How to Make My Swimwear

Make a cool swimsuit to show off your unique style.

You're bound to hit the pool or beach more than once this summer. A fashionable swimsuit is a must-have even if you don't intend to get in the water. It's also a challenge to find a good one. Instead of hunting in the mall for original prints and swimsuits to flatter your body type, you can just make your own. It's rewarding, and you can design it exactly according to your dimensions and style.

Things You'll Need

• Stretchy fabric
• Swimsuit lining
• Sewing Machine or needles and thread
• Chlorine-resistant elastic
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Choose the type of swimsuit you want to make. Look at pictures online or in fashion magazines for inspiration. Just be sure to pick a style that flatters your body type.

2. Buy the outer fabric. The best fabrics for swimsuits are stretchy materials like spandex. Buy the amount of fabric you need based on your size and the style that you intend to make. A bikini will obviously use less fabric than a one-piece, for instance. Find out if the fabric is two-way stretch or four-way stretch. Two-way stretch fabric can only stretch horizontally and vertically. Four-way stretch can stretch in any direction and angle, making it more durable and longer-lasting. It'll be more expensive, but you'll be able to wear it for many summers to come. Usually stretchy fabric is chlorine-resistant, but it's always best to make sure, especially if you plan on swimming in pools.

3. Buy the lining of the swimsuit. You can find this at any fabric store. Buy it in a color as close as you can to the color of the outer fabric.

4. Measure your waist, bust, and hips.

5. Cut both cloths according to your measurements and style. Make sure there is at least one inch for seam allowance.

6. Lay the lining onto the outer fabric. Sew the edges together with a sewing machine or manually with a needle and thread.

7. Place the chlorine-resistant elastic onto the edges of the swimsuit. Hold onto it tightly from one end so it's stretched and start to sew the other end onto the fabric. Continue until the elastic is sewed onto all the edges of the swimsuit: the back, breasts, leg holes, and waist. Holding it as tightly as possible will increase the elasticity for when you wear it.

8. Fold the elastic and rough edges inward. Sew this so it's a neat fold. Reinforce the seams.

Tips & Warnings

• Try on the swimsuit many times in all stages of making it. Make sure it fits you a little snugly because sometimes water can loosen up the elastic

• Add gemstones and sequins for a glamorous appearance.

References

• Article City; How To Make Your Own Swimsuit; Vanessa Lausch; Oct. 7, 2005