How to Make a Swimdress Into a Swimsuit
The swimdress was a popular trend in 2009, beloved by beachgoers for its modest coverage as well as its retro look. But if you're tired of the skirted look and want to transform an old swimdress into a regular swimsuit, all you need to do is remove the skirt and add a flattering belt to hide the seam. It's fast, it's easy, and it's like getting a whole new swimsuit for little to no cost. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Scissors
- Swimwear fabric or washable ribbon
- Straight sewing pins
- Safety pins
- Needle
- Polyester thread
Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Sketch out a design for the belt of your new suit. Once you remove the skirt, you'll need to attach a belt to cover up the visible seam that remains. If you plan on being in the water, use swimsuit fabric. If your suit is for sunbathing only, you can use any machine-washable trim.
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2
Locate the waist seam where your swimsuit's skirt is sewn to the bodice.
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3
Remove swimdress skirt by cutting it off as close to this seam as possible. Be sure you do not cut into the seam; if you do, you'll need to sew up the snipped spot.
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4
Hem your belt material using polyester thread (it has more give than cotton thread). If you're using a length of swimsuit material, pin a 5/8-inch hem all the way around your sash with straight sewing pins, and sew it down. If you're using ribbon trim, snip the ends, fold them under one-quarter inch, and sew them flat.
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5
Put on the suit.
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6
Pin your belt material onto the suit with safety pins. It's important to do this while wearing the suit, so the fabric is at its most-stretch point. This gives you an accurate assessment of how much trim or fabric you need for your belt.
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7
Sew the belt onto the suit. If you like, leave the two ends loose and tie a bow that can help camouflage your stomach. Whatever your belt design, make sure it is sewed to the suit in at least two places (usually at the side seams).
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Tips & Warnings
If you're only going to wear your suit to sunbathe, consider adding decorative extras to your belt, such as washable silk flowers, glass pearls or washable sequins.
Do not use the straight sewing pins to attach belt to the suit while you are in it. You are likely to stick yourself unless you use safety pins.
