That’s Sew Amy – String Bikini (Bonus: 5 Out Of 4 Patterns – Riptide Shorties)

I’m back! Sorry it’s been so long but I’ve been super busy. Since getting laid off I had a little more time to sew a couple of things and learn better photography – oh and take a much needed vacation to JAMAICA! The photography skills aren’t apparent in this post BUT I’m sure you won’t mind because you’ll be distracted by the gorgeous Caribbean Sea.

This string bikini is one I drafted on my own from a favorite swimsuit of mine. I’m a total newbie to sewing swim and I think it came out really great! Making the pattern wasn’t that difficult at all. The top is just triangles with strings attached. The top strings are sewn in and the bottom string just slides through a channel in the triangles. I made the strings a little too long though. Oh well, easy fix! I stole molded cups from my old bathing suit and inserted them into each triangle.

I was scared to make the bottoms but I lucked out and they fit great! I know the front may have a little extra width but I REALLY wanted to make sure to cover my crotch well. I hate bathing suits that come up too high there, I always feel like I’ll get a crotch wedgie! I used elastic in the seams on the sides and also on all the strings.

I found this fabric at Hancock Fabrics when they were going out of business and got it for 70% off – score! I adore this fabric, it’s amazing and the print is totally my style. I lined it with white swim from JoAnns. And in case you are wondering, when it’s wet nothing shows through 🙂

BONUS: I also made the Riptide Reversible Shorties by 5 Out Of 4 Patterns.

I have to say these are my all time favorite swim bottoms – EVER. You can scrunch up the sides so they aren’t as modest. Either way looks great. The opposite side of mine are black. I didn’t bother taking a picture of that side because it’s kinda boring.

I’ve worn these on water slides and no issues with them moving or wedgies (front or back). They cover all the parts I’m insecure about and still look great. I’m happy – go make these because I’ll be making about 10 more. They are actually really easy to make. The only hardish part is the very last step which you attach the waistband and it’s because you use wonder tape and swim is slippery. My measurements were waist 31 and hips 40 1/2. I made a size Medium but Small waistband. I also cut the rise 1/2″ down from the mid-rise.

Looking at these pictures makes me miss Jamaica so bad! I loved it there. The vibe is so relaxed and the people are laid back, chill and just warm. Everything is “No Problem!” and people don’t get stressed and rush you – it’s a great feeling. It was nice to slow down and relax. The only reason we were ready to leave was Hurricane Matthew. We were scheduled to leave Sunday at 12:45pm and Matthew was going to hit around 5pm. The resort had hurricane meetings, they started boarding up windows, they told us to fill our tubs so we had water. We tried to leave a day early but every single flight was booked. It was pretty scary the last day, but the weather was amazing and we ended up leaving on time. In the end Matthew by-passed the good people of Jamaica. It’s currently doing massive damage in Haiti, Cuba and now the Bahamas. I hope everyone stays safe and go away Matthew!!!