Do you have kids who love to swim? If so, 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 this awesome tutorial from my friend Corey at Tinysidekick. I followed Corey's basic tutorial but added my own twist by adding some adorable pom pom trim to mine. Read on to learn how to make your own! This post contains some affiliate links. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Materials for DIY Bathing Suit Cover Up
- A small beach towel {if you are making it for a young child–use a larger one 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 the sewing machine I got for Christmas–it's AH-MAZING and right now Amazon is running an amazing deal on it!} and thread
- Pom pom trim
- Scissors
DIY Bathing Suit Cover Up Tutorial
1. Fold the towel in half and hold it up to your child. Place pins to mark the width of your child's head.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Sew into place and then trim away any excess fabric.
5. 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 :)
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. A special thanks to my friend Corey at Tiny Sidekick for her tutorial and inspiration!
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out my other projects for kids!
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!