How to Make a Tee Shirt Into a Bikini

Tee shirt Bikini

Searching for a bikini that fits well and is the right color can be time consuming and expensive. Too often it ends in having to compromise style for fit or color. But if you have a cotton T-shirt that is a size medium or larger, scissors and a sewing machine you can design your own bikini. You can choose the exact color that you prefer and at the same time, refashion the T-shirt yourself for the best fit.

Things You'll Need

• T-shirt
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Paper
• 1/2-inch-wide sewing elastic

Instructions

1. 

   Make a pattern for the bikini top using a bra and a ruler. Lay the bra cup on a piece of paper and place the ruler along side of the cup at an angle. Draw two lines along side of the cup. You should have the two even sides of a triangle. Starting from the bottom of one side, draw a half circle to the other side and cut out the bikini top pattern. Place it on the T-shirt and cut the two pieces needed for the bikini top.

2. 

   Using either an old bikini bottom or full bottom underwear for a pattern, cut the seams on each side of the bottom, just over your hips. Lay the pattern out on the T-shirt material and cut it into a bikini bottom.

3. Lay the remaining T-shirt material down flat and, starting at the bottom, cut two long strips an inch wide. You will need enough for two necktie strings and one long string to connect the bikini top. At this point you should have two pieces for the bikini top, two long strings and a bottom cut out for sewing.

4. 

   Start sewing down all the seams. When you get to the bottom of the bikini top, keep in mind that you will need to thread your string through the bottom of it. So make sure the seam sits high enough to do this.

5. 

   Place elastic under all the seams on the bikini bottom. While sewing, slightly pull the end of the elastic. This puts stretch on all the edges of the bikini bottom for a snug fit. T-shirt material stretches out in water, so you will want the bottom to fit securely. Sew the sides of the bottoms together at the hip.

Tips & Warnings

• A medium sized zigzag stitch is best for this project. Make more strings and attach them to the sides of the bikini bottom for a different look. Make the bikini strings longer to tie around the waist for added style. Use any remaining material for a hair accessory.

• Make sure to secure all seam ends to stop rips or frays.