May 19, 20203 min read

DIY High Waisted Bikini Swimsuit Out of Leggings (Easy Sewing!)

The weather is warming up and it's time to ramp up the summer outfits! I've been having a blast transforming and upcycling, and I thought a handmade bathing suit would be a fun project to tackle. Here's how to transform basic leggings or yoga pants into this adorable high waisted bikini swimsuit with some simple sewing!

Gather Materials

What you'll need:

Leggings or yoga pants
Washable marker
Sewing machine
Fabric scissors
Sewing clips

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Step 1: Cut & Clip Bottoms

While wearing the pants inside out, use a washable marker to lightly mark where you'd like your bottoms to fit. Then take them off, fold them in half and cut slightly outside the lines so you have extra material to work with. You can always cut more off later if needed.

Fold the edges about half an inch and clip them in place.

Step 2: Cut Front Panels of the Top

Take the first pant leg and cut it open along the seam. Then trim the edges to create an even rectangular shape. Fold the fabric in half to create two even layers, and cut it open along the fold. This will create the two panels that will become the double-layered front of the top.

Step 3: Cut & Clip Straps

Cut the second pant leg open along the seam. Then cut a long strip that is 2-2 1/2 inches wide. Cut that in half to create two even strips, and fold each strip so the outer edges overlap in the middle and clip them in place. These will be the halter straps.

Then cut four shorter strips and repeat the same process of folding and clipping. These will be the back straps of the top.

Step 4: Sew All Straps

Using a zig-zag stitch to maintain elasticity, sew right along the middle of each strap.

Step 5: Attach Halter Straps

Place the first panel down with the right side up and lay the "bottom" of each halter strap on top, about an inch from the sides. Place the second panel on top, right side down, to sandwich the straps. Slightly pull the ends of straps out and clip them in place.

Sew along the entire edge to attach the straps and create a hidden seam at the top.

Step 6: Attach Back Straps

Flip the top panel and halter straps up out of the way and place the four back straps on top of the bottom panel, evenly spaced. Then lay the halter straps and back panel back down on top and clip the back straps in place along each of the side edges, slightly pulling the ends out as you clip.

Sew through both panel layers and the ends of the four back straps.

Step 7: Sew Bottom Seam

Stuff all of the straps in between the two panels and place a clip about 2 inches from the side edge of the bottom. Sew along the bottom until you meet the clip, leaving a small opening. Then flip the top back to the right side through that opening and sew one stitch along the entire bottom edge.

Step 8: Cinch Top

Cinch the top by cutting a 3-inch wide strip from the excess fabric and slipping it through the top. Then tie a knot, trim and hide the knot inside. The top is complete!

Step 9: Sew Bottoms

Sew with a zig-zag stitch along the folded edges of the bottoms and flip them back to the right side. That's it!

All done!

You now have a new swimsuit to show off that you made all by yourself! No one will believe they were once leggings. Thanks for checking out this tutorial!