How to Make a Woman's Bikini

You can make a string bikini from old t-shirts.

Making a homemade bikini is easier than some people might think. There are few special tools required. One of the easiest kind to make is made from two old T-shirts. The only trick to this bikini is ensuring the cups are large enough to fit a fuller figure, if you are large in the bust area. Add one inch to each triangle for every cup size above B for the best fit.

Things You'll Need

• 2 extra-large T-shirts (men's or women's)
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Straight pins
• Pencil
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Lay two shirts out on a flat surface. Smooth out all wrinkles. Cut off the bottom hem of both shirts.

2. Cut two, one inch thick strips of cloth from the bottom of the shirt. Cut each of these strips in half to make a total of four equal length strips.

3. Cut two more one inch thick strips of cloth from the shirt. Cut one of the strips in half to create two more strips the same length as the four earlier strips. Cut the other strip at one spot so that you have one strip that is twice as long as the other strips. You should have seven strips total, six of the same length and one that is twice as long as the others.

4. Cut 9 inches of fabric from the shirt. Cut through both layers of fabric. Pin the edges of the fabric together to create one double-layer of fabric.

5. Draw the outline of two triangles that have 8-inch long sides and a 10-inch wide bottom. Arch the bottom of the triangle so that it is rounded rather than straight. Cut out the triangles.

6. Fold down the top corner of the triangle one inch. Place one shorter one-inch strip on top of the folded section. Fold the sides of the triangle over a half inch and sew the seams in place down both sides. Make sure to sew the strip in place.

7. Fold the bottom edge of the triangle up one inch. Sew along the bottom edge of the fold to leave a gap that you can use to thread a strip through. Thread the long strip through the bottom of the triangle.

8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the other triangle. Thread the bottom of this triangle through the same strip that you threaded the first strip. This completes the bikini top.

9. Cut a rectangle from the second shirt that equals 19 inches long by 16 inches wide. Draw an hourglass shape on the rectangle that curves in 11 inches from the top and tapers to 4 inches thick in the middle.

10. Fold in the corner pieces and sew four strips in place against each corner. Fold the edges of the hourglass shape in one inch and sew in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Use old swimsuit padding to keep the suit from being see-through. Or, use a black T-shirt.

References

• Thread Banger: How to Make a Hot Bikini Out of Old T-shirts