How to Sew a Stella Bikini Top (Beginner Friendly)
I’ve Been Waiting for This Bikini for months
I ordered this zebra fabric last year, already imagining the bikini I wanted to make with it, but by the time it arrived, summer was already over. It ended up sitting on my shelf for months, quietly reminding me of an unfinished project.
Not anymore!
With the first warm days finally back on the French Riviera, I knew it was time to turn it into something. I feel like temperatures here go from winter straight to the summer!
The Stella Bikini Top Pattern
For this project, I used my Stella Bikini Top sewing pattern. It’s a simple, beginner-friendly pattern that comes together quite quickly, but still gives a really clean and flattering result.
It’s perfect if you’re just getting into sewing swimwear or if you want a quick project before summer.
You can find the pattern here: Stella Bikini PDF Pattern
What You’ll Need
To make your own bikini top, you’ll need:
- 4-way stretch swimwear fabric
- Swimwear elastic
- Matching thread
- Sewing machine with a zigzag stitch
- Loop turner (for straps)
How I Made It (Step-by-Step Overview)
Here’s a quick overview of the process so you can see how it all comes together:
Step 1. Cut out all of your pattern pieces from your fabric.
Step 2. Place the bikini pieces right sides together and pin along the sides and bottom.
Step 3. Sew the bottom edge using a zigzag stitch, then attach the elastic along the sides, about 1 cm (0.4 inches) away from the edge.
Step 4. Leave a small opening at the top, this will be used later to insert the straps.
Step 5. Prepare your shoulder straps by sewing the elastic and turning them right side out using a loop turner.
Step 6. Insert the straps through the channel using the loop turner and adjust them to your desired length.
Step 7. Secure the straps in place, then close the bottom edge of the bikini.
Step 8. Insert the waist strap through the bottom channel and finish the ends.
For the full detailed tutorial, you can watch my step-by-step video here:
A Few Tips From This Project
- Always use swimwear elastic, it makes a big difference in how the bikini sits on the body
- Don’t skip testing your zigzag stitch on a scrap first
- Trim seam allowance carefully to avoid bulk, especially with thicker fabrics
- Double check your straps are secure before finishing, it’s much easier to fix early
The Result
This bikini turned out exactly how I imagined it months ago, if not better! Big plus is that I still have some fabric left! I might do another version of the top so I can mix and match them.
Sometimes projects just need a bit of waiting time, and this one was definitely worth it. The zebra print, the fit, the simplicity of the design. I lost count how many Stella Bikini tops I already have. I released many swimwear patterns, but this one is always the one I come back to time and time again.
Make Your Own Bikini
I cannot recommend you enough to try to make your own bikini, if you haven't already! If you’d like to make your own version, you can download the Stella Bikini Top pattern and follow my tutorial to make your own.
And if you do make one, I’d absolutely love to see it 🤍
Happy sewing,
Karolina
