Okay, friends, let’s talk swimwear. Specifically, those adorable crochet bikini bottoms that are all the rage right now. But $100?! Seriously? As your resident thrifty pastor, I’m here to tell you there’s a better way. A way that involves less money and more… well, you! Let’s dive in!

Why Buy When You Can DIY?

Look, I get it. Online shopping is easy. But dropping a hundred bucks on something you’ll wear, like, five times this summer? That just doesn’t sit right with my budget (or my conscience!). Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about saying, “Oh, these? Yeah, I made them.”

Think about it: You get custom-fit swimwear, express your creativity, and save a ton of money. It’s a win-win-win!

Speaking of wins check this out about Pop Culture: https://whatwillwear.com/pop-culture/.

The $1 Swimsuit Bottoms: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to ditch the department store prices and embrace your inner DIY goddess? Here’s how I whipped up a pair of crochet-trimmed bikini bottoms for next to nothing:

Gather Your Supplies: This is where the magic happens (and the money stays in your wallet).

Crochet Trim: I snagged a yard of this stretchy crochet-looking trim for a single dollar at my local fabric store. Check your local dollar store first, you never know what you might find.
Swimsuit Fabric: If you’re feeling extra thrifty (like me!), raid your scrap bin. Otherwise, a small amount of swimsuit fabric will do the trick.
Lining Fabric: Again, scraps are your friend here! A bit of swimsuit lining ensures comfort and prevents see-through moments.
Existing Swimsuit Bottoms: For the pattern.
Sewing Machine, Thread, Scissors, Pins: The usual suspects.

Create Your Pattern: Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a professional designer.

Grab a pair of your favorite swimsuit bottoms that fit well.
Lay them flat on your fabric and trace around them, adding a little extra width on the sides for the crochet trim.
Cut out two pieces of the main fabric and one of the lining.

Sew It All Together: Time to get stitchin’!

Layer the main fabric onto the lining.
Sandwich the main fabrics together and sew along the crotch. I use a straight stitch and reinforce it at both ends to prevent unraveling.
Trim off any excess fabric.

Create the Borders: A neat border makes all the difference.

Fold over the edges about a finger’s width and use a zigzag stitch to secure them.
Trim away any extra fabric for a clean finish.

Attach the Crochet Trim: The star of the show!

Using a straight stitch, carefully attach the crochet trim to each side of the bikini bottom.
I like to leave a little extra trim to start, because you can always trim, but you can’t add it back!
Repeat on the other side.

Trim and Finish: The final touches.

Trim any excess fabric from the crochet trim.
Give your new bottoms a good press.

Pro Tips for Maximum Thriftiness (and Style!)

Hit Up the Clearance Section: Fabric stores often have amazing deals on end-of-bolt remnants.
Repurpose Old Clothes: Got an old swimsuit that’s seen better days? Use the fabric to create something new!
Experiment with Colors and Patterns: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Mix and match fabrics and trims to create a unique look.
Check out Political Social: Maybe you can get inspired for the next election year! https://whatwillwear.com/political-social/

Why This Matters (Besides Saving Money)

Look, I’m a pastor, so I gotta bring it back to the bigger picture, right? This isn’t just about saving a few bucks (though that’s definitely a perk!). It’s about:

Empowerment: Taking control of your style and your budget. Knowing you can create something beautiful with your own two hands is an amazing feeling.
Sustainability: Reducing waste by repurposing materials and avoiding fast fashion.
Self-Expression: Showcasing your unique personality through your creations.

You’ve Got This!

Seriously, friends, don’t let those pricey crochet bottoms intimidate you. With a little creativity and a few basic sewing skills, you can create your own stylish swimwear for a fraction of the cost. So grab your supplies, fire up your sewing machine, and get ready to rock those DIY bottoms! And don’t forget to show me what you make! I can’t wait to see your creations!

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$100 for some crochet swimsuit bottoms?I can make these for a dollar.You could probably make them for less than 20.Let me show you.I bought a yard of this crochet looking stretch trimfor $1 at my local fabric store.I’m making mine from some scraps I had laying around.And for the pattern,you can outline some swimsuit bottoms you already have.Just make sure the sides are wide enough to add the crochet.Using that pattern,I’m gonna cut out two of the main fabric and one more of the lining.Here’s everything cut out and ready to be sewn together.First, we’re gonna stack the main fabric onto the lining,and then we’re gonna sandwich those main fabrics togetherand sew it along the crotchright there. I’m gonna use a straight stitch,but I’m gonna be sure to reverse it at either sideso it doesn’t become unraveled.And trim off the extra fabric.And this is what that attachment should look like.For the borders,I just fold it over about a fingers width using a zigzag stitch,and then I’ll go in and trim off any extra fabric.You’re gonna do it around all the borders.Here’s what that looks like.Now we’re gonna attach the crochet trim.To do that, you’re just gonna use a straight stitch again.And you can see that I have a lot of leftover fabric.I do that cause it’s better to start big. And You can always take it in.Attach the crochet to the other side of the bikini.Do that on both sides.Don’t forget to trim off any extra fabric that you have.And those bottoms are done.This took me less than 30 minutes.I only paid $1 for the trim.You should definitely try and make these.