A new bikini can cost a lot and you may not even find a model that suits your aesthetic tastes and size. To remedy this problem, you can try making your new bikini at home. It is a much simpler process than you might think.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Cut the pieces for the top of the bikini
Step 1. Measure the distance between your armpits
Take 5 to 10 cm off the result, then write it down. It will be the measurement of the length of the top.
- Use a tape measure to measure the distance between the armpits, following a line that passes directly over the breasts. Remember to keep the meter parallel to the ground.
- The amount subtracted from the measurement should vary based on how tight you want the top to be. For a tighter bra, take off 10cm; to make it fit softly, remove 5 cm.
Step 2. Trace the pattern of a rectangle, using the reference dimensions
Take a ruler and draw a rectangle on the fabric you will use, using the result obtained earlier as the length. Draw a 12.5-18cm perpendicular line to the sides, then complete the rectangle by drawing the fourth side.
The width of the rectangle will vary based on the size of your breasts and how much you want it to be covered. If you have a lot of breasts, a larger rectangle will allow you to cover yourself more
Step 3. Cut out the rectangle
Use sharp scissors to cut out the previously measured rectangle. Make sure the cuts are as straight and clean as possible.
You will use this piece for the outside of the top
Step 4. Cut out a bow from the material you will use for the lining
Outline roughly the same size as the main rectangle on the material you will need to use for the lining. Then draw a gutter in the center, drawing diagonal lines that join each corner at the center of the shape.
- Measure the exact center of the rectangle. The gutter must be positioned at that point.
- Draw a vertical line in the center, about 7.5 cm long. Make a shorter line for a more pronounced neckline or longer for a more sober one.
- Draw diagonal lines from the top corners to the top of the midline, as well as diagonal lines from the bottom corners to the bottom of the midline.
Step 5. Cut out two straps
Draw two rectangles on the main material, both 7.5 cm wide and as long as the fabric. Cut them as accurately as possible.
Thin the ends if you prefer, or leave them straight
Step 6. Mark the straps
Draw two marks near the center of the length of each strip. The two marks should be positioned so that there is a distance between them corresponding to the width of the main piece.
Remember that these marks will indicate the position where you will need to sew the straps to the top
Method 2 of 4: Sew the Bikini Top
Step 1. Curl the center of the front side of the rectangle
Mark the precise center point of the rectangular piece on the back. Then hand sew a shirred stitch along the center line.
- Thread the needle and tie a knot at the end of the length.
- Sew an elongated straight stitch along the line, letting the knot touch the fabric.
- Starting from the non-knotted end, push the fabric along the thread, moving it towards the knot, so that it curls. Keep gathering it until the center of the top is the same width as the lining.
- Knot the second end, in order to secure the curl.
- Remember that you can also go over the curl several times with a simple stitch, in order to reinforce it.
Step 2. Sew pads into the lining
Use pre-made pads and sew them into the wrong side of the cover. Pin them on the lining, so that the curved part is facing upwards. Then sew the cushions to the lining using an approximately 3mm zigzag stitch.
- Position the pads so they are centered on each side of the cover. They should not reach the center of the lining or overlap with each other.
- Make sure that the pads you will use are suitable for the size of your breasts.
Step 3. Pin and sew the lining to the top
Join the lining and the main piece, bringing the right sides together. Check that they match perfectly, then pin them and sew them with a machine straight stitch or hand topstitch.
At this point you just need to sew along the top and bottom edges. Do not sew on the sides
Step 4. Unfold the top
Pull the fabric through one of the side openings, so that the straight sides of the main piece and the lining are facing outwards.
Step 5. Fold the straps in half
Fold the right side lengthwise so that both strips of the material are backwards. Stop with pins.
Step 6. Sew the straps
Using a straight stitch with your sewing machine, sew zigzag along the sides of each shoulder strap. Do not sew the ends and leave a gap between the marks you made on each shoulder strap.
Turn the fabric up when you're done
Step 7. Sew the straps to the top of the bikini
Tuck the sides of the top into the empty space left in the straps. Pin the fabric and join the two pieces together by sewing them.
To make the straps look as finished as possible, sew the back first. Once secured, fold the top of each strap down and sew it to the front with an overlock stitch
Step 8. Put on the top of your new bikini
Tie the top of the straps behind the neck and the bottom of the shoulder straps. This will complement the top half of the bikini.
Method 3 of 4: Cut the Pieces for the Bottom of the Bikini
Step 1. Trace the outline of another pair of panties
Open the bottom of an old bikini so that you can place it completely on the fabric you will use to make the bottom of your new model. Pin it and trace the shape.
- If the old costume panties do not open at the sides, you may need to cut them with a pair of scissors.
- If you don't own an old pair of swimsuit underpants, you might want to use a pair of underpants that you don't particularly like. Make sure they fit you well and cover the amount of skin you want your new costume to cover.
Step 2. Repeat the operation with the lining
Place the open panties on the lining and trace the shape on this fabric as well.
Step 3. Add a seam allowance on the outside
Lightly hatch a seam allowance along the outside edge of the costume fabric. The margin should measure 0.5 to 1.25 cm.
Do not repeat this step with the lining. The outer piece should be larger than the inside
Step 4. Cut out the pieces
Use sharp sewing scissors to cut both shapes, both from the outer fabric and the lining. Try to make cuts that are as precise and clean as possible.
Method 4 of 4: Sew the Bottom of the Bikini
Step 1. Sew the fabric and lining together by joining them in the center
Matching the right sides of the two fabrics, place the lining on top of the outer fabric, centering it as much as possible. Pin them and sew with a sewing machine a straight stitch along the center of the open bottom.
- The center will be the part of the material that will sit between the legs and make up the bottom of the bikini.
- Make sure the seam allowance is the same on both sides when pinning the pieces.
Step 2. Fold the outer fabric over the lining
Fold the seam allowance of the outer fabric along the piece of lining, along the edges. Pin to hold the fabric in place.
Step 3. Sew around half the perimeter
Use a zigzag stitch or straight stitch to sew the two long sides. Leave the short sides open, which will eventually go around the waist.
- Stretch the fabric and lining as much as possible as you sew them, especially if you are using a straight stitch.
- Once finished, turn up the material.
Step 4. Sew the sides
Fold the bottom in half diagonally, joining the pieces that make up the waist. Sew both sides with a zigzag stitch, leaving a 0.6 cm seam allowance on each side.
When sewing the sides, make sure that the side of the lining is facing outwards
Step 5. Hem the top
Fold the edge down so that the seam allowance of the outer fabric completely covers the fabric. Pin and sew with a zigzag or straight stitch.
- Try to keep the two fabrics as long as possible while sewing, especially if you are using a straight stitch.
- If you want a lower waist, you can make a wider hem than the seam allowance requires.
- Once finished, turn up the fabric so that the right side is facing outwards.
Step 6. Try wearing your new bikini panties
You should be able to slide them in by sliding them off your legs. Once this step is complete, the bottom of your new bikini - and the bikini itself - will finally be ready.
