Alexandria Swimsuit Pattern Hack: How to add wrap around ties

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During testing for the newly released Alexandria Swimsuit Pattern I created a hack for one of my suits. This Alexandria Swimsuit Pattern Hack will show you how to create a tie that wraps around the entire waist as opposed to just the tie front. I posted all my swimsuits as well as a full pattern review here. Read on below to see how to create a full wrap around tie for this suit or your favorite one piece swimsuit pattern.

Side Tie Swimsuit Hack:

Step 1: Cut ties for your suit from your swim fabric. I wanted my completed ties to be 1.5 inches long so I cut each piece 3.5 inches long. (This allowed a 1/4 inch seam allowance). The width will be determined by your waist and how wide the ties need to be to wrap around your waist. You will cut one short tie and one long tie that will wrap around. For my suit I cut the short strap 3.5″ x 13″ and the long tie 3.5″ x 38″ (my wider strap is cut on the fold in this picture).

 

Step 2: Fold your strap in half, right sides together and stitch together down the long side using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. As you reach one end of the tie (about 3 inches from the end) begin to curve towards the folded edge to create a point.

Step 3: Turn the ties right sides out. Place the longer strap on top of the shorter strap with the seam centered in the back. Pin to the right side of the swimsuit front where the wrap piece curves at the side seam. Make sure the tie ends are pointed inside the suit and pin them out of the way. Baste using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Place the back of the suit on top, right sides together and stitch together.

Step 4: Turn your suit right sides out and you are done! Enjoy your new side ties. The shorter tie should be on top once sewn and turned right side out. This allows you to wrap the tie around your back to the front and tie with the shorter strap.