DIY Bikini Top With Fabric Petals

Want to add a little flower power to your bikini top? 🌸 This tutorial breaks down how to sew a petal-style bikini that’s as cute as it is customizable.

After reading this post, you’ll know exactly what you need and how to bring this flirty look to life!

And honestly… this style is so pretty, I wouldn’t be surprised if you end up using this petal method to add fun fabric details to other projects too — think tanks, dresses, even cover-ups!

What You’ll Need to Make This Top

Swimwear fabric

For this design, you’ll need about half a yard (or 45 cm) of nylon spandex. I think solid colors really let this style shine, and you can play around with either matte or shiny finishes depending on the vibe you want ✨.

I also used some lining fabric to make the top feel a bit more structured, and it’s also the perfect material for adding a little pocket where you can slip in removable pads if you want that extra boost or coverage. Half a yard (45 cm) goes a long way—it’s enough for a couple of bikini tops!

The Elastic I Work With…

To finish the edges and give the top a snug-but-comfy fit, I used ¼ inch elastic. This brand is my go-to because it’s super easy to work with, and this particular size is especially great when sewing around curves and small areas. You only need a little less than 90 cm (or a yard) to make one bikini top.

Bra Strap Hooks

For the closures, I used two small bra hooks, placing them right at the front for easy fastening. These little guys give the bikini top a secure fit while making it super simple to put on and take off. And since they end up hidden under the petals, that also add a nice, polished finish to the design.

Other Sewing Essentials

You’ll also need your usual sewing sidekicks: a good pair of fabric scissors or a rotary cutter to cut everything cleanly, some pins or clips to hold things in place, and a fabric marker to mark where to start and stop sewing certain parts.

I used my regular sewing machine for this project (no fancy tools needed!). As long as your machine can do a straight stitch and a zigzag, you’re good to go.

The Bikini Top Sewing Pattern

For this tutorial, I used the Tammy bikini top pattern — the same one I used to make the braided strap and double strap bikini looks (talk about a multifunctional beauty!😌).

It’s not just super versatile, but it’s also the one that I’ve found gives me the best support and lift without needing any uncomfy underwire, which is why I keep coming back to it for different designs.

If you already have this pattern from a previous project, you’re all set!

DIY tutorial summary

Here are the five essential steps to sew a bikini top with cute petal-like fabric details and extra support. Check out the full tutorial below for all the details and sewing tips!

Step #1 – Prepare the Pattern and Cut the Fabric

Print the sewing pattern at 100% scale, check the test square for accuracy, and tape the pieces together, matching letters.

I started by cutting the two main front pieces from the nylon spandex, then did the same with the four lining pieces. I also cut the strips of fabric for the straps — the width for those is 1 5/8″ (or 4 cm), and below you’ll find the length I suggest for each one. Of course, feel free to play around and make them as long or short as you like!

Lastly, I cut a mix of small and big squares for the petals. 🌸 Below there’s an image to help you double-check all your pieces before you start sewing.

Step #2 – Create Pad Pockets and Layer Pieces

Fold the top corners of two lining triangle pieces down 3”, pin, and sew 3/8” from the edge with a small zigzag stitch, then trim excess to 1/4” seam allowance.

Layer a full lining piece on the wrong side of a fabric triangle, place the folded lining piece on top, and pin all layers together.

Sew a straight stitch 1/4” from the bottom edge to hold all the pieces in place (in the video it’s shown after sewing the elastic, but I also like to do it before that).

Step #3 – Sew Elastic and Neck Straps

Mark 1.5” down from the triangle’s top tip and 2” up from the bottom edge on both sides. Using a zigzag stitch (length 4, width 4), sew 1/4” elastic between these marks, stretching slightly.

Sew the neck straps with a zigzag stitch to enclose the raw edges, then pin a strap to each triangle’s top tip at 5/8” from the edge and secure with a straight stitch. Fold the top tip downward to position the neck strap upward.

Finish the sides by folding the elastic inward and zigzag again along each side to enclose it.

Step #4 – Make Underbust Strap Channels

Measure 2” up from the bottom edge of each triangle and mark along the base. Fold the bottom edge to these marks, pin, and sew with a small zigzag stitch.

Mark the center (1/2” from the edge) and sew another small zigzag to split the channel into two sections for underbust straps.

Step #5 – Petal Details

For petals, fold each square in half twice, round the corners, and arrange them with pins the way you like best (watch the video below for recommendations). Then, hand-sew petals to the outer fabric with matching thread, avoiding the lining.

Finally, measure the underbust straps around your body for an exact comfy fit, attach hooks to one end of each strap, fold the other end 5/8” inward, and sew for a clean finish.

Pass the underbust straps through the channels with a safety pin to finish assembling the top.

Watch How to Sew a Bikini with Fabric Flowers

Ready to bring it all together? In the video below, I’ll walk you through each step of the sewing process! From assembling the front pieces to adding the petals and finishing with the closures.

Feel free to pause, rewind, and sew at your own pace. 🫶

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve seen how each piece comes together, it’s time to sew your own! 😍
Remember: the petals don’t have to be perfect, just take your time and secure them with tiny stitches.

By the end, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind piece that you definitely won’t find in stores.