this size.
Shorten or lengthen this vertical line as needed if you want it to be gathered more firmly or loosely. Use a solid colour cloth with similar quality and fiber content to your fashion fabric for the lining. Swimwear lining materials, which are typically poly-spandex and offered in black, white, and nude colors, can be found in the performance fabrics category.
2. Connect the rectangle's corners to the center mark to make a "bowtie" shape
Draw diagonal lines connecting the top and bottom of this vertical center line from each corner. Two triangles will appear flattened at the center mark in the resultant shape. One side of your bust will be covered by each triangle top.
3. Cut along the "bowtie" lines to make the lining cloth
Carefully cut your lining fabric following the marked lines with fabric scissors. Rather than cutting out the entire rectangle, cut along the diagonal lines to create a "bowtie" shape. Remove the triangle-shaped fabric scraps from the top and bottom of this piece and discard them.
4. Starting with the height measurement, draw out one of the rear tires
To make the left and right parts for the back of your bikini top, cut out a few pieces in the shape of long and narrow right triangles from your main fabric. To begin, measure the height of the bikini top. The back parts will be stitched to the front of the bikini top at the side seam later. You've already cut out the pieces for the front half of your bikini top, but the rear ties will finish the band that wraps around your entire torso.
When it's finished, the loose ends will be knotted at the center-back. The back tie piece will measure 7 by 15 if the top height is 7 in (18 cm) and the length is 15 in (38 cm) (18 by 38 cm). The rear tires will be 30 in (76 cm) broad when combined, providing ample cloth for tying a knot.
5. Make a right triangular pattern piece for the free patterns piece
To make a right angle, extend a line perpendicularly from the base of the height line you just made. This new line should be the same width as the front of your bikini top. When you wear the bikini, both ties will be long enough to knot at the center-back.
Connect the ends of these two lines or two layers using a ruler and draw in the hypotenuse to finish the triangle. Fabric scissors were used to cut out this piece.
Dreams Set In Leopard Print
6. Cut a second rear tie piece that is identical to the first
Make a mirrored version of the first triangular back piece once you've finished the first. If you drew the first piece for the right side of the back, the second piece would be a mirror image that will be utilized for the left side.
Remove this section. Make sure these triangles are exactly the same size. One for the right side and one for the left side of your bikini top.
7. To make self-lining pieces for the back, draw two identical triangles
These back ties will have lining added to them for added stability and a smoother finish around the edges. Instead of using the lining fabric, cut the same long, narrow right triangle shapes out of your fashion fabric for the linings. Because the bottom of the ties may be seen when knotted at center-back, you won't want to use the lining material for this.
8. Draw two halter straps and cut them out
On the reverse side of the fashion fabric, draw two long, narrow rectangles, each measuring about 3 in wide. These should be at least 14 in long or long enough to tie as a halter around your neck from the bikini top. Fabric scissors were used to cut out each strap. Increase the width of the straps if you want extra support. If you want an exquisite finish, taper the upper ends.
You can finish the straps with a rounded or notched raw edge straight at the end or gradually taper them down to a point starting a few inches back. Because you'll be fastening the bottom ends to the bikini top, they must maintain the same width.
Step #3: Making the Bikini Top
Making a bikini is not as hard as it may seem. With a few simple steps, you can be on your way to wearing the perfect bikini this summer. The 3rd step will need to make the top. This is the third and final step in creating your own bikini. Follow these instructions, and you will have a beautiful bikini that fits you perfectly!
1. Gather your bikini top's center front
On the wrong or back side of your outer bikini top cloth, draw a vertical centerline. Using a strong thread and long, straight threads, hand sew a gathering stitch along the centre line. Adjust the volume of the gathered piece so that it is the same width as the bikini top lining's small middle section.
For reinforcement, use a straight stitch to sew over your gathers on the machine. Gather the outside piece to 3 in (7.6 cm) if the centre of your "bowtie" lining piece is 3 in (7.6 cm) tall (7.6 cm).
2. Sew pads into the lining of the bikini top
On the wrong side of your lining fabric, pin readymade bust pads or soft molded cups. Place the cups in the middle of either of the triangle halves of the lining. Sew them in using an 18 in (0.32 cm) narrow zig zag stitch along the edges of the machine.
If necessary, use craft scissors to cut the pads or cups down to size. They should not go through the center of the lining or over the edges. Make sure the padding you use can withstand water and machine cleaning.
3. Insert the padded liner into the outer bikini cloth and sew it in place
Match the fashion and lining fabrics along the edges, 18 in (0.32 cm) away from the cut edge, with the right sides together. Pin them in place, then use a machine straight stitch to sew down the top and bottom edges only. After that, flip the pieces over so that the right sides are facing outside. At this time, do not sew a side seam.
Tulum Bikini Set in Cream
4. Use the same fashion fabric to line the left and right back ties
Self-lining will be used for the back ties. Pin the back-ties and the self-lining pieces together along the edges with the right sides together. With a machine zigzag stitch, sew an 18 in (0.32 cm) seam along the long end of the triangle, as well as the hypotenuse for making a triangle bikini. Turn them both outwards with the correct sides facing out. At this time, do not sew the short sides together.
5. Sew the back ties to the free bikini top's sides
Pin the left and also right back ties to the left and right sides of the bikini top, right sides together. The back-ties should taper down to a "V" when standing erect. Stitch the two straps on the front of the bikini top with a zigzag stitching machine.
6. Pin the halter straps together in half
Fold the lengthwise right sides of each halter strap together. In order for the edges to meet, pin them in place.
7. Finish the straps with a zigzag stitch and turn them out
Sew a machine zigzag stitch down the long edge of each strap on the machine, 18 in (0.32 cm) away from the cut edge. Once they're sewed up, turn them right-side out. Sew one of the short ends (the tapered one if you've opted to do so) closed while leaving the other open.
8. While trying on the bikini top, pin the halter straps in place
Pin the halter straps in a comfortable spot along the top border of the bikini top once the back ties are tied and the bikini top front is positioned securely across your bust. Remove the top and re-pin the straps together on the right side.
9. Attach the halter straps to the bikini top with a sewing machine
Stitch the straps to the top edge of your bikini top with a zigzag stitch, right sides together. Do this 1/8 inch (0.32 cm) below the bikini top's completed edge. To ensure that the straps are secure, you may wish to do a few runs of machine stitches. The upper part of your bikini is now complete.
Step #4: Making the Bikini Bottoms and Cutting Them Out
Gene Set in Honey
If you want to be prepared, start by making your own bikini bottoms. It's a simple process that only requires a few steps. Plus, it'll save you money on swimwear from the store. Follow these instructions to get started. It's time to hit the beach! If you're like me and need a new swimsuit but don't want to spend a fortune at the store, this is the blog post for you! In today's post, I'm going to show you how to make your own bikini bottom by following easy steps...trust me, it's easier than it sounds!
1. Draw the outline of another pair of bikini bottoms on a piece of paper
Remove the old bottoms from the sides and untie or cut them apart so that the entire piece lies flat. Trace the piece's outline onto the wrong side of your fashion fabric after pinning it in place. Then, on the wrong side of the lining cloth, trace it again.
You can use panties as an alternative that you don't mind tearing apart if you don't have an old pair of bikini bottoms. Make sure your reference bottoms are comfortable and cover as much skin as your new bikini bottoms will. Increase the size while creating the shape to create a better fit if they're too little or the cut is incorrect.
2. Make a 14-inch seam allowance all the way around the pattern piece
Mark a 14 in (0.64 cm) seam allowance around the perimeter of the shape you just sketched with a ruler. You'll have enough seam allowance for both your outside and lining fabrics if you do it this way.
3. Cut out the bottoms of the bikini
Cut the bikini bottom piece from your outer fabric and line it with fabric scissors. To include the seam allowance, cut along the outside lines. When cutting out the fabric, try not to stretch it or snag it.
Step #5: Using Elastic to Sew Up the Bikini Bottoms
In today's blog post portion, I'm going to show you how to sew up the bikini bottoms using elastic. Stay tuned for making customized bikinis according to your own imagination.
1. With the wrong sides together, pin and baste the lining to the fashion fabric
On all sides, straight stitch the pieces in place on your machine, 12 in (1.3 cm) from the cut edge. Make a lengthy basting stitch that will be removed later. Although the basting stitch is useful for binding all of the components together, it is not required for the finished garment. The basting stitch should be a contrasting color so that it's easier to detect when you want to remove it afterward.
2. Pin elastic into both leg openings on the lining side
2 14 in (0.64 cm) wide cotton swimwear elastics, about 2 in (5.1 cm) shorter than the full leg opening. Now align the edge of an elastic piece with the cut edge of the fabric on one leg opening and pin in place. The elastic on the backside of the bikini bottoms should be tighter so that it stays in place around the back of your body. Rep until both leg openings are elasticized.
To stay secure and provide the proper shape, the elastic should be somewhat shorter than the leg opening. By utilizing a longer or shorter piece of elastic, you can customize this to your liking. Pin one at each end and one in the middle when pinning, leaving a bit less elastic in the rear than in the front. Then, at the halfway points between the existing pins, put pins until the entire piece of elastic is securely positioned.
3. Stitch the elastic into the leg openings in a zigzag pattern
While running the parts through the machine, keep the edges of the outer fabric, lining, and elastic lined up and the pieces taught. To lay flat on top of the fabric, you'll probably need to stretch out the elastic slightly. This should be done for both the right and left leg holes.
A Good Time Bandeau Bikini Top
4. Take the basting stitches out
Using a seam ripper, remove the straight basting stitches. Make sure all traces of the basting stitches are removed and take care not to snag the fabrics in the process. Remove the basting threads and throw them away.
5. At the leg openings, fold and pin the elastic and seam allowance towards the inside
Fold the elastic over once more, this time towards the inside of the bikini bottoms. The elastic should be totally hidden by the seam allowance on the outer cloth. This should be pinned in place along the leg holes.
6. Use a zig-zag stitch to finish the leg holes
Sew a zigzag stitch across the folded-over leg openings on the machine, pulling the elastic taut and flat against the fabric so that it sits smoothly against the fabric. This will give your bikini bottoms a completed and well-fitting bottom hem.
7. Tuck the bikini bottom sides in
Right sides together, fold the bikini bottoms in half, and align the front and back pieces on the right and left sides. Using a zigzag machine stitch with a 14 in (0.64 cm) seam allowance, sew up the sides.
8. Finish the top edge with a hem
Fold the top-edge of the bikini bottoms 14 inches inwards (0.64 cm). Pin in place and sew with a zigzag stitch on the machine. You now have a one-of-a-kind two-piece bikini to wear to the beach next time! Happy sewing.
Step #5: Try on your new bikini!
Black Bikini Top
Once you've finished sewing your bikini, it's time to try it on. Make sure that it fits properly and that you're happy with the way it looks. If not, don't despair! You can always make adjustments until it's perfect. Summertime is the perfect time to show off your custom bikini. You can wear it to the beach, pool, or just out and about in town. But don't stop there! There are many other fashion accessories that you can pair with your bikini to create a unique and stylish look.
One way to enhance your bikini look is by adding a brightly colored cover-up. This will help keep you cool on those hot days, and also add some fun color to your outfit. You can choose any style of cover-up that you like, from flowing kimonos to cute little sundresses. Now that you know how-to make bikini, what are you waiting for?
Conclusion
So, there you have it! With a few simple steps, you can make your own bikini. This project is perfect for anyone who wants to create a unique swimsuit that fits their body perfectly and expresses their personal style. If you're looking for fun yet creative summer sewing project, then making your own bikini is the perfect way to go. Have you tried making your own bikini before? What tips would you add? Let us know in the comments below.
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With love, the Ishine team.