I know you lot are a creative bunch and I can’t wait to see some of your own amazing swimsuits!
In the mean time, part 1 is focusing on a couple of extra style changes you might like to make. Jen (Grainline Studio) pointed out some lovely Madewell swimsuits that have a similar silhouette and I saw they did some nifty strap options on the back. I think it would look great on Version 2 with the low cut back, so here’s some how-to’s for playing around with strap options!

Criss Cross Straps on a Low Back

Here’s some swimsuit backs to give you inspiration on how to play around with the straps.

Source from top right, clockwise: Asos, Madewell, Kooj

To recreate this look, make longer straps for the neck ties, around 30-35″ should be enough to go across the back, but to be on the safe side you can sew the straps the full cross-wise length of your fabric & trim after you’ve tried it on.
You’ll want to sew up two small rouleaux straps, each about 2cm (3/4″) long and fold them in half to make loops. Sew these into the sides, just below the seam where the cups join the bodice. To recreate the Kooj back, take the back back from Version 2 and remove 2.5 cm (1″) from the centre back. Then follow the pattern instructions for finishing the ends of the bikini band in version 3.
Tune in for the next post which will go into some basic fit changes.