The Ryder top is a 2-in-1 bikini top where the either the front or back can be worn in front. It is easy to make and is beginner-friendly!
Rosie Top Written Directions
If you prefer video instructions, click on the image below to watch the tutorial:
Materials
-1/2 yard of swimwear fabric
-Swimwear elastic (recommended for the best fit)
-Seam ripper
-Overlock machine OR zig-zag stitch on a regular sewing machine
Step 1
Assemble your pattern by cutting out the pieces, taping them together, then cutting out the size you would like to make.
Step 2
Cut your pieces. If you want to make your top reversible, make sure to have two different fabrics to use. Cut two of the front piece, and two in each of the back pieces.
You will also cut your 2 strap pieces according to the measurements provided in the pattern.
Step 3
Match your fronts and backs with right sides together. Pin and then sew along the marked areas. If you're making straps, you'll fold them with right sides together lengthwise, and pin and sew the raw edges together.
Add elastic to almost all these same marked areas, as well as on the straps.
Step 4
Once your straps are sewn, use a loop turner or safety pin to turn them to the right side. Then, take a seam ripper and seam rip where you want your straps to go. We recommend placing them 3.5"-4" in from each side. Once you've seam ripped, insert each strap into each strap opening. Pin, then sew down to secure.
Step 5
Now we are going to attach the back pieces to the front. To do this, flip your BACK pieces out to the right side. With your FRONT piece still inside out, insert the back pieces inside of it. If you do this correctly, right sides should be together since your back piece is right side out and your front piece is inside out.
Step 6
With the back piece still inside of the front piece, guide the sides so they're matched up. Pin them down and then sew to secure. You should be sewing through 4 layers of fabric.
Also note that everything should be tucked inside before you sew.
Step 7
Now we can take the top all the way to the right side. To do this, seam rip a small hole along the bottom edge, or anywhere along an existing seam.
Step 8
Through the hole, pull your top all the way through to bring it to the right side.
Step 9
Next, it's time to place the straps in the front piece. To do this, we first need to seam rip 2 holes. Again, seam rip about 3.5"- 4" in from the side seam on each side.
Insert the straps inside, then sew them down from the inside using the hole we left in the previous step.
Step 10
Finish off the hole on the front piece. You can either to a top stitch or you can use an invisible stitch.
That completes the Rosie top!
Additionally, if you have questions about sewing or construction, our Facebook group is a fantastic resource for new and experienced sewers alike. You can join here: https://facebook.com/groups/edgewaterave