How to Turn a One Piece into a Tankini

Have you ever been frustrated with how a one-piece swimsuit is uncomfortable for certain activities, like sunbathing or using the restroom? That’s how I felt until I learned how to turn a one-piece into a tankini. It’s become an important skill, allowing me to repurpose old swimsuits and create new styles without spending money on a new suit.Also, it can be a cost-effective solution for those who want a tankini but don’t want to spend money on a new swimsuit.

The process of turning a one-piece swimsuit into a tankini involves cutting the swimsuit into two pieces and attaching them together with straps. Although the exact process can vary depending on the swimsuit’s design and the tankini’s desired style.

Steps on How to Turn a One Piece into a Tankini (Method I)

Step 1: Choose the right swimsuit

The first step in turning a one-piece swimsuit into a tankini is to choose the right swimsuit. You’ll want to select a one-piece swimsuit that you don’t mind cutting, with a design that will lend itself well to being converted into a tankini. Ideally, the swimsuit should have a straight or slightly curved neckline and no intricate designs or details in the midsection.

Step 2: Cut the swimsuit

Once you have chosen the right swimsuit, the next step is to cut it in half. Use scissors to carefully cut the swimsuit straight across, just above the waistline. You can adjust the height of the cut depending on how much of your midriff you want to show.

Tip: Use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure your cut is straight and even.

Step 3: Add straps

With the swimsuit now in two pieces, you’ll need to add straps to the top half to create the tankini. You can use the fabric you cut off in Step 2 to make the straps or a piece of contrasting fabric for a fun and colorful look. Cut two long straps to go over your shoulders and tie them at the back.

Tip: Fold the edges of the straps under and sew them down to prevent fraying.

Step 4: Attach the straps

With the straps cut and ready, it’s time to attach them to the top half of the swimsuit. Fold the top edge of the swimsuit down about an inch, then pin the straps in place. Use a sewing machine or hand sew the straps onto the swimsuit. Be sure to reinforce the stitching to make sure the straps are secure.

Tip: If you’re not confident in your sewing skills, use fabric glue or iron-on hem tape to attach the straps.

Step 5: Try it on and make adjustments

With the tankini now assembled, try it on to ensure it fits properly and looks how you want it to. Make any necessary adjustments to the length of the straps or the height of the cut. You may also want to trim loose threads or make final touches to the stitching.

Steps on How to Turn a One Piece into a Tankini Using Elastic (Method II)

Step 1: Measure and cut

To determine the length you want your tankini to be, put on your one-piece swimsuit and use a fabric marker to mark where you want to cut. Depending on your preferences, you can make the tankini as short or as long as you like. If you want a high-neck tankini, mark the front of the swimsuit higher than the back.

Once you have marked the length, carefully cut the swimsuit along the line you have marked. Use sharp scissors and take your time to ensure a clean and even cut.

Step 2: Hem the edges

To prevent the edges of the swimsuit from fraying, fold them under and pin them in place. You can use a straight stitch on your sewing machine or hand-sew the hem in place. If you want a more finished look, you can use a zigzag stitch or serger to finish the edges.

Step 3: Add elastic

Measure a piece of elastic that is snug but comfortable around your chest. Pin the elastic to the top edge of the tankini, stretching it slightly as you go to create a ruched effect. Sew the elastic in place using a zigzag stitch or a stretch stitch on your sewing machine.

Step 4: Create straps

To create the straps for your tankini, cut two long strips of fabric from the leftover material from your swimsuit. Ensure the strips are long enough to reach your shoulders from the top of the tankini.

Fold each strip in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew along the long edge, leaving the ends open. Turn the straps right side out and press them flat with an iron.

Step 5: Attach straps

Pin the straps onto the back of the tankini, ensuring they are evenly spaced and aligned with the top of the elastic. Sew the straps in place using a straight stitch or zigzag stitch.

Step 6: Try it on

Try on your new tankini and adjust the straps or the top and bottom fit. To personalize your tankini, you can also add embellishments or decorations, such as bows or beads.

Can You Alter a One-Piece Swimsuit?

Yes, you can alter a one-piece swimsuit. There are a few alterations that can be made to a one-piece swimsuit to improve the fit or style, such as:

• Adjusting the straps: If the straps on your one-piece swimsuit are too loose or tight, you can adjust them by unpicking the stitching and re-sewing them in a different position.
• Shortening or lengthening the torso: If the torso of the swimsuit is too long or too short, you can shorten or lengthen it by unpicking the stitching at the waist and adjusting the length of the fabric.
• Adding or removing padding: If you want more or less support in the bust area, add or remove the padding from the swimsuit.
• Changing the leg opening: If the leg opening is too tight or too loose, you can adjust it by unpicking the stitching and re-sewing the fabric in a different position.
• Adding or removing coverage: If you want to add or remove coverage in certain areas, add or remove the fabric from the swimsuit.

Can You Convert a One Piece Swimsuit to a Tankini?

Yes, you can convert a one-piece swimsuit into a tankini because a one-piece swimsuit and a tankini both cover the torso and can be made with similar materials and construction techniques. By cutting the one-piece swimsuit below the bust line and attaching a separate tankini top, you can create a two-piece swimsuit that provides more coverage while still using the original swimsuit fabric.

Conclusion

There are various methods to turn a one-piece swimsuit into a tankini. One popular method involves measuring and cutting the swimsuit to the desired length, hemming the edges, adding elastic to create a ruched effect, creating straps from leftover material, and attaching them to the back of the tankini.

Another method involves cutting the swimsuit horizontally to create a top and bottom piece, hemming the edges, and sewing them back together to form a tankini. Whichever method you choose, transforming a one-piece swimsuit into a tankini is an excellent way to add versatility to your swimwear collection and customize your summer style.

Source
One-Piece Swimsuit to Tankini Tutorial
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/150448443774199250/