Celebrity DIY Style: The Bikini

POSTED BY Stacy Schlyer, 09 June 2008

Summer has hit full force. As the temperature rises, everyone, including celebrities, have started worshiping the sun. Whether it's Britney and Jennifer's traditional style, Lindsey's strapless version, or Kate's thong, the bikini is still wildly popular. While swimsuits are available at most stores, creating your own version not only allows you a creative outlet, but also gives you the opportunity to make a perfectly fitting suit. Sewing your own swimwear like the ones above is simple and doesn't carry the hefty pricetag like the designer versions the stars wear.

The first step is selecting a pattern. There are several pattern companies that have swimsuit designs: Kwik Sew's catalog contains over 15 styles including several one pieces, Jalie patterns include bikini styles as well as takinis in a wide range of sizes, and McCall has two patterns a two piece suit and coverup and a women's takini and bottoms set. There are also a number of free patterns on the web including BurdaStyle's Jessica, Pattern School's swimwear tutorial, and don't forget Threadbanger's t-shirt bikini recon.

After selecting your pattern, you'll need material. Some brick and mortar stores will carry swimsuit lycra, but if your local fabric shop leaves you empty handed, you'll need to take your search to the web. Internet retailers such as Spandex House, Sew Sassy, and Denver Fabrics regularly carry this material. Don't forget to swing by eBay where you'll typically find lots of fun Lycra prints - sometimes large grab bags of swimsuit material is available which not only gives you scrap material to 'play with', but also allows you to create several suits for a much lower price.

[photos via CelebWarship]