Straps are everywhere in swimwear. There are so many ways to incorporate straps into your swimsuit designs. So today I wanted to show you my two favorite methods of sewing straps to use in swimwear. And in both of these methods, the result is a 1/4 inch wide strap – which is a pretty good size for most applications in swimwear.

You can also add elastic into the straps using either method – in the tutorial I’ll show you how to sew the straps either with or without elastic.

Now about the two methods. One method has some beautiful topstitching and is easier to use when you don’t have a serger, however it isn’t a great type for reversible swimsuits. The second method doesn’t have any visible stitching so it’s better for reversible suits, but it’s a bit easier to do on the serger (though you can use a zigzag on your sewing machine if you want).

two types of straps that can be used in swimwear

Ok let’s get started. First, a list of what you need, then the video tutorial. If you scroll past the video you can follow along with the written tutorial instead, if you prefer.

What you need

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Video Tutorial

 

Written Tutorial

Method One: Topstitched/Trifold Method

Ok, let’s start with the topstitched method. To start, cut strips of swim fabric that are 1.25 inches wide and however long you want your straps to be.

four strips of spandex ready to make straps

Now I’m going to start with how you would prepare these straps without elastic. Lay the strap out with the wrong side facing up. Then fold the top edge down by 1/4 inch.

Then fold the bottom edge up and over your first folded edge – so the fold is right along the raw edge of the fabric you folded down.

Then pin this in place and continue down the strap, folding and pinning.

When you’re done pinning the strap, you’ll have a 1/4 inch folded strap with a bit of excess fabric hanging off the edge.

Now if you were including elastic, the method is just about the same except you fold the elastic into the strap. This is how you would prepare these straps with elastic:

First, place the elastic on the wrong side of the strap, about 1/4 inch below the upper edge. Fold the top edge of the fabric down over the elastic, so the edge of the fabric and the edge of the elastic line up.

Then fold the bottom edge up and over the elastic, encasing it inside the strap, and pin.

Continue folding and pinning the rest of the strap. Here’s what the straps look like, the top one has no elastic and the bottom one includes elastic.

Now the rest of the process for these trifold straps is the same whether you included elastic or not. Take the straps to the machine and topstitch right down the center of the straps with either a zigzag stitch or a double needle. Make sure you topstitch with the folded side of the strap facing up – this is the outside of the strap.

Once you have your straps topstitched, just trim away the excess fabric close to your stitching.

And you’re done! Here’s what straps made with this method look like from the front and back:

 

Method Two: Non-Topstitched/ Sew-and-Turn Straps

Alright, let’s go on to the next method. This is the method you would want to use if you are making a reversible swimsuit, or if you just don’t like the look of topstitched straps. To start, once again cut strips of swim fabric 1.25 inches wide and the length you need your straps to be.

four strips of spandex ready to make straps

Then fold the straps in half lengthwise with right sides together and pin. This first part of the process is the same whether you will be including elastic or not.

Now take your straps to the serger (or use a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine) and sew the raw edges together with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Next, if you plan to add elastic, go back over your stitching and sew elastic into the seam. If you aren’t adding elastic, just skip this step.

Here’s what the straps look like after sewing – the one at the top has no elastic and the one at the bottom has elastic sewn into the seam.

Next, just turn your straps right sides out with a loop turner or a safety pin. And you’re done!

I hope one of these methods will work for your project!

If you want more tips to help you get started sewing swimwear, you might like my FREE Quickstart Guide to Sewing Swimwear. This PDF will give you the basics on what you need for sewing swimwear, choosing fabric, and tips for sewing your first few swimsuits. You can get it HERE .