DIY Swimsuit Round-Up

It's already a few weeks into summer...not to mention it's the hottest month of the entire year. You're ready to hit the beach and wanna look your smexiest but can't find the perfect swimwear just about every store you've searched through. Or maybe you have found the perfect one but the price tag made your jaw drop...like in my case.

I was initially inspired to write this post when I was rummaging through my fabric stash and unearthed a bunch of perfectly good tricot fabric, in asphalt grey and sunny yellow (separate colors). I figured, "hey, these'll make really cute swimsuits!" which ultimately lead to my online quest for the perfect sewing patterns. Below is a round-up of several trendy styles you can make at home.

Vintage-Style Bombshell swimsuit PDF Pattern by Closet Case Files

"Alison" Vintage 50s Maillot by BurdaStyle

Gah, I want this crop top/hip-hugger set! Too bad I can't knit.

Vintage Knitting Pattern 1970s Hip Hugger Bikini/Crop Top Play Suit (PDF Format) by 2nd Look Vintage

The 3-in-1 DIY Swimsuit Sewing Tutorial by Cotton + Curls

FREE Swimsuit Patterns in Three Different Styles (PDF Format) by Ralph Pink

Below is a quick and easy tutorial that revives the saggy bikini bottom that's been sitting in your dresser for a few summers...Y'know, the one you're too embarrassed to wear 'cuz it makes you look like you have a saggy diaper that leaks? I've been there before!

The Pucker Bottom Tutorial by Bits, Bites, and Mishmash

FREE Ruched Halter Bikini With Instructions by Sew Mama Sew

Vintage-Style High-Waist Bikini Bottom With PDF Pattern by HollyMann

If you're not skilled with the sewing machine, you can always take any existing swimsuit and make it fabulous with dye, paint, fabric markers, and various embellishments. Below are a few tutorials to get you started:

Solid color dyeing tutorial (I recommend using Jacquard's iDye Poly)
Ombre dip-dyeing tutorial 
Ruffles Tutorial
Fabric stamping tutorial