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Easy Swimsuit Refashion: Mini Tutorial

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I have had this one swimsuit for probably four years now.  I’ve really liked it, but wanted something a little different this year.  It dips a bit too low for me in the front, showing what I lack more than what I’ve got ;).

The only before picture I could find with it on.  6 months pregnant with Little Miss B, at Lake Tahoe.    Preview252

That’s one of the things I love about it—full coverage on my tummy even when I’m preggers!

After trying on a few new swimsuits last week, I remembered how very much I HATE swimsuit shopping.  (yes, hate is a strong word, but it is indeed the feeling I have when it comes to trying on swimsuits).  And since I liked everything about my swimsuit besides the low cut on top, I figured I’d try and make it work for me.  So here’s what I did with it:DSC_0078

Here is a better picture of the front before the refashion:DSC_0066

I cut that middle band off:DSC_0069

Unpicked just an inch or so of the gathered front, where the white arrow is pointing:DSC_0073

Luckily, I had an extra pair of ties that tied in the back.  They were cute, but unnecessary, so I cut them off and cut them open lengthwise:  DSC_0074

I set my sewing machine tension to 9 and gathered the strips:DSC_0076

Then sewed the ruffles onto the top!  Even if you aren’t trying to get better coverage, I saw ruffles on many of the swimsuits, low cut or not.  It just looks cute!DSC_0079

It added a good 3 inches to the lowest point of the top!  DSC_0080

*Obviously, not every swimsuit will have extra ties to do this with.  You can find some matching swimsuit fabric, use a pair of matching bottoms that you can cut up, or there may be some extra length on your swimsuit (which was what I had originally planned on doing—just taking some off the bottom to make the ruffles).  I also thought you could try it with knit or, if you don’t mind finishing the edges, any other fabric, though it will probably fade in the chlorine.  White ruffles could be cute and wouldn’t fade, however!*  DSC_0083

And P.S.  These pictures are a bit embarrassing to post…me, with my bright whiteness, posting a bit too much skin for my comfort!

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Comments

  1. seriously great work! i am a bit terrified to try sewing with swim suit fabric. and sweetie, you are not as white as you think… pleasantly pinkish/brown. ;)

  3. That looks awesome. I love this idea. It is true that the only bathing suits i can ever find are so low cut. This idea is perfect.

  4. I agree with nicke!
    You are honey colored m’Dear, and that is not the same as oatmeal porridge, which is what I am before I start to slather on the layers of fake tan.

    I love the idea of unpicking the gathers and ruffling the ties. Great inspiration there as it is near impossible to find a swimsuit that I like, but you have given me ideas on how to dress them up a bit.

    Thanks, and thanks for the happy beach piccie too!

  9. Hey, great idea. I’ve been in the same swimsuit for years too, but it has only seen the pool a few dozen times. My poor Arizona kids, with a mom who hates swimming… :)

    I love your refashion much more than the original!

  12. That looks fantastic! Much cuter than the original and looks professionally done!!! Good job. I am about to refashion a couple of my daughter’s suits to help her maintain a little modesty as well. We have much difficulty dressing her, as she is only 13, but very tall, and wears a women’s medium (unfortunately most styles for women are either inappropriate or not cute enough for her at 13). I was worried at how they might look after, but you have given me encouragement. I really hope ours come out as well (or even close and I’ll be happy). Thank you for sharing this post.

    And by the way, I think you look fantastic. :)

  13. Eine tolle Idee,
    mach was, aus dem was du hast.
    Dein neuer( alter) Badeanzug ist wie ein neu gekaufter, und hat kein Geld gekostet.
    Liebe Grüße
    Christiane

  19. wow… very creative.

    I am currently 6 months pregnant and had to go bathing suit shopping last weekend. It was absolutely horrifying. I ended up buying the most hideous one available at Motherhood because it was the only one that kind of fit my boobs.
    Then I decided to look and see what Target had. I was able to piece together something much cuter. I will be making a return to Motherhood

    Anyway… all of that rambling basically to say… I hate shopping for swim suits and your small change to yours is really creative and cute!

  25. What a great idea! I’m always having to “modestfy” clothes for my 12 & 14 year old daughter. I’m off to get some fabric to work on a swimsuit today! Did you attach the ruffles to the top or just to the straps? Thanks!