How to Sew Reversible Bikini Bottoms (Updated) | Beginner-Friendly Sew-Along | Katie Fredrickson

[@beckslicka]

This is so much easier than the original version wow

[@alexisthompson6310]

I drafted my own pattern (I wanted high waist bottoms) but used this tutorial and they turned out great! I don’t have a serger yet so I used my regular machine and a stretch stitch and everyone who saw them thought I had bought them! This tutorial is amazing, so don’t let not having a serger stop you!!

[@EdgewaterAve]

So glad it worked out!

[@alexisthompson6310]

@@EdgewaterAve Thank you! This tutorial is amazing! I actually just bought the Ranger bottoms pattern to make for a friend as a Christmas gift! I’m super excited to get started on them now that I have a serger! I got one for my birthday from my parents and it’s a game changer! The sewing machine I have is a very basic model Brother, and it doesn’t do great with stretchy material. I just got the Brother ST4031 serger and it’s amazing! I went with that over the 1034D because it’s marketed as being “Strong and Tough,” and it’s been great on everything I’ve tried so far!

[@dhanestv479]

Hi

[@20xcountry08]

I suggest to single needle the lining and self instead of pinning the pieces if you are comfortable doing that; it's a lot faster. When you overlock the fulflex to the leg opening and waist, you can clean the edges there. After you turn over the swimsuit right side out, you would crack the single need thread by stretching the seams (you don't need it anymore, single needle was just to hold the lining and self together). Also, you only really need the wooly nylon thread for the Loopers on the overlock, so 2 wooly and 2 or 1 spun poly thread for the needle part of the overlock. For swim, I'd suggest to use 4 thread overlock to security. Other than that, good update video! This one was a bit more clear on turning the pieces over 👌👏

[@Trailerah]

I have watched so many different tutorials on reversible bikini bottoms, and yours is definetly my favorite. IT gives the best result

[@SheerStitchery]

Love this! No seams, how comfy 🌸

[@ariannagarcia8205]

I’ve been doing it the other way! This new technique is so much easier...!!! I’m excited, im going to try it later today 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@steffiward6224]

the best sewing tutorial channel

[@chelseadarouse3403]

BLESS YOU! I have been staring at a McCall's swimwear pattern til my eyes bled trying to figure out what they wanted, then tried (unsuccessfully) to go my own way, ripped out all my seams and started again from scratch, couldn't make things work and was about to give up on making my own swimwear before I found this.

[@EdgewaterAve]

Hahahah this has been my exact experience with so many patterns! Glad you found this useful!

[@finaveret]

I just bought the patterns and will be trying this today❤️

[@EdgewaterAve]

Yay! Good luck & have fun!

[@Flowerlady87]

Yess Just made my first reversible bikini bottoms and top. Thank you a lot

[@lisap1317]

I love to see you video progress I remember that at first i never understood the whole process because of the video angle, but now everything looks so easy! Love your videos so much learned so much from you!

[@janegarcia7561]

Watching this after making one the "old" way made me so happy! I'm about to make another THIS way!

[@EdgewaterAve]

I totally agree, it’s way better!

[@rubychurch3466]

Wow, so simple yet looks so great. Not sure if you’ll see this, but my question is, how do they stay up? You put no stretch on the elastic. So I’m wondering if they get wet etc, will they sag? I understand why you don’t stretch, to get that good unpuckered look. Thanks if you see this.

[@rachelbocus5611]

Thank you for showing us it in real time with the elastic I think I need to slow down 🙈

[@SweeetSpice]

I finally made my first bikini with one of your tutorial yesterday (maxine top) and it turned out really nice! Super happy since I have very little knowledge or experience! I am going to try and make this bottom now :) I am just wondering, do you sell your swimsuits or do you only sell patterns? If you do sell swimsuits, do you do them all by yourself (how many can you make in a day and how long does it take you?). Sorry for the questions 😬 And thank you for the tutorials!

Very cool ! I like it a lot when you wear and test your work.

@@EdgewaterAve You can test it on dummy! It doesn't have to be you. The result in the doll will also help to visualize. The main thing is that you keep yourself from unwanted comments! This adds nothing. A big hug and even the next video.

@Katie Fredrickson Dummy = dress form = doll. Nice ! I have one suitable for dranping (three-dimensional modeling) in my workshop. When you go for a walk in Rio de Janeiro, I invite you to have a coffee here. Enjoy to eat a wonderful cake that my wife knows how to make. Big hug and until the next video.

[@emilypfeil5053]

This is awesome! Infinitely more efficient than the original video. Thanks Katie, you rock!

[@brelynnwilliams9984]

Thank u so much for this! I was sooooo lost. Hurting for videos to teach me and i got it now thanks to you!

[@patriciazelaya1981]

I’m loving your videos after seen how many easy and not complications when you are sewing , that it’s awesome! 🥰 many thanks 😊

[@arianefourgon4298]

Merci beaucoup pour ces explications simples, claires et nettes.

[@gracewhatsherface73]

Awesome! So much easier than the burrito method.

[@sushylubritt8705]

Gracias ,muy bien explicado ,y aunque no hablo Inglés igualmente lo entendí perfectamente, me encanto😍 saludos de 🇨🇱 Chile 😘

[@erikalucerna5545]

This helps a lot, especially for beginners like me. Thank yooouuu!

[@katcaban9332]

SO much easier I get it now....Gracias!!!!

[@chrisy.8789]

Love your videos. I’m just barely getting into sewing but have wanted to make my own swimwear. Love your tutorials. I’d use a sewing machine since I’m a beginner but I was wondering if a z-stitch would still allow the swimsuit to stretch and be form fitting. Thanks for any advice for newbies!

[@realhotness1011]

This was super easy to sew along 😊 thank you so much!

[@EdgewaterAve]

You are so welcome!

[@kathleenagcaoili6139]

excellent! thank you for your videos!

[@KariieGalicia]

I think you just need the elastic be short size and that way will be the same for both sides :) Thank youuu for the videoo

[@pamelaedgar6769]

Thank you so much! The Best way to do it! 👍🏼😍.

[@beingbrei5323]

You’re so creative!!!

[@kAunJele]

Hi Katie! Would you be able to do this same tutorial but with the full coverage bottoms? I'm struggle on figuring out how to pin the crotch sides of the bottoms as they don't match up like the sides of the cheeky version.

[@isobellechristopherson7749]

Did you find out?x

[@isabelloza3580]

I made it with the full coverage exactly like this, and it turned out great!

[@ditteep]

Great video! What is "an invisible stitch" (very end of the video)? :-)

[@valerievanelzelingen]

I’m also wondering!

[@Jennifer-ud1ty]

Thank you so much Katie! I'm so excited to make these.

[@reneejones9662]

Such cute fabric!

[@ashleyflorian4777]

I am struggling to get the full coverage option to match up. The patterns limes dont match. How am I to resolve this issue?

[@estervalhova946]

Do i need the elastic band there?😂💕

[@cityrealtybelize638]

You are a genius! Thanks for sharing.

[@stephaniekeime5676]

Hi. Love this. Going to try it. My daughters are going crazy seeing your patterns. But I’m wondering about the bulk of the elastic when you sew at the sides and gusset. And then when you flip that. Don’t you have say at the top/waist at the side 2 pieces of elastic then sewn and flipped so the bulk of 4 widths of elastic? Been trying to do bottoms like this and that was a big problem for me before.

[@hashlevina961]

I’ve been thinking about this too!

[@laurenbell6772]

this was such a great video!! curious as to why did you need to add the elastic to a knit fabric?

[@ng5421]

Hi, I didn't understand why you don't stretch the elastic when sewing it, if you could explain...?

[@chilltorralba5548]

I love your tutorials i hope you can show us some lahana swimwear diys :)

[@NinaSharae]

Do you add elastic to the waist or it doesnt matter?

[@EdgewaterAve]

I recommend adding elastic to the waist!

[@margotportuondo5215]

how would I have left the opening for reversing it back other than using the seam ripper? xx

[@savannahdwyer]

Just got my supplies and printed my patterns. Excited to sew this weekend! I have a quick question - if you added elastic to both sides (vs. choosing one) would neither curl? Or would it just be too weird and thick. Thank! It’s my first time sewing a bikini YAY.

[@savannahdwyer]

Katie Fredrickson awesome, thank you! 💓💓

[@Magdalena-yz2in]

how did it turn out?

[@psy8085]

Katie can you show us how to sew for different sizes?

[@iamtanyamarie]

Are you stretching the inside piece when serging the side seams and gusset? I find I sometimes have issues matching up the sides exactly ... I dooo prefer this method best :)

[@giannapignatello9130]

Hi! Why do you use 3 threads instead of 4? Isn't 3 threads for cleaning but 4 threads for attaching? Thanks!

[@roseshayer4608]

What stitch are you using on your serger?

[@karlenehay4922]

👏👏👏 very good tutorial, I also make custom made swimwear.

[@laurenaguayo]

Hi, my sides came out bulky. How can I prevent this?

[@moriaanoukscheer9948]

Do I have to use an elastic or does it work without?

[@clairemanning6708]

how do you do the invisible stitch?

[@sk8luv2222]

Do you change your serger's tension when sewing the elastic on? I'm having a really hard time getting nice stitches over the elastic on mine

[@kimmares2918]

Same for me

[@tinastilwell9688]

Hi there, as far as the pattern goes, does it come in actual size?

[@annacchilds]

Hi! Do you have the cutting blade attached when you are using the serger? Or no? Thank you!!

[@AshleyPinz]

Do you add elastic to the top waist edge or just the leg openings?

[@EdgewaterAve]

Depends on personal preference, but I usually do!

[@kirawebster6583]

Great tutorial! I wish you had shown the invisible stitch at the end but I think I got it :) does anyone know how to get the sides of the suit even when you sew using this method? Because they’re inside each other they don’t seem to line up correctly for me when it’s all done, not sure what I’m doing wrong. Thank you!

[@EdgewaterAve]

If you watch my "2021 tips" video I show how I do a basting stitch to the inner layers before sewing! It really helps getting those seams lined up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKDckp15lrtrbpo And for the invisible stitch I have a video on that too! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKrdgaVsZducY6c

[@kirawebster6583]

Ooooo thank you so much, these videos are so great!! I’m making another pair soon I can’t wait to use these tips! :D

[@MoniqueBeauty22]

Hi! Do you think that sewing the ranger bottoms the way you sew the high waisted bottoms will turn out good as well, or we have to do this way only ?

[@melissacastignoli8050]

Mind keeps going up my butt after only a few steps … any suggestions??

[@Magdalena-yz2in]

Is the full coverage option on the pattern the updated less diaper like version that you mentioned on your try on highlight on instagram???

[@lindah5675]

Would the process be similar if I make the bottoms with a scrunch back?

[@EdgewaterAve]

Yes! I made a video on this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6jKZYinppaZlaM

[@IamJocie]

Do you serge with the blade or not? So hard to see. Especially when you're adding the elastic, wouldn't that cut the first stitch up?

[@lisawolfe6510]

What width of elastic do you use?

[@Joanieyt91]

No elastic?

[@devinanalisa3393]

What serger settings do you have yours on.? Mine is adjusted for knits but it still gathers instead of locking in place.

[@EdgewaterAve]

Try adjusting your differential feed. I have automatic tension on my machine, but when I play with the differential I'm usually able to figure out whatever problem I'm having!

[@Little.MissMaiden]

When you seam rip, do I just go back over the edges right there so they don’t come undone? Also can I just leave a small space when doing it during? So hard to remember! Thanks!

[@carregriffin2343]

HI! Hopefully you'll get this, as I see it's from 3 years ago :) I'm just curious, when you have a pattern piece all set, do you disengage the knife on the serger when you're doing this? Or are you just careful to keep it from cutting the material too much? Sorry, newbie! Thanks

[@EdgewaterAve]

I personally don’t disengage the knife, but you totally could if it’s helpful!

[@carregriffin2343]

@Edgewater Avenue so if not disengaging, just keep it from veering too close? Or, does it even really matter? Somewhat new to serging 😬 Thanks!

[@EdgewaterAve]

Yep exactly! It will trim off the uneven edges and that’s perfectly fine, as long as your elastic isn’t getting cut

[@carregriffin2343]

@@EdgewaterAve okay! Thanks for replying!!

[@angiebell1117]

Que lindo quiero aprender a confeccionar mis propios vestido de baño mucha gracias por todo saludos desde Colombia

[@jamesw832]

Very cool! Thanks! : )

[@EdgewaterAve]

Glad you liked it!

[@IamJocie]

Also in this video you're doing three threads and in your more resent videos with the four threads. Is there any specific reason? 😊

[@EdgewaterAve]

Nope, just testing out different methods! I personally prefer 4 threads but I know many people who prefer 3

[@tiller98]

Awesome! I’m having trouble when sewing the rubber elastic, it tear apart because of the needle. What I’m doing wrong?

[@EdgewaterAve]

Try using a ballpoint needle

[@CheeChee28]

Is your server trimming off anything when serging?

[@CheeChee28]

Thank you !

[@carolstaneck7694]

Hi Katie! Thank you so much for all your tutorials! You really are helping so many of us 💜 I tried making the Jace top when I first got my overlocker, but it was a total nightmare! Lol. I guess I wasn't ready for that at all. But now I gained a little bit more confidence in it, so I think I'll try again. If you happen to see this and know what I might have done wrong, could you please help? When I tried connecting the sides (with one part inside of the other, just like these bottoms), and turned them to the right side, the elastic was all funky (in the part where they were connected). Has this ever happened to you? It was twisted. I guess I just didn't position it properly when joining them. But I'll try again soon and see if I can do it correctly this time. That was my first time trying to make swimwear. Thank you again for your videos 💜

[@EdgewaterAve]

Try it without elastic and see if it lays flat! If you're able to get it right without elastic, then you can try trimming the elastic 1/4" before the edge of the sides, that way when you attach the sides you're not sewing the elastic down and it folds inside the seam! -Katie

[@danielmetevier6212]

Can this be done for a bottom that is more like an 80s style? A little more coverage on the back side?

[@EdgewaterAve]

Yes absolutely! Pretty much any bikini bottom can be made like this, but you'll want to make sure the pattern is drafted to be reversible like the patterns from Edgewater Avenue are. Otherwise it may be too small!

[@madisonarchuleta2507]

Hi, I just bought and downloaded this pattern, I’ve printed and cut it out. I kept it scaled at 100% and I’m printing on 8.5x11 however, I’ve cut the XS size and it looks like the crotch is going to be way too narrow to actually cover anything. The pattern says there’s a 6mm seam allowance included, should I add more or am I printing it wrong? I don’t want to make the bottoms and then not be able to wear them bc the crotch piece is too small. It’s measuring almost 1.5” where pattern pieces 2 and 1 meet at the crotch.

[@EdgewaterAve]

Where the front and back pieces meet is further back, the actual crotch coverage is a few inches up the front piece!

[@katherinevitello2331]

can I make this suit without a serger (using a regular sewing machine)?

[@EdgewaterAve]

Yes! I made a video on how to do that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKise5dmp7lqp80

[@isabelloza3580]

Just to be sure, I want to sew the elastic to the side I’ll want to show more?

[@EdgewaterAve]

Yes, this is because that side will become the "dominant" side and show better!

[@ajebony7403]

I'm definitely gonna try this technique its gonna save me a lot of time. thank you I love it!

[@tishaneilson3945]

what type and size of needle do you use when making the swimwear?

[@EdgewaterAve]

I use ballpoint needles and I believe mine are 90/14! Here's a tool list with product links: edgewaterave.com/pages/everything-you-need-to-sew-swimwear

[@libbyandally1014]

Where do you get cute wooly nylon fabrics I can’t even find it online

[@ashleyr.8093]

You don't want wooly nylon fabric- you'll need wooly nylon thread. For fabrics, a polyester/spandex/lycra will work :)

[@kellynewton8639]

What thread is everyone using, and where are you buying it?

[@AJmakesIt]

I use maxi lock stretch thread Amazon or local store if they sell it

[@angiesalazar740]

Hi!! ¿Can I make this using a single-needle industrial sewing machine?

[@EdgewaterAve]

Yes! Use a zig zag stitch :)

[@bmargretmc]

Hey girl, what elastic do you use ? Xx

[@EdgewaterAve]

Rubber swimwear elastic, 1/4" is my favorite! etsy.me/2Tw86T1 -Katie

[@kiipooh5361]

where do u get the measurement mat thingy from ? the purple thing

[@whitneymitchell7847]

You can get them at Joann fabric store and they always have coupons on their site. It’s called a cutting mat.

[@jesnomyperez6575]

Hola katy no se lo que dices pero me gusta su trabajo quisiera hablar el ingles para poder ente der mejor que Dios la bendiga

[@EdgewaterAve]

Dios te bendiga! Estoy aprendiendo español :)

[@bernandesaintil9331]

The hardest part for me is flipping the fabric over to the right side

[@anooprawat7314]

how to get pattern?

[@EdgewaterAve]

It's available here: edgewaterave.com/collections/best-sellers/products/diy-seamless-reversible-bikini-bottoms

[@sumardiono9995]

I want to learn to sew bikinis

[@mayrasantander2278]

My fabric gets wavy after so attach the elastic. I am careful not to stretch the fabric or elastic while I’m sewing. Any tips on how to fix this?

[@bansheeeeee5468]

same. i think it has to be the right fabric/elastic combo :/ I don't think that in of itself is big deal though and shouldn't make such a difference in the end

[@marissarose9866]

Is it bad I like the og video better:/ lmao

[@EdgewaterAve]

Not bad at all! Some people prefer that method since sewing through 4 layers of fabric can be tough!

[@thelet3878]

how do you do the invisible stich at the end ?

[@gina1328]

What settings is your machine on for sewing swimsuit material? I’m having a lot of trouble with the serger :/