How to Make Swimsuits

With summer around the corner, making your own bathing suit can be a fun craft to undertake. Making men's and women's swimsuits is an easy project.

Instructions

1. Pick out and prepare your fabric. Lycra and dancewear knit fabrics are great choices for women's swimsuits and men's tight Speedos, but nylon and polyester are better for men's swim trunks. You will need less than a yard for your swimsuit. Make sure to throw your fabric in the wash to pre-shrink it before starting to cut or sew.

2. Pick a pattern for your swimsuit. Choose a one-piece or bikini, swim trunks or Speedos. For men's swimsuits, you may be able to find a simple gym short pattern that can be reworked to be a swim trunk. In this situation, cut out two sets of the pattern -- one in your main fabric and the other in a liner fabric, such as a mesh. Sew the liner pieces and the main pieces together, and follow the gym short pattern as instructed.

3. Cut out your pattern, according to your size. Pin it to your fabric, and cut the fabric along the grain line, or parallel to the selvedge edge of the fabric.

4. Set up your sewing machine to work with the fabric. Knit fabrics, like Lycra or dancewear knits, will require a small stitch length.

5. Pin your pieces right sides together and closely. You'll find the fabric will want to wiggle, so pin closely to keep things in place.

6. Follow the instructions on your pattern to complete your bathing suit.

7. Trim any excess threads, and wear to the beach!

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish