DIY Bathing Suit Cover Up From a Beach Towel
With summer just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about fun beach days with the kids and outdoor activities under the sun. Every summer, the challenge of keeping kids who love to swim sunburn-free and happy is real. And then there's the towel drama. I mean, raise your hand if you have heard any of these before (imagine them being read in a whiny voice)…
“Mom, my towel is falling!”
“Mom, my towel is too long! I CAAAAAAN'T WALK!”
“Mommy, mommy, fix my towel!”
Ummm, I have heard all of those, repeatedly from my twins for several summers now. NO MORE! I did something about it after finding a simple tutorial for making a bathing suit cover up from a towel. Of course I added my own twist by adding some adorable pom pom trim to mine.
This simple and cost-effective solution can easily be crafted with a beach towel. Not only will you be giving your kids an extra layer of protection from the sun, but you'll also be saving money, as the average store-bought cover-up costs around $50.
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here for my full disclosure policy.
Materials Needed for 1 DIY Bathing Suit Cover Up
- A beach towel. Use a small one if you are making it for a young child or a large towel for an adult. To check the length, fold it in half and hold it up to the to the shoulders of the person who will be wearing it. If it doesn't drag the floor, you should be good!
- Sewing machine (this is similar to my current sewing machine that I love–it's AH-MAZING and so easy to use even if you are not an experienced sewer (I assure you, I know next to nothing about sewing and I was able to make these)
- Thread that matches your chosen beach towel
- Pom pom trim
- Scissors
Time needed: 20 minutes
How to Make a DIY Bathing Suit Cover Up from a Beach Towel
- Measure and mark for the head opening.
Fold your beach towel in half and hold the folded side of the towel up to your child. Place pins to mark the width of your child's head.
- Make rough cuts for the head opening.
Cut about 1 inch vertical slits down each side where you placed your pins. Then cut the towel apart at the fold by making a horizontal cut. At this point, make sure the towel fits over your child's head. If it does not, make your hole a little bit bigger but making your vertical cuts a little bit longer.
- Finish cutting a rectangle shape for the head opening.
Make very small cuts at the corners of the short edges of the rectangle shape (just enough to allow you to fold over a tiny edge to sew). Then pin all 4 flaps in to place as pictured below.
- Sew the folded over edges of the head opening into place.
Sew all 4 flaps into place using a simple stitch pattern and then trim away any excess fabric.
- Add the pom pom trim.
Now it's time to have fun with the pom pom trim! Pin your trim in place and then sew it on. It's quick, easy and adds such a special touch! My girly girls LOVE the trim.
That's it! Here is the finished product :) Aren't they adorable?!
Best of all, it took me about 20 minutes per cover up to make. Talk about a smart investment of my time. My girls love them and now there is no more towel drama. Other moms at the pool keep asking me to make some for their kids–they are quite a hit! I hope you will enjoy making one or more for your kiddos (or yourself)!
More IDEAS FOR KIds & Teens
Wondering how I approach transforming rooms and spaces in our home? Check out Designer in a Binder®.
And if you want exclusive content and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, be sure to subscribe before you head out!
Last Updated on May 8, 2019
Thanks for posting a quick and simple DIY solution to a common problem. Your daughters are very photogenic and exude love. I did a similar cover-up with an adult oversize towel. Cut the towel in half *vertically*, to fall just below my knees. Used on-hand solid stretchy fabric for side panels, similar to how some scrub tops are made. I used a pullover tunic dress as a rough template. Simple slit down middle neckline. Had enough left over towel to make a hood. Since the double-sided terry was quite thick, I used plain, clear bags from the grocery store produce section as my Solvy, cut in one to 1 1/2 inch strips, to stabilize as I slowly sewed seams on serger. I love the pom pom trim, just not quick to add it to this older lady’s garment! I shared my adult project with you in case you want a mother-daughter look when you are donning your swim suit. God’s blessings.
Any poly should be fine, I am not sure what I used! Here is the link for ALL the Mohawk products that have been released to date available there http://amzn.to/1VZoiZ5 . The only thing that may not be there is the stain. Good luck
This is so cute! The pink dots completes it, Love it
Thanks so much, Jeanine!