Make DIY bikini bottom using free pattern and video tutorial for vacation fun!
It seems that no matter what time of year or where I travel, I generally toss a swimsuit in to my bag just in case. So today’s tutorial is how to make a bikini bottom, and next week I’ll show you a bikini top. The best part? Both of these tutorials start with free patterns.
Also y’all, these were some hard pictures for me to take and post. I’m a big believer in showing actual bodies and that the way to have a beach body is to have a body and go to the beach, but I can’t pretend that I haven’t absorbed cultural messages that say I’m too old and not toned enough to wear a bikini. There were voices in my head telling me to photoshop these images that were hard to ignore. But the only thing I did photoshop out was my tattoo, not because I’m ashamed of it but because it’s mine and not for the whole internet. The lumps, bumps, scars from snorkeling in Thailand and extra skin from carrying two babies are all mine. Because ultimately, the only way to make women feel OK with having real bodies is to show real bodies in all their beautiful imperfection.
While I know not everyone wants to wear a bikini, bikini bottoms are useful because you can pair them with tankini tops for more coverage, or wear under a swim skirt. One piece suits are my least favorite option for the same reason I generally don’t wear jumpsuits or rompers – who wants to have to totally strip to go to the bathroom?
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All affiliate links are identified with (affiliate link) after the link or a commissions earned statement above the link(s).
Materials to Sew a Bikini Bottom
Here are the materials you’ll need for this project:
- 1/2 yard of swimsuit fabric. I used Pine Crest Palm Spring Desert athletic knit fabric (affiliate link)
- The pattern (see details below)
- 1 yard of 3/8 inch wide swimsuit elastic
- 1/2 yard of swimsuit lining
- A sewing machine capable of doing a zig-zag stitch
- The pattern (see below)
How to Get the Free Bikini Pattern
To get this pattern, you must either be a free newsletter subscriber or have purchased a gallery access pass. Then click your preferred option from the buttons below. Existing newsletter subscribers should look at the bottom of the most recent Friday newsletter for the current free pattern gallery password. If you purchased the all access pass you’ll log in to your shop account to download the pattern. Note that the free version of the pattern does not have printable instructions so you’ll need to refer to this post for instructions.
Please note that all my free patterns are licensed for personal use only (no selling items made from this unless you purchase it) and by downloading you are agreeing to this license.
To make these bottoms, start with my panties pattern (NOTE: the panties pattern does not have a picture that looks like this bikini. It is a picture of pink panties).
Then get some polyester spandex or nylon spandex and watch the video below to see how the construction process is different from the panties – and how to cut and add the waistband. If the video below won’t load for some reason, you can also watch on YouTube here.
More tips for sewing spandex can be found here and you can find the tutorial for the bikini top here.
lisa
trust me, go to a actual beach and you’ll reassure yourself you are in plenty good enough shape to be wearing a bikini! lol
lisa
*an” actual beach. whoops
Ann
Well, I think you and your bikinis look great, Melissa!
maddie
Can’t wait until next week + the Barrett bralette 🙂
Stefania
First of all, thank you for the pattern/tutorial! Second, I LOVE this fabric, it’s perfect for a swimsuit.
Lisa
No woman should feel the need to photoshop their body to conform to an unrealistic idea of how we should look. I get the tattoo but as for shape, size, scars, lumps and bumps, we all have them, you have far less bulk and wobbly bits than I do but we all have insecurities when it comes to body image, so well done on being brave enough to show the bikini on yourself. Great pattern as always.
Babsi
Hello!
Thanks for the greats videos on the bikini bottom and top! I love them!
I am sewing a bikini based on them right now – and of course, I will link your page 😉
Simonne
I used this and added it to a bodice to make a bodysuit. Thank you :)!
Tara
Just made these bottoms and I LOVE them! The size was perfect and provided all the coverage my bottom needs. Thank you so much!!
Catherine
Your tutorials are always SO SO SO good. Moving the pins slightly to the front on the leg openings? I never would have known! Thanks for all the tips!