How to Create Your Own Fourth of July Bathing Suits

Make your own fireworks in a patriotic swimsuit made to light up the Fourth of July parties you attend.

You don't need to earn a spot on the U.S. summer Olympics team if all you really want to do is wear a bathing suit saluting the USA. Just think stars and stripes---you know the color mix. Go for the gold in both patriotism and sewing acumen by crafting a Fourth of July bathing suit---it's sure to make you a standout at any summer gathering.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing machine
• Fabric
• Pattern
• Pins
• Scissors
• Thread
• Trim

Instructions

1. Get inspired by all things patriotic and make a list of symbols that instantly bring the USA to mind---stars, stripes, bald eagles, red, white, blue and gold. Check out online and retail shops that offer trendy bathing suit styles that have used these symbols.

2. Peruse swimsuit pattern design books published by well-known companies or utilize online resources. Look at proprietary bathing suit patterns that are edgier than those found in popular pattern books. Choose a simple design if you're planning to add fancy embellishments.

3. Consider materials swimsuit designers choose for their lines. Opt for 100 percent cotton if you prefer a suit that's not form-fitting. Buy nylon for its strong, lightweight, fast-drying properties. Attain the best result for your Fourth of July suit by using spandex for a smoother appearance.

4. Fill your shopping bag with fabric, thread and notions that follow your red, white and blue color scheme. Smooth the fabric over your worktable. Pin pattern pieces to the cloth. Thread your sewing machine and proceed cautiously if you're using a stretchy material---spandex can slip and slide on the machine bed. If you don't mind destroying it, leave the pattern pieces on the fabric while you sew to help with fabric wrangling.

5. Try a more daring approach to swimsuit construction. Consider an easy "twist and tie" woman's bathing suit. Fold the cloth, pin the pattern to the fabric and then tie, twist, wrap and double-knot the material until you've fashioned a simple swimsuit.

6. Add special touches to turn your suit from a simple red, white and blue garment to a splashy piece of swimwear. Trim your design with brass nautical buttons, gold military striping or silver edging. Embroider or apply stars.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a matching cover-up to complete your festive look.

• Avoid using polyester fabric for your Fourth of July swimsuit---this synthetic is less durable, doesn't "breathe" when worn and is known to retain odor.

References

• Strange Military: Patriotic Swim Suits
• Martha Stewart: Tie One On---DIY Swimsuits; 2010
• Craft Stylist: This Free Bathing Suit Pattern is so Hot it's Cool