The 3-in-1 DIY swimsuit sewing tutorial

Had to make make a swimsuit this summer! HAD TO. Luckily with this tutorial, I can change it into a non-maternity swimsuit after the baby comes. 

And how perfect is this...kate made a sweet little swimsuit coverup! head here for instructions.

Supplies:

1/2 yard of nylon lycra

1/2 yard of swimsuit lining

measuring tape

sewing machine

thread

ballpoint needle

scissors

pins

Instructions:

BOTTOMS:

1. Trace the fabric and lining with another pair of swim bottoms, then cut it out. Make sure the lining is a tad smaller so it won't hang out when sewn. I made mine a little longer because I like it to gather a little on the sides.

2. Sew together the bottom of the lining and the fabric.

3. Fold the swim fabric under and over the end of the lining. Sew with a zig zag stitch or a straight stitch (but when doing this stitch, stretch the fabric/lining as much as possible when sewing it).
*Keep in mind that when you get in the water, your swimsuit will stretch, so the leg holes are an area that you may want to cut/sew a lot lighter or add elastic too. I made mine nice and snug, but may add elastic in the future when I am at my non-prego size. 

4. Sew up the sides of the swim suit, right sides together, RST.

5. Hem the top down by folding it as much as you want and sewing a  zig zag stitch or a straight stitch (but when doing this stitch, stretch the fabric/lining as much as possible when sewing it).
*Keep in mind that when you get in the water, your swimsuit will stretch, so your waist is an area that you may want to cut/sew a lot tighter or add elastic too. I made mine nice and snug, but may add elastic in the future when I am at my non-prego size. 

 BIKINI:

1. Measure around your chest area and take out 3 or more inches depending on the stretchiness of the fabric and how tight you want it and add seam allowance. Then measure the width you would like, keep in mind you are going to be ruching it too, add seam allowance. Make sure the lining is an inch smaller width wise. Take that measurement and cut out the lining and nylon lycra according.

2. sew the pieces together to make a long tube, RST.

3. Turn the tube right side out and pin the ends together. You can really pin one side because the other side will only touch once you start to sew.

4. Sew two openings together RST, making sure to match the side seams. Sew up the ends. How to sew up the ends - you will literally keep sewing until the opening of the tube gets smaller and smaller... until there is a little opening left. 

5. There will be a little opening.

5. Sew that opening closed with a top stitch through just the lining.

6. Gather the middle front and back (one down the seam exactly).
*optional: Cut a 1"- 2" slit on the sides of the lining and slip in some padding or cups. You can buy these at Johanns. Tack them down in place if you want them to be permanent. You can keep the slits open because this material doesn't fray.
*Optional - you can sew a strap here, to help prevent any slippage  :)

TANKINI:

1. Measure around you lower waist, natural waist and lower ribs area and subtract a good 2 to 5 inches depending on how tight you want it because you want it to stretch over you. Then cut out two pieces of the nylon lycra to match those measurements.

2. Pin the sides up very carefully so it doesn't slip as you sew.

3. Looks like this.

4. Turn the nylon lycra right side out and gather along the sides seams on both sides.

5. Take the bikini top and pin it to the top front seam of this stomach piece. 

6. The back will look like the last picture on the right, if is istn' sewn up together.

MATERNITY TANKINI:

1. Measure around just your back, your lower waist, natural waist and lower ribs area and subtract a good 2 to 5 inches depending on how tight you want it because you want it to stretch over you. Measure over just your front, your lower waist (top hips), belly and lower ribs area. Then cut out two pieces of the nylon lycra to match those measurements.

2. Pin the sides up very carefully so it doesn't slip as you sew.

3. Looks like this.

4. Turn the nylon lycra right side out and gather along the sides seams on both sides.

5. Take the bikini top and pin it to the top front seam of this stomach piece. 

6. The back will look like the last picture on the right, if is istn' sewn up together.