How to Make Scrunch Bikini Bottoms
Want bikini bottoms that make your bum look good? These DIY scrunch bikini bottoms are here to give your booty an instant boost! 
After reading this post you’ll know exactly how to make the cutest scrunch bikini bottoms from scratch!
Ready? Let's get this bikini party started!
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What do you need to make DIY ruched bikini bottoms?
Besides basic sewing tools like scissors, pins and a sewing machine, you will need:
- Stretch fabric and lining
- Elastic
- Sewing pattern and...
- Excitement to start making magic with them!
What’s the best swimsuit fabric?
The best swimsuit fabrics are the ones with a 4 way stretch and you can choose from either:
1. Polyester-Spandex blend
There’s Polyester-spandex fabrics with texture like these beauties below (currently trending! 
) or with fun prints that’ll make your bikini bottoms more unique!
2. Nylon-Spandex blend
For this project I’ve used a Nylon-spandex fabric called “Mystique“ that has beautiful holographic mini dots for extra bling and my other favorite: “Spandex Milliskin” that has a delicate shiny finish.
Those 2 blends are the best swimsuit material for chlorine and also some of the fastest drying swimsuit materials out there!
Natural fibers such as cotton or linen absorb way more water and take ages to dry, so if you’re thinking on using those as your bikini fabric, it’s better to leave them to make a beach kimono or swimsuit cover up that won’t get as wet.
How much fabric does it take to make a scrunch bikini bottom?
Half yard or 45 cm if you are making just the bottoms.
If you want to also make a matching bikini top, then get 1 yard or 1 meter of your favorite fabric!
What fabric is used for swimwear lining?
Tricot swimsuit lining is a popular choice! It's lightweight, stretchy and comfortable!
You can get it per yard (for this project you only need half yard) and is always a good idea to have black and nude color in your stash!
Best elastic for swimwear
Not all elastics are made the same way, and for swimwear you need it to be resistant to chlorine, salt water, and even the sun!
There’s two types of elastic you can buy that will endure the beach and poolside life:
Rubber elastic and cotton braided elastic.
I find cotton braided elastic easier to work with and I’ve used the 3/8" wide version for the edges of these bikini bottoms.
- Lightweight elastic that narrows when stretched
- Great for swimwear, waistbands and leg bands
- Machine washable and dryable in temperatures up to 200 degrees F; do not dry clean
What needle to use for swimsuit material?
Stretch needle is the way to go!
Regular needles for the sewing machine tend to skip stitches when sewing stretch fabrics… and I’ve been there! 
#NotFun
Now, I know better! and the Schmetz needles in the 75/11 size have worked for me the best!
Bikini Bottom Pattern
Having this baby will help you make ruched back bikini bottoms with SO much ease!
You just need to:
- Print the PDF file in regular paper
- Select your size
- Put it on top of your favorite fabric and cut!
Then you'll be well on your way to start making your new favorite bikini bottoms!
This bikini pattern comes in 3 different sizes and includes TWO different styles!
You can pick between 2 bands or a single band for the sides. So yeah, it’s pretty much a 2 in 1 bikini bottom pattern!
…And who doesn't like to pay for one thing and be able to transform it into two? (
I do!)
How to make ruched bikini bottoms
STEP 1: Cut out the fabric and the lining:
Cut one set of pattern pieces on stretch fabric and cut another set of pattern pieces on stretch lining.
For the bands on the sides if you're making the 2 bands on each side version: cut four pieces on stretch fabric (no lining needed for the side bands).
If you prefer a single band on each side, then cut two of those pieces on stretch fabric.
How to sew a bikini bottom
STEP 2: Let’s start sewing!
Prefer to watch instead of read? Here’s a quick video that'll show you everything you need to know!
Find the timestamps below to easily go straight to rewatch any part of the process while you’re making your new bikini bottoms.
- Also read: How to price your handmade products -
DIY scrunch bikini bottoms wrap up.
And this is how you make scrunch bikini bottoms in any color or print you can dream of!
Get your bikini pattern here, print it and lay it out on top of your favorite fabric, then prep that sewing machine and follow the simple steps on the video to have cute bikini bottoms ready!
The whole process usually takes me between 1 hour and 1 hour and half…depending if I’m multitasking (aka watching netflix at the same time lol).
Ready to make your bum look GREAT and enjoy your new bikini bottoms by the pool?
I know I am! 
Keep turning your ideas into realities, you girl can make magic with those hands!
This post was all about how to make scrunch bikini bottoms with elastic to have your own DIY scrunch bikini bottoms this summer! If you want to explore more DIYs and sewing tutorials check out the “Handmade Product Ideas” section.
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