As the scorching summer sun calls us to the oceans and pools, there’s no better time to flaunt your favorite swimwear. But what about those times when you’re basking in the sun, walking along the beach, or grabbing a bite at the nearby café? This is where a stylish swimsuit cover-up comes into play.
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A swimsuit cover-up offers a modicum of modesty when you’re out of the water and a fantastic opportunity to showcase your unique fashion flair. However, the hunt for that perfect cover-up might feel as intimidating as finding the right swimsuit, and the joy is you can make one for yourself.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through a do-it-yourself journey to craft your own bespoke swimsuit cover-up.
Steps On How To Make a Bathing Suit Cover Up
Materials needed:
- A lightweight fabric of your choice (about 2-3 yards)
- Measuring tape
- Fabric chalk or marker
- Fabric scissors
- Sewing machine or a hand-sewing needle and thread
- Sewing pins
1. DIY Kaftan Swimsuit Cover-Up
A Kaftan is a timeless, effortlessly stylish cover-up option that flatters all body types.
Step 1: Choosing your fabric
Start by selecting your fabric. Light, airy materials like cotton, chiffon, or rayon are ideal for a breezy beach vibe. Feel free to experiment with vibrant colors and playful patterns or stick to classic whites or pastels.
Step 2: Measuring and cutting your fabric
- Measure a length from your shoulders to your desired end-point – this could be your knees, your calves, or all the way to your ankles.
- Double this measurement, as you’ll be folding the fabric over.
- Widthwise, aim for a measurement that offers plenty of room for movement.
- Mark these measurements on your fabric with your fabric chalk or marker, and then cut the fabric accordingly.
Step 3: Sewing the sides
- Fold your fabric in half lengthwise with the patterned side facing inwards, aligning the edges carefully.
- Starting from the folded edge, mark where your armholes will be, then pin the fabric together below this point.
- Sew along this line, removing the pins as you go.
Step 4: Crafting the neckline
Find the midpoint along the folded edge, then cut a small “V” shape for your neckline. You can make this as wide or as narrow as you wish.
Step 5: Finishing touches
- Turn the kaftan right-side out.
- For a clean finish, fold over and sew the edges of your armholes and neckline.
- If you’re feeling extra creative, consider adding fringes, pom poms, or any other embellishments to the hemline.
Video Guide
2. DIY Sarong Swimsuit Cover-Up
For those desiring a less structured, easy-to-wear option, a sarong is a perfect choice.
Step 1: Select and cut your fabric
Choose a lightweight fabric that drapes well. Measure a rectangle that reaches from your waist to your knees (or lower, if you prefer), and is wide enough to wrap around your waist with some overlap. Mark these measurements and cut your fabric accordingly.
Step 2: Hem the edges
For a finished look, fold over and hem all four edges of your rectangle, making sure to secure the fabric with pins before sewing.
Step 3: Rock your sarong
There are countless ways to tie a sarong, but a simple method is to hold the fabric horizontally at your waist, gather the two corners at your hip, and secure it with a knot.
Video Guide
3. DIY Tunic Swimsuit Cover-Up
A tunic cover-up is another stylish option that can be dressed up or down, depending on your mood.
Step 1: Select and prepare your fabric
- Choose a lightweight fabric in a color or pattern you love.
- Measure a length from your shoulders to your desired end-point and double this measurement. Widthwise, it should be wide enough to comfortably fit around your hips with some extra room for ease.
- Mark these measurements on your fabric, then cut.
Step 2: Sew the body
- Fold the fabric in half, right sides together.
- Starting from the folded edge, mark the spot for your armholes, and then pin and sew the fabric below this point on both sides.
Step 3: Make the neckline
Identify the center point along the folded edge and cut a small round or “V” shape for your neckline. Make it as wide or narrow as you prefer.
Step 4: Hem the edges
Turn the tunic right-side-out, and hem your armholes and neckline. If you wish, you can also add a hem to the bottom of the tunic.
Video Guide
4. DIY Kimono Swimsuit Cover-Up
The kimono cover-up adds an elegant and airy layer over your swimsuit.
Step 1: Select and cut your fabric
- Choose a flowing, lightweight fabric.
- Measure a length from your shoulder to where you want the kimono to end, and double this measurement.
- Widthwise, it should be wide enough to wrap comfortably around your body. Mark these measurements on your fabric, then cut.
Step 2: Sew the body
- Fold the fabric in half, right sides together.
- Starting from the folded edge, mark a spot for your armholes, then pin and sew the fabric below this point on both sides.
Step 3: Create the neckline
Cut a straight line from the folded edge to the bottom of the fabric in the middle. This will create the opening of your kimono.
Step 4: Hem
Hem around the opening, neckline, bottom, and armholes for a neat finish.
Video Guide
Conclusion
Creating your own swimsuit cover-up doesn’t need to be a complex task reserved only for seasoned tailors. With the right tools, some beautiful fabric, and a spark of creativity, you’re well-equipped to craft a piece that perfectly mirrors your unique style and preferences. From the flowing elegance of a kaftan or kimono, the versatile charm of a wrap or sarong, to the comfortable chic of a poncho or tunic, you now have various captivating cover-up styles at your fingertips.
