Bikinis are simple and quick to sew.
You don't have to be a seamstress to see that the standard string-bikini design is pretty basic. Two triangles and a simple bottom are all it takes to make a sexy bathing suit. You can save cash, and get an original look, by whipping up your own fabulous suit out of old T-shirts.
Instructions
Making the Ties
1. Cut the bottom hem off both shirts and discard. Cut two one-inch horizontal strips from the bottom of each shirt to use for string ties.
2. Cut the two strips from the first shirt in half width-wise so they are still one inch wide but now half as long. You should have four equal pieces.
3. Cut one of the strips from the second shirt in half lengthwise to make two long strips that are 1/2 inch wide. Cut the other in half width-wise to create two more pieces like the ones you already made. You should now have a total of seven pieces.
Making the Top
4. Sketch two triangles for the bikini top. Each triangle will be 10 inches across the bottom, with eight-inch sides. Sketch a gentle curve with its lowest point one inch from the bottom of each triangle, to give the bikini a more natural shape. Pin the triangles and cut them out, being sure to cut through both layers of fabric.
5. Flip one triangle over (so that the inside is visible) and fold the top corner down one inch. Place one of the shorter string ties here, with its end touching the folded-down corner and the rest extending vertically from the top of the triangle.
6. Fold down both sides of the triangle 1/2 inch, being sure to overlap the string tie, and pin into place. Sew a seam down both sides. Repeat with the other triangle.
7. Fold the bottom of the triangle up one inch and pin into place, letting it bunch naturally. Sew a seam along the inside edge, leaving a large space where the bottom of the triangle can be threaded with a string tie.
8. Attach a safety pin to the end of the longest string tie, and thread it through the bottom of both triangles.
Making the Bottom
9. Sketch an hourglass shape onto the second shirt to make the bottom. The narrowest part of the hourglass will be four inches wide, and the entire hourglass should be 22 inches long. Take exact measurements of your shape for best fit.
10. Fold each of the hourglass' four corners in one inch. Place four string ties over each corner, just as you did with the bikini top but extending horizontally so they can be tied at the hips.
11. Fold in the two straight edges of the hourglass--the bikini's front and back--one inch each. Be sure to overlap the string ties. Pin and sew a seam along each edge.
12. Make a few small perpendicular cuts along the sides of the hourglass' narrowest part. Fold in the sides of the hourglass one inch: the cuts help it fold evenly without bunching. Pin into place and sew a seam along each side.
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