How to Make This Low Back One-Piece Easy Swimsuit Tutorial
Hey guys! I’m back with another sewing tutorial and in this one we’ll learn how to make this classic low-back one-piece.
This is a super easy design, so even if you’re new to sewing, I promise you can make it! You also won’t be needing a pattern because I make everything using clothes I already own, and will show you how to do it too.
So if you’re looking for a new, simple yet flattering go-to one-piece to wear this summer, be sure to try this out!
Also, if you want to customize it a bit, there are easy changes you can make, like making a lower-cut V or a scoop neck or full coverage at the bottom. Feel free to customize it however you like.
Now, let’s get started! First I’ll talk about the materials you need.
Everything You'll Need to Make This Low-Back One-Piece:
Just so you know, I’ve added a link to most of the materials below so you know where to find them. I’m not an affiliate for any stores mentioned; these are just the products I use.
- Fabric – You’ll need about one yard of swimsuit fabric and a half to full yard of lining fabric for this low-back one-piece. Here’s where you can find this fabric, plus a few of my other favorite places to buy swimwear fabric:
- Same fabric but haven’t tested this seller on Etsy
- Fabric Fairy: Where I originally got the fabric (they don’t have it anymore but have tons of other options)
- Knit Fabric: Another of my favorites with high-quality, quick delivery swimwear fabric
- Favorite Etsy fabric shop: They have tons of gorgeous, high-quality fabrics – and you can even make custom prints!
- Fabric.com: Another of my favorites (I’ve linked a similar pineapple fabric)
- Eco-friendly swimwear fabrics: Though they’re a bit pricier, they’re better for the planet and are super soft & comfy! Check out my full review of Repreve fabric here.
- When I do get lining fabric, I almost always just buy it in bulk from Joann Fabrics. They often have coupons online or in their app, so it’s a great place to stock up on lining fabric.
- Matching thread – I like to use 100% polyester thread for swimwear, since it’s nice and durable. You can find this at pretty much every fabric and craft store.
- Sewing machine, of course! If you’re new to sewing and need a machine or just want to know what my favorite machines are, check out this list of my favorite affordable options.
Total Cost for This One-Piece:
In order to be as transparent with you as possible, I like to share the total cost of each of my designs so you can compare it to what you’d normally spend. Here’s what the cost of this one was.
Pineapple fabric: $12.99
Lining fabric: $5.99
100% polyester thread: $2.99
Total cost: $21.97
This is something I always like to mention not only in the name of transparency, but also for you to compare to fast fashion brands.
I realize big brands like that can afford to buy materials in bulk so it wouldn’t cost the same for them to buy materials for one swimsuit. However, it’s important to point out that, if they’re using quality materials, it still won’t exactly be cheap. And that’s just for the price of the materials, NOT the craftsmanship behind the final product!
Now, imagine you’ve just bought a swimsuit for $20 from Forever 21. Do you think the person who made that swimsuit was paid fairly for their time?
I’ll let you decide, but if you’ve made a swimsuit before, you know how much work goes into it!
Just some food for thought next time you’re considering buying from a fast fashion brand. (Not trying to make you feel guilty if you do, but just know that there are some other easy alternatives like these.)
How to Make This Low-Back One-Piece:
Since it’s easier to show you than describe it to you, I made an entire step-by-step tutorial for this suit. Scroll back to the top to watch it or click here to watch on YouTube!
And, as always, feel free to ask any questions you might have. I’m always happy to help!
That's it!
I really hope you enjoyed the tutorial and try it out. If you do, let me know how it goes and be sure to post a picture and tag me @emilystuebing so I can see it and share! Can’t wait to see how your low-back one-piece turns out.
Happy sewing!
Love,
Emily
P.S. – Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to get updates whenever I post a new video. There are lots more super fun and unique designs coming your way! Thanks for watching and catch you next time.
P.P.S. – Head over here to see all my other tutorials here on the blog or on YouTube.