The Ryder top is a knotted bikini top with lots of coverage. It is easy to make and is beginner-friendly!
Ryder 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. In total you’ll cut 1 of the front and 1 of the back in EACH fabric.
Once you’re done, you should have 4 pieces total- 2 fronts, and 2 backs.
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. We recommend you NOT to add elastic to the knotted area in order to reduce bulk.
Step 4
Once your straps are sewn, use a loop turner or safety pin to turn them to the right side. Then, insert them inside of the front piece and guide them inside the strap openings. Sew down to secure.
Step 5
Once you've sewn everything, flip your BACK piece out to the right side. With your FRONT piece still inside out, insert the back piece 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.
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 knot area, 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 back piece. To do this, we first need to seam rip 3 holes- the first will go in the middle of the back, where the straps usually go. This will be used to sew our straps seamlessly. Then the other two will be placed about 3.5" in from the side seam on each side. This is where the straps will go!
With your top all the way to the right side, place your straps where you'd like them to go on the back piece. Seam rip a 1/4" hole for each of the straps, and insert them inside. Then, through the middle hole we seam ripped, sew down the straps into the back piece while inside out. Afterwards, take your top back to the right side.
Step 10
Finish off the hole on the knot as well as on the back piece. You can either to a top stitch or you can use an invisible stitch.
Step 11
Finally, tie the knot area into a knot, and adjust to your preferred fit!
That completes the Ryder 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