#Beach-Ready on a Budget: My $15 DIY Bikini Tutorial (Yes, Really!)

Okay, friends, let’s talk bikinis. We all want a cute one for summer, right? But those price tags? Ouch! Well, I’m here to tell you that looking fabulous doesn’t have to break the bank. I whipped up this entire bikini for just $15 and it took less than 30 minutes. Crazy, I know! But trust me, it’s easier than you think. Let me show you how!

Gather Your Supplies (And Don’t Overbuy Like I Did!)

You honestly only need a half yard of fabric. Don’t be like me and get five… unless you’re planning a whole summer wardrobe of DIY swimwear, which, hey, I wouldn’t blame you!

Here’s the lowdown:

• Fabric: A half yard of your chosen fabric. Something with a little stretch is ideal.
• Lining (Optional): I used a thicker spandex for lining, but you can definitely use the same fabric if you prefer.
• Strings: We need fabric to make five strings – two short and three long.
• Trim (Optional): I added some cute black trim for extra flair.
• Sewing Machine: Because, well, sewing.
• Basic Sewing Supplies: Thread, scissors, pins, etc.
• Loop Turner: Trust me, this little gadget makes turning the strings SO much easier.

Cut It Out! (Literally)

Alright, time to get cutting. I’ve got a printable pattern for the bottoms if you want to use that. For the top, you can just trace a triangle bikini top you already own. Easy peasy!

You’ll need to cut out:

• Two bottom pieces
• Two triangle top pieces (plus two lining pieces if you’re using it)
• The five strings

Stringing Along (Hot Dog Style!)

First, let’s tackle the strings. Fold each strip of fabric “hot dog style” (long ways, for those of you who haven’t had a hot dog in a while!). Then, use that loop turner to flip them right side out. If you don’t have a loop turner, you can use a safety pin, but it’s a bit more fiddly.

• Pro Tip: If you’re only using a sewing machine, be sure to stretch those strings out as you sew them to avoid puckering.

Top It Off (With Trim, of Course!)

Now, for the triangle top. If you’re adding trim (and I highly recommend it – it adds a nice touch!), wedge it in between the two fabric pieces (and the lining if you’re using it) along the sides of the triangle. Stitch along the sides with your sewing machine. Don’t sew along the bottom part.

• Important: Flip it right side out to make sure your trim looks good before you sew everything together!

Next, line the bottom part of the triangle and sew.

Bottoms Up! (Sewing the Bottoms)

Time to put those bottoms together! Use a straight stitch to sew the two pieces together, making sure to reverse at the beginning and end to secure the seam. Trim off any excess fabric.

Then, using a zigzag stitch, attach the trim to the sides of the bottoms. Fold over the corners of the sides, again using the zigzag stitch, to create a clean finish for the canal that is going to hold the straps.

Spaghetti Straps (Fold and Sew!)

For the spaghetti straps that go in the canal, fold the strips over your finger while using the sewing machine to seal them. Attach a small bow with a few stitches to each strap.

Now, just pull the strings through the canal of the bottoms. The bottoms are done!

Top Secret (String Channel Time!)

To create the channel for the strings on the top, sew two straight lines along the bottom of the triangle top. Then, carefully remove the stitches in between the lines so you can pull your spaghetti strap through. Be careful not to cut the seam itself. Finally, attach that thicker string you made earlier to the top of your triangle top.

Finishing Touches (Bows and Knots!)

Throw on a couple more bows to the top (because why not?) and pull all your strings through, knotting them at the ends.

And that’s it! You’ve got yourself a brand new bikini for just $15. You can find inspiration for all sorts of styles and looks. Check out these ideas for Design Style and ways to incorporate Nostalgia into your next project.

Rock Your DIY Bikini

I told you it was easy! Now go rock that DIY bikini with confidence. Remember, fashion is all about expressing yourself, and there’s nothing more unique than something you made yourself. Plus, you’ll be saving some serious cash. Win-win!

Primary Keyword: DIY bikini

Secondary Keywords: sewing tutorial, cheap swimwear, homemade swimsuit

video

It only cost me $15 to make this bikini,and I did it in less than 30 minutes.Let me show you how easy it is.You only need a half a yard.Don’t be like me and get five.The first thing we’re gonna cut out is the strings.Two short ones and three long ones.I have a printable pattern for the bottoms,and for the top, you can use a triangle you already have.I’m gonna line mine with the thicker spandex,but you can use the same fabric.This is everything.Cut out the strings for the top,the bottoms, and the string for the bottom.Starting with the strings,fold them hot dog style,and then just use a loop Turner to flip those right side out.Just take that little hook,attach it to the fabric, and pull.If you only have a sewing machine,be sure to stretch those out as you sew them.Now, we’re gonna go around the border of the triangle top,and I’m gonna add this cute black trim on the sides.You just put those two pieces together,and then wedge that trim in between and go around the border.We’re only gonna do sides of the triangle top,not the bottom part.But you are gonna sew that.So the sides first and then along the bottom.Flip it right side out first, though,to check that your trim looks okay.Now, the next thing we’re gonna Do is sew the bottoms together.I’m just using a straight stitch,being sure to reverse, and then cutting off the extra fabric.Then using a zigzag stitch,I’m gonna attach the trim to the sides of the bottoms,then fold over the corners of the sides using the same zigzag stitch.To make the canal.For the spaghetti,you just fold it over fingers withattach the little bow with a few stitches.After you pull the strings to the bottoms,they’re done. You’re gonna sew two straight linesalong the bottom of the triangle topand then remove the stitches in betweenso you can pull your spaghetti strap through.And attach that thicker one to the top of your triangle.Throw on two more bows to the top and pull all your strings through,knotted at the ends,and you’re done.