How to recycle an old tee into a bikini

Teekini Top

1. Find an old T-shirt (not too transparent)—the bigger the better.

2. Lay your T-shirt out flat.

3. Cut off the bottom hem of the T-shirt.

4. Cut off two more 1.5-inch-wide strips from the bottom to use as straps.

5. Lay out and pin an existing bikini top out onto the front of the T-shirt (make sure not to pin it through to the back!). T-shirt fabric does not need hemming, so it won’t fray after it’s been cut. Should you, however, choose to hem your suit, add a 1-inch seam allowance on all sides of the pattern.

6. Now outline the pattern onto the T-shirt. Once you are finished, cut the shape out of the front of your T-shirt.

7. Remove the bikini from the T-shirt fabric. You’ll notice that your top has very short straps. Cut out two strips at least 6 inches long, from your leftover scraps. Tip: Feel free to use a different stretch or jersey fabric to add color or flavor!

8. Hand-sew each strip onto the short ties of your bikini top so that your straps are long enough to tie in a bow. Trick of the trade: Once the straps are sewn on, tug on them to make them more string-like.

9. We added a lace detail and dyed our bikini top, but feel free to use your creative energies and add your own touch.

Teekini Bottom

1. Find an old T-shirt (not too transparent)—the bigger the better. 
2. Lay your T-shirt out flat. 
3. Cut off the bottom hem of the T-shirt 
4. Cut off two more 1.5-inch-wide strips from the bottom to use as straps. 
5. Lay out and pin an existing bikini bottom out onto the front of the T-shirt (make sure not to pin it through to the back!). T-shirt fabric does not need hemming, so it won't fray after it’s been cut. Should you, however, choose to hem your suit, add a 1-inch seam allowance on all sides of the pattern. 
6. Now outline the pattern onto the T-shirt. Once you are finished, cut the shape out of the front of your t-shirt. 
7. You will notice that your bottoms has very short straps. Cut out two strips at least 6 inches long and 2 inches wide from your leftover scraps. Tip: Feel free to use a different fabric for the strips to add color or flavor! 
8. Hand-sew each strip onto the short ties of your bikini bottom so that your straps are long enough to tie in a bow. Tip of the trade: Once the straps are sewn on, tug on them to make them more string-like. Fold the bottoms in half lengthwise and tie side straps to fit