***So I’ll note I haven’t made anything yet, I’m waiting on a walking foot and still looking for a pattern to base my bottoms off of. I wanted to just take a pair of undies that fit well and use them as a base but I want something more from scratch. Plus before I even make this thing, I want to make it with t-shirts since they stretch to a degree and since I don’t feel like buying testing materials like muslin.***
So here’s what I’ve discovered so far researching how to make one:
1. First things first, you need to learn to sew or alter something. Just dive in and start doing it. I went on threadbanger and turned some pants into a skirt. I learned how to roll my own hem, got used to threading my machine, and overall getting comfortable with my machine and pace.
2. Next, you’ll need a walking or rooting foot. Swim material is super slippery and will give you hell without one of these. Just get one. Go on youtube and see why they are necessary I recommend SewingPartsOnline’s channel.
3. You’ll need ballpoint sewing needles and pins. They don’t rip your stretchy material to shreds like regular needles do. Regular needles slice and cut on stretchy fabric. Ballpoint needles are rounded at the tip to slip between threads.
4. Use a zig-zag stitch or else the stitch you make will pull right out. A Zig zag stitch allows stretch material to still stretch.
5.Lingerie and Swimsuit tutorials seem interchangeable to each other. If you see a tut for high waisted panties you can use it for high waisted swim bottoms. Look at this
http://tinyurl.com/d3hgu2x
6. Get on Pinterest. The amount of tutorials I saw there defeats using a search engine. What you don’t know, someone else knows and was kindly enough to share. The Renaissance was amazing because people could share their knowledge in print but were limited by geography, Pinterest is amazing because people can do the same digitally and aren’t limited by anything.
Here are some helpful links to help you get a better idea of how to make your fatkini, rather than putting down a chunk for something you’ll be wearing a few times a year. I found all these through Pinterest, seriously get on it if you haven’t. Good luck!
Sewing Velveteen Bottoms
How to sew shorts and/or bikini bottom
High Waist Bikini Bottom Tut
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Sew-a-Vintage-Style-High-Waist-Bikini/
High Panty Tut
http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2012/08/detour-into-panty-land.html
Adding Cups to a Swimsuit
http://seekatesew.com/add-bra-cups-to-a-shelf-lined-swimsuit/
Diy Bustier top
http://kochammameichlebzesmalcem.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/diy-gorset.html
Making a Bra (this could be your bikini top)
http://www.leenas.com/English/sew_bra.html
Making a Bra and Tap Pants to match
http://afewthreadsloose.blogspot.com/2011/11/lingerie-sew-along-everything-you-need.html
Also look for tuts on leggings. The only difference is a lining, short legs, and elastic on the leg openings.
