Violet Women's Bikini
Here’s one of our most eagerly awaited sewing tutorials: the bikini! Both the top and bottoms have ties, making them easy to adjust to your body.
Project preview
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Sew the lined Violet bikini: a triangular top with a deep neckline and tie-fastened bottoms that adjust independently at each side.
The top covers the sides of the bust while leaving a low center neckline, and its ties let you adjust the fit.
The bottoms include two back options: a smaller, lower-coverage version and a higher version with more coverage.
Pack the finished set in the summer maxi tote with a waterproof pocket.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Prepare swim Lycra and slightly smaller lining pieces for controlled edges.
- Sew and turn narrow bikini ties with stretch-friendly seams.
- Shape the top with darts and join the bottoms at the crotch.
- Stabilize the leg openings, upper edges and underbust edge with elastic.
- Stretch elastic evenly while sewing with a zigzag or elastic stitch.
- Insert the ties between the outer fabric and lining before turning.
- Close the lined pieces through discreet openings.
Fabric and materials
Use swimwear Lycra, swim lining and elastic. A stretch or ballpoint needle helps the machine form reliable stitches in the elastic fabric.
Virgin rubber swim elastic is recommended because it withstands water, sunlight and chlorine better. The class also demonstrates ordinary 1 cm elastic as an alternative.
If your swim fabric is opaque enough, the instructor discusses lining only the front crotch, following the method in the swimsuit class.
Make it your own
Choose the smaller or fuller-coverage back independently of the top size. The top and bottoms do not have to be cut in the same size.
Check the paper pattern against your body before cutting. If the back ties seem short for your circumference, the instructor suggests adding 5 cm.
The PDF lets you cut eight tie pieces on the fold or sixteen separate pieces, depending on which layout uses your fabric more efficiently.
Sizing
The pattern covers S, M, L, XL and XXL. Measure the top and bottoms separately so each part can be selected for your body rather than as a fixed matching size.
The video class comes with the downloadable Violet bikini pattern, including both back options for the bottoms.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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