If you’re anything like me, you probably love the look of a monokini, but finding one that fits just right can be a major challenge. In today’s tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to transform a basic bikini you already have into a sexy, perfectly fitting DIY monokini.
While my last swimsuit refashion focused on adding detail with sew-on trimmings and embellishments (you can check out the full post here) this project is more about transforming the entire silhouette of the bikini into something with a little more style and personality. The secret to getting the perfect fit is in measuring your individual abdomen and making the swimsuit match. With regular swimsuit shopping, it’s always the other way around.
Before this bikini refashion, this swimsuit was a basic high-waisted set that I never wore. I just didn’t love the cut of the bottom but once it’s transformed into a monokini, the detail only complimented the overall look. If you love the look of this bikini bottom, this one on Amazon looks similar for under $20
Supplies:
My supply lists are now shoppable for your convenience! Just click any aff. link below to get everything you’ll need to complete this tutorial from Amazon.
- An old bikini
- 12″ x 12″ Square of Nylon Lycra Swimwear Fabric
- Basic Sewing Machine
or Serger
- 3/8″ Clear Elastic
- Dressmaker Shears
or 
How To Make A DIY Monokini
The first step is to decide how wide you want the connecting piece of fabric to be on your DIY monokini. Use a measuring tape to decide how wide you want your connecting strip to be.
Tip: Be sure to use a Lycra/Spandex blend since this kind of fabric dries quickly, doesn’t wrinkle easily, and is specified as swimwear material. It should coordinate and compliment your bikini well so the whole thing looks like one seamless piece when you’re done.
Once you have that measurement, put your bikini on and use a measuring tape to decide how tall the height of your square should be. Find this measurement by holding your measuring tape at the top of your bikini bottoms (where your stomach starts to show) and the bottom of your bikini top. Trim your square to match these measurements.
Next, fold the small piece of fabric in half lengthwise and cut to create a curve (if you want.)
Now, it’s time to add some elastic to the sides of your monokini piece. this step creates a more finished edge once your swimsuit is complete. Use a serger or a criss-cross stitch on your sewing machine to sew the elastic to the long sides of your fabric. When you are done, you should have something that looks like this:
Now pin the bottom of your piece of fabric to the bottom of your bikini with sewing pins. Sew it into place using a serger or criss-cross stitch on a basic sewing machine.
You should have a bikini that looks something like this:
Now use your sewing pins to attach the top of your bikini to your monokini piece of fabric. Sew it into place using the same method.
Ta da! You my friend and DONE and now you have a cute, flattering, well-fitting DIY monokini. I really hope you liked this little refashion. As always, if you ever have any questions at all while you are doing this project, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below and I’ll be sure to get back to you asap!
I really love how this little project turned out. Now, it’s a sexy, fun little swimsuit when before, I really never wore it. I think it pairs well with the other beach vacation DIYs we’ve done together don’t ya think?
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