Who’s ready to save a fortune on their competition bikini? This girl!
Before you can get started sewing, you’ll need to stock up on supplies. The full list of everything you’ll need and links to where to buy it are listed below. Have a question about anything on the list? Just leave me a comment at the bottom of the post and I’ll get back to you!
EQUIPMENT
Trying to do this without a sewing machine is a little silly, and super painful. It doesn’t take anything fancy, though. In fact, the savings from your DIY efforts will actually cover the cost of your machine, plus some!
- Singer Stylist Machine ($170). I can’t rave enough about this machine. It’s the one I’ve used for years and while it’s not the nicest/best/strongest/fanciest machine on the market (by a long stretch), it’s super intuitive to use, works for most standard projects, and is really affordable. If you’re just starting out and planning on completing a few projects a year (or even just this one), this is the machine I recommend.
- Walking Foot ($10-15) to help feed the fabric through your machine
- Stretch Needles ($5). These are a must when working with Spandex.
- Fabric Scissors ($10). You’ll save a lot of time and hassle by having a new, high quality pair of scissors available.
- Optional: Rotary cutter ($10) and cutting mat ($30). These significantly speeds up the cutting process. You can see how I use mine in my suit video tutorials. I do not recommend using the rotary cutter without a mat underneath.
Total equipment cost: $240 with sewing machine or $70 without.
THE BASIC SUIT
- Swim Shapers ($12) to create the pattern for your top and insert as extra padding when finished, if you’d like.
- 1 yard, 4 way stretch fabric ($12-15). Read more about choosing your fabric and why 4 way stretch is important here.
- 1 yard liner fabric ($4.50). Choose from black or nude for the most versatility.
- 1 roll, all purpose thread ($2-5). Pick a color that will blend into your fabric without being distracting. I usually go with black.
- 3-5 yards of braided 1/4″ elastic ($10). This will keep your suit taught along the edges. The color doesn’t matter much here – we’ll cover it up. I use black so it doesn’t pull the light through the fabric.
Total suit materials cost: approx. $46.
CONNECTORS AND RHINESTONES
Read more about how to choose your connectors HERE and tips on ordering your rhinestones HERE. Or, pick a design from our design library (coming soon) where you can see the exact pieces you need to replicate your favorite looks!
- A center suit connector ($2)
- Two bottom side connectors ($6)
- Two top strap connectors ($8)
- Rhinestones to complete your suit design (read more HERE) ($6-60)
- E6000 glue ($7). This is the BEST for adhering stones to your suit. Keep it in your bag on the day-of in case any come loose.
- Rhinestone setting tool ($6). Use this to get the stones exactly where you want them without gluing your fingers together.
Total bling cost: $35-89, depending on the complexity of the rhinestone design.
SUIT STORAGE
- Bikini case ($40). If you’re planning to compete more than once, it’s worth it to splurge a little on a high quality, crush-proof case for your suit.
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