DIY Multiway Top
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What do I need to make a bikini top?
You can make this top using just Fabric and thread!
Below you'll find the best supplies to make a multiway bikini top along with some amazing sewing tools to help you get a professional finish and work even faster!
What fabric do you need to make a bikini?
The best swimwear fabrics are Polyester/Spandex and Nylon/Spandex blends.
And there's even sustainable fabrics with these blends, like Econyl made 100% from waste products!
Stay away from fabrics made from natural fibers such as cotton since those absorb way more water and your bikini will turn into a heavy wet mess (that will take hours to dry) which may not be a pleasant experience.
My go-to option? a 4-way stretch Nylon fabric, with at least 10 to 20% Spandex, it's super stretchy, comfortable and with a beautiful shiny finish.
Etsy has some swimwear fabrics to die for! Look at these 4 gorgeous colors:
How much fabric do you need for a bikini?
1 yard (90 cm) of 58" or 60” (150 cm) wide fabric is enough to make this bikini top.
What kind of thread is used for swimsuits?
Polyester thread is the best option to sew swimwear. The reason? It's more resistant to chlorine and salt water than cotton thread.
If you're looking for top quality, Guttermann is my all-time-fave thread brand. They've a HUGE variety of colors, making it easier to find the perfect match for your fabric.
Best needle to sew stretch fabric?
Ballpoint needle, baby! AKA stretch needle.
Have you ever wondered: "why is my sewing machine skipping stitches on stretch fabric?" one of the most common reasons is an issue with the needle.
Your sewing machine needle may have a dull point from use or you could be using a needle for a different type of fabric.
I've struggled with this problem before (sooo frustrating I know) and i'm glad to report, It was resolved in 20 seconds just by changing the needle!
So, now to sew bikinis I only use these Schmetz needles in the 75/11 size.
*insert angelic choir sound effect*
Bias maker tool & Tape binding presser foot.
My little secret to sewing strong swimsuit strings (fast!) lies within this little box and I'll show you how to use it in the tutorial below.
- Bias Tape Maker Kits OF 5 Sizes 1/4"(6MM) 3/8"(9MM) 1/2"(12MM) 3/4"(18MM)1"(25MM)
- You will get 4pcs craft clips ,1pc binder foot and awl ,10pcs quilting pins, 5 different size bias tape maker
- The binder foot will fit for Brother, Babylock, Janome, Kenmore, Singer and many more sewing machines that use a snap on foot.
Bikini top pattern
Here's the master key to make the perfect bikini top for yourself or your besties!!
This bikini top sewing pattern comes in 4 different sizes and it's ready to be printed at home so you can start making as many multiway tops as you want today!
How to cut a bikini top
To make this DIY multiway bikini top cut 4 pattern pieces on the stretch fabric, plus a 59" by 1 5/8" strip for the under bust strap.
If you fold your fabric in half, the lay out will look something like this:
No need to print the bikini top pattern twice, you can cut a set of 2 pieces first and then place the pattern again on the fabric to cut the other 2 🙂
Why the empty space on the folded edge? well that's in case you want to cut some cute bikini bottoms later to match your top.
How to sew a bikini top
Here's a quick video! check out the timestamps below to help you navigate the tutorial and easily re-watch any part of the process while you're making your new bikini top!
How to wear non padded swimsuits
I like this bikini top without padding, because you can transform it and distribute the pleated fabric evenly under the bust more easily.
But...
If you don't want the people around you to notice that you’re getting cold, I hear you! and there are adhesive-free covers you'll LOVE!
Body heat makes them stick to your skin and they're also waterproof so you can go swimming without problems and they stay in place all day!
- Adhesive-Free Design No chemicals, no skin allergies, avoid nipple blackening!
- Reusable- hand wash with warm water and mild soap and air dry.
- SELF BLENDING COLOR-It's unique shade will blend seamlessly into your skin using ultra thin edges, merging your skin pigment to the nipple cover tone.
How to wear a bikini top
This DIY bikini top is just one long love letter to sustainable fashion! and there are a TON of ways you can style it, so far these are my top 17 favorites:
1. Classic halter bikini top
2. Knot bikini top
3. Cross halter bikini top
4. One shoulder bikini top
5. Strappy triangle bikini top
6. Criss cross triangle top
7. Upside down bikini trend
8. Upside down + criss cross
9. Ring bandeau bikini top
10. Bikini with choker
11. Front tie bikini top
12. Front criss cross bikini top
13. Bow bikini top
14. Rib cross top
15. Strapless bikini top
16. Criss cross wrap halter top.
17. Twist bikini top
- Also read: How to price your handmade products -
How to tie a bikini top step by step.
It's time to play with your new adjustable bikini top.
Here's an easy step by step guide for these 17 amazing ways to wear a bikini top + a bonus style you can create when wearing bikini bottoms like these.
DIY Multiway bikini top wrap up!
There you have it! Now you're all set to start making stunning bikini tops.
Grab your sewing pattern here, pick your favorite fabric and let's make some magic happen!
P.S. No sewing machine? No problem! check out the no-sewing method to make this stunning top here.
This article was all about how to make a bikini top you can wear in 17+ different ways. If you want to explore more DIYs and sewing tutorials check out the “Handmade Product Ideas” section.
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