**HIGH-BACK VERSION/STREET WEAR- CLICK HERE**
**HALTER VERSION- CLICK HERE**
**MAXI WITH THICK STRAPS HERE**
Need more help? Click HERE
Probably my favorite 'la vie' project... ever. I was browsing through a swimwear catalog and saw an adorable beach cover up. I sooo wanted it, but obviously I wasn't spending $45 on it, plus, it was totally make-able. I made some revisions and here it is!
This was one of the easiest projects I've ever done for 'la vie'. It only took about 20 minutes and I can't wait to make a few more. I bought a little bit too much fabric, but that's ok. I'll probably make a jersey scarf out of the rest.
Maybe it seems a little too early to be thinking about the beach... but seriously, I can't wait. It has been a very mild winter in Michigan (it borders on ridiculous), but that doesn't mean I'm not ready to be warm... all the time. Plus, everywhere you look swimsuits are already on display. I'm guessing it's in preparation for Spring Break, which is only a few weeks away.
You'll have to excuse some of the dark pictures. I saw the catalog on Saturday at noon and bought the fabric that day on my way home. I was so excited about this project that I made it the same day! So, the pictures were taken late at night. However, I didn't model the project til today, so those are much nicer.
So- without further ado- the 20 Minute Beach Cover Up!
You'll need...
1.75 yards of jersey or stretchy cotton material, (about 1.5 your waist or hip measurement-whichever is larger, hold up the fabric to one shoulder, wrap across your front, around your backside and to the opposite shoulder. You want enough fabric for it to hang loosely)
Thread + needle or sewing machine
Scissors
(1) Cut it. Decide the length & width of your fabric. You want it to wrap around your body a bit loosely. I chose to have mine hit just above my knees. You'll also need to make underarm areas. I did that by folding it in half and cutting a deep "C". (*you may need more or less fabric depending on your size)
(2) Braid it. Next, take some extra fabric to create the braided straps. I took two pieces of fabric (1 yard by 5 inches) and cut them each into 3 pieces. I did it that way so that even if the little pieces weren't the same width, the finished product would be equal since each strap would be made from 5 inches of width. Knot the ends of 3 pieces together and braid, knot again. Repeat for the other strap.
(3) Attach it. Pin the braids to the corners of the underarm areas. Adjust the length until they fit your shoulder. Sew them. I used white thread so that you can see, but obviously your thread should match.![]() |
Cutting in the angle |
Another option: if it's bunching too much in back, you can add in a tapered curve. Start at one end and slowly increase your curve shape til the mid point and then back up to the other side. About 4-6 inches should be the deepest point- at the middle of the wrap. Remember- you can always cut off more later.
(5) Wear it. Start with the fabric behind you and wrap one side across your body, putting your arm through the strap. Repeat. Move the fabric around so that it lays nicely. Admire. You can choose to hem the entire project if you'd like. With Jersey, it doesn't fray so it isn't necessary, the unhemmed jersey will just roll a bit. Personally, I blog 5x per week + work 50 hours, so I'd rather skip that step. It will look more professional if you hem, of course. IF YOU NEED CLARIFICATION OR HAVE QUESTIONS- click here :)
It was so simple! I can't wait to do more. I think I paid about $8 for my jersey, though I bought too much. At that price, I can make one to match every suit I own! I have another idea for a no-sew version that involves beading. As soon as I can find the beads, it is being made!
I have to tell you that I didn't get my tattoo on Saturday :( I was so bummed! We got to the shop and their power had gone out. The entire street was down, and unfortunately, tattoo machines that operate on battery don't exist yet. I'm lucky, though, our artist told us that he was working on a tattoo when it happened! Luckily, he had finished the outline already. Otherwise it could have been a huge problem.
I have a big, fun week lined up! So hang on to your knickers- we are going to be BUSY! Don't forget about the monthly giveaway. You're automatically entered by "liking" the FACEBOOK, so head over there and get in on it! Pin It
This project is free for personal use is not to be distributed/republished without my consent. If this inspires a project for your own blog, that is awesome! But please remember to link back to my original post. Please do not copy this text, use the images or steal this idea for any publications. Thanks for promoting the freedom to INSPIRE!
Oh my gosh, I was literally 'just' looking at this (probably in the same catalog) ;) over the weekend! How ironic. Great work, and CUTE. I'll probably try my hand at making it.
ReplyDeletei bet it was the same catalog!
Deleteand it was like $80 on VS!!!
Deletewhen I bought the full length one from VS it was SOoooooooOOOO heavy I returned it. Im glad to see your blog/DIY so I can make one of a more lightweight fabric because it was super cute!!
DeleteSOOOOO cute!
ReplyDelete<3
Deletewas trying to figure out how to make this when I saw it in the catalogue, thanks for the tutorial!
ReplyDeleteNo problem! I'm going to do a new sew version soon. They are way too easy and inexpensive to make, there's no need to buy them!
DeleteJust curious, what catalog did you see it from?
ReplyDeleteHey! In this lawsuit-insane world, I can't legally say :/ I'm sorry :(
Delete*cough* a girls name...and her best kept secret..
Deletehaha! i audibly laughed when reading that- nicely done!
DeleteI just purchased one from said secret catalog....and am returning it and making this one!! Thanks for posting this!! Now lets see how crafty I can be!
Deleteyou can DEFINITELY be crafty! I've heard from a few people that received theirs in the mail and didn't think it was worth the hefty price tag.
Delete@AnonymousApril 27, 2012 12:59 PM, too funny! I saw the DIY on pinterest before I saw the catalog.
DeleteLove the tutorial and can't wait for the new one coming. Like you I can't wait for the beach weather either.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janice! I actually have *two* to finish now, so do please stay posted! <3
DeleteI hope you post them soon, I want to decide which to make!! Just love it that you have made tutes for these! Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteMaribeth- what a beautiful name! I did another one recently, but it was shamefully easy. Here's the link http://laviediy.blogspot.com/2012/04/diy-maxi-dress-refashion-no-sew-option.html... I still have better ones to do and I'll try to remember to remind you when they're up :) the best way to stay in the loop is through facebook :)
DeleteThis is awesome!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing it!
I am a new follower ;)
amber
Thanks so much, Amber! I'll try to keep it coming for you :) <3
DeleteThis looks amazing, and a great looking tutorial too. Will have to try this in time for my holiday. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteHurrah! I hope you have a brilliant vacation!
DeleteIt looks just like the VS expensive one! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank YOU for reading! :)
DeleteWhat an awesome idea, and so easy. I need to make this for my girls and I for summer! Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteTamika
I want to make about 50 more! I'm working on a street version, too :)
DeleteI have a friend who wanted one of these and asked me to make it for her. Thanks for the info, approximately what size is this one? She is a lot smaller then me and lives in another state.
ReplyDeleteHi Joanne! I wear about a 0/2 depending on the manufacturer. The nice thing is that it doesn't have to be exact, since it's loose. The real issue will be her shoulder strap length, if she could measure that for you, you'd be in great shape!
Deleteso simple
ReplyDeleteand sweet
can't wait to make
my own for this summer
thanks for sharing!
alison
Thanks so much, Alison! I hope you'll let me know how yours turns out :)
DeleteI'm so glad you posted this. I thought for sure that wrap was more fabric than it was. I will be making this soon. I might actually make a couple. Yay!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Katie! The more the merrier, I always say!
DeleteYour cover up is too cute with the braided straps. I saw this and made one as well, I did my straps with bias tape I will have to post pics. I love this wrap it is so easy and fun, even though I look great for having six kids, I am too shy to walk around in my swim suit without a cover up. I live in Florida so it is always swim suit season. :-)
ReplyDeleteWow! Six kids is quite a brood- I'd love to see a picture of your creation :)
DeleteGreat tut! Thanks. Perfect timing. Going to Palm Springs on monday and needed something just like this.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Have a wonderful vacation, Lyann, and thanks for reading!!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI love this...and I'm sure I *NEED* at least 5 and *WANT* a few more!!! I also thought about using ribbon for the straps...but we'll see! Thank you for sharing!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're into it, Skye! Ribbon would definitely work for the straps. I'm currently experimenting with 2 more no-sew versions that would be even easier than this one :) good luck!
DeleteDid you hem the edges at all or just leave them as is?
ReplyDeleteAlissa, I'm pretty lazy with jersey knits- I left them as is. If you want a really clean/professional edge, definitely hem. If not, you can leave them alone or use fray check if you're worried :)
DeleteYou can also use a rolled hem or just serge the edges and it would be a clean finish!!
Deletehahaha... You saw the same cover-up i did and had the exact same thought :lol: $45 is a little pricey when all you're paying for is really a strip of jersey with two holes in it :) Great tut... thanks!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the truth??? We're too smart for that ;)
DeleteToo Cute! Thanks for sharing - looks super easy and great gift idea for a weekend or summer party...
ReplyDeleteyes!
DeleteI'm in love with you for figuring this out!!!!! ;) Thank you!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm in love with you for reading!! :) :) thank YOU!
DeleteTo make this appropriate for like... every day wear rather than beach wear, you could sew in a lace back! How cute would that be?!?!?! And maybe even use like ribbon or some beads in the braided straps. GAH! So many ideas for this cover up!
ReplyDeleteKelsie we are on the same wave length! I'm working on a version for street wear as well as a no-sew! Stay tuned!
DeleteAs I am "sewing challenged" I would LOVE t see a no-sew version. :) Thanks do much forthe geat idea! I AM going to attempt thesewed version too. Thanks for the inspiration!! :)
DeleteAwesome! I just picked up some more fabric today, so hopefully I can have it done soon-ish :)
Deletethanks for sharing, look so easy
ReplyDeletethank you!!
DeleteThis is really nice! before we head to the beach next, I might just have to try it out! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI hope you do!
Deletegreat tutorial! i saw these a lot a year or two ago and thought they were a good idea. now i just might make myself one! :) lisa
ReplyDeleteFantastic! I actually work for "the company" and the day they published their version, I made this! I thought it was too cool to wait... I don't know how you waited this long! It's time to have your own!
DeleteFound your little wrap DIY through Pinterest...just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to figure it out and then post it for the rest of us! Nicely done btw and I too, will be making a few of these now...would be a great gift for a few friends I know.
ReplyDeleteThanks again...Happy Stitchin!
Mel
I want several! I think a brighter color would be fun, they just didn't have bright jersey in stock when I made it (back in February). I'm making a no-sew version this week, so stay tuned!
DeleteSince you have a Pin it! Button, may I pin this project? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOf COURSE! Thanks, Millie :)
DeleteDo you make these and sell them? I am not very crafty. It does look easy but I am afraid by the time I get it right I will have spent a much as if I bought it from the store.
ReplyDeleteKerry, we can definitely work that out :) E-mail me at la.vie@aol.com
DeleteI'm very excited to try this! I saw this in the same catalog too and i'm very excited to have a DIY version to try! THanks!
ReplyDeletePerfect! Let me know how it goes :) The no-sew version is being posted tomorrow, but I think everyone should give this version a try :)
DeleteWould it be possible to make this in a maxi length? I'm a curvy girl and would feel more confident in a long maxi length.
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely! Please check the blog tomorrow- the no-sew version I'm doing is full-length. Let the confidence shine!
DeleteLovely idea!!
ReplyDeleteI also would LOVE to know where you got your bikini... I am obsessed with giraffes and am in absolute love with it...
Thank you! The bikini is VS (like everything I own- I work for the company!), but it actually isn't giraffe :( though maybe it could pass for it!
DeleteLove this beach cover up idea! Pinning now!
ReplyDeleteThanks for spreading the word, Katie!
DeleteHow did you cit the angle? And how do I make it so the back isn't as low? Ugh I hate bathing suit season but I love this! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHey lady! Please message me on facebook or by e-mail (facebook link at the top, email is la.vie@aol.com) and I'd be happy to help you create one more to your preference!
DeleteGreat tutorial! Quick question, do you find that it stays on ok? I'm just wondering if it would fall off/slide off your shoulder a lot while walking around. Thanks! Great blog!
ReplyDeleteHi Steph! To be honest, I made this a few months ago but I live in frigid Michigan, so I've only been able to wear it for photographs. I haven't noticed it sliding around, but I've only worn it for 20 minutes at a time. If you're worried, I'd recommend adding a little button to the side to hold it up :) Let me know how it works out, and thanks for reading!
DeleteI used the length you gave for the braids and found that I had a ton of excess after sewing them in place where I wanted them. Instead of cutting them off I found that it was cute to tie them in the back which also holds the straps in place very nicely.
DeleteDo you think you could use a beach towel for this? I thought it would work great since I usually end up "wearing" my towel after I get out of the water anyway. I am looking forward to trying this SOON!!
ReplyDeleteJan Jones
Jan- you could definitely use a beach towel! You can cut up another hand towel to make the straps or use a thick/sturdy ribbon or other material.
DeleteRope would be cute too!
DeleteLove this! Totally got my mind spinning to make one with beaded straps. I was wondering about it's staying power or if it slipped much. It's so inexpensive to make I'll just have to make one to find out. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'm soooo glad you like it! In the above, I mentioned a beaded strap in the no-sew version- BUT... i wouldn't recommend a fully beaded strap, it definitely won't stay up :( But you can put a few beads at the bottom and get away with it :) Thank you SO much for reading!!!
DeleteMille grazie! Merci! Thank you!
ReplyDeletePrego! De rien! You're welcome! <3
Deletecool idea !!!!! love it
ReplyDeletethank you!
Deletemy my ... I've seen these a number of yrs ago, but now my grown grand daughter wants one. have been a home-seamstress.. look at a product or pic. and then make(copy) it
ReplyDeletebut having your tutorial is a heck of a lot easier
thanks, ciao
I'm with you! Why buy it when you can make your own? :) My best friend taught me that.
DeleteSo, as much as I'd like to say I'm crafty...I'm quite the opposite. Your tutorial looks so easy, so I'm eager to try it! I just have one question (may be a silly one) where do you cut the angle?!
ReplyDeleteYou are not the first person to ask! I need to go back and add it in. The angle is cut on the side that crosses in front of the body- the edge which people see. Start at the top and move toward the bottom so that the fabric is wider on top and narrower on bottom. It isn't a very huge slice, there's only a few inches difference between the top and bottom :)
DeleteThanks for sharing this. I am going to rock this look this summer without breaking the bank. :)
ReplyDeletethat's the only way to fly!
Deleteawesome :)
ReplyDeleteJust to say... Thanks so much!!! Love the idea!! And I'm following u at Pinterest!!! :) Happy days!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tatiana! You have one of my favorite names :)
Deleteayer por la noche gracias a tu tutorial hice mi beach cover up.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. (Lo siento, yo no hablo ingles)
Hey! Does this technically count as stealing?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/listing/94904991/pdf-pattern-simple-beach-cover-up
Some lady is selling "patterns" for what is essentially a rectangle with straps.
Wow! I wonder if people actually *pay* for that? I almost want to buy it just so I can see what the pattern consists of, haha!
DeleteYou are AWESOME! this is super simple! and looks great! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, YOU are awesome! Thanks for reading!
DeleteOmg this is great! So where's the other ''no-sew'' version? :D
ReplyDeleteLina! Beautiful name :) There's a link at the top (it's pink!) for one of my no-sew versions. I promised my FB followers to make another with a high back, which is coming soon. Follow on facebook to stay in the loop! :) thanks for reading!
DeleteThis is amazing!! It's hard to believe that something that looks so great was actually easy to make. I have to check out the no sew version too!
ReplyDeleteFor sure, Kate! It's so easy- no one should ever have to pay for it!
DeleteThank you for the tutorial! My in-laws are getting ready to open their pool for the summer and I am thinking I need to make several for Mother's Day .... and for me!
ReplyDeleteI found this from a pin that my girlfriend posted. This is perfect for us in Hawaii! You did a beautiful job and the tutorial is great and easy to follow. Thank you so much for sharing! It's beautiful! Love to follow more for the upcoming no sew version too.
ReplyDeleteAloha, Georgette
Aloha, Georgette! I'm so glad you found it <3 facebook is the easiest way to follow, but there are tons of options! I have one no-sew (actually two) done already... but there are more to come! Thanks for reading! Enjoy that gorgeous Hawaiian world!
DeleteThank you for this simple tutorial! After washing and drying the piece of jersey knit I purchased, I think that I would prefer a 2-yard section of fabric to make this for my size 8/10 body :) Now I have an excuse to make a different style of sundress with my 1.75 yard purchase!
ReplyDeleteYou know... you're not the first person i've heard this from! I think I need to move my 'fabric warning' up some place where it's more visible. I'm going to do that now before it's forgotten! I'm glad it worked for you- and save that fabric, I'm working on another no sew that is higher on the back, so it will require less fabric ;) thanks so much for the feedback, Aimee!
Deletematerial* (READ BELOW BEFORE PURCHASING!)
DeleteI will be heading to the fabric store this evening and would love to get started (and finished) on this great project! I am wondering what the material warning is, though. I can't seem to find the suggestion you have left for us . . . can you point it out for me.
Thanks!
Hi Kathleen! It's in the section about cutting. All you need to do is make sure you have enough yards to loosely wrap around your body. For me that was 1.75 yards, but it will vary from person to person. I literally unwrapped it at the store and held it around myself, making sure it draped in bottom and then brought it up to the counter and said, "cut this much!" :) good luck!
DeleteThanks!
DeleteDo you have the sew version available or any other version of this ? Nieces are requesting their Aunt to make one for them
ReplyDeletehaha, yes the no sew is available using the pink link at the very top of this page. I haven't been able to find bright jersey yet to make the other versions, but will look again this weekend. Thanks for reading!
DeleteThanks so much for the tutorial! Hopefully I can find time to make one tomorrow! What is the trick to making the back higher?
ReplyDeleteI just finished making mine! I love the concept but my straps wouldn't stay on, modeling was just fine but when I moved my shoulder it slipped. So I shortened the straps to no avail. Did you have this issue too? What should I do?
ReplyDeleteKristin, I don't have that problem :/ Why don't you email me some pictures of it off and on you and I'll see what I can do! I'm sure it can be fixed. Thanks! (la.vie@aol.com)
DeleteKristin, is it too short around? That could account for the straps wanting to pull forward.
DeleteI had this problem, too. Did you guys ever figure it out? I ended up just tying it around the neck like a halter.
DeleteI think your straps are too long if you're having that issue :)
DeleteI just got this in the mail yesterday from 'said' catalog and for $40 I can honestly say it wasn't worth it. I would love to make it but have absolutely no sewing skills at all and would be afraid it would fray or look cut poorly on the sides. Any suggestions besides the obvious ones you've posted?
ReplyDeleteHey girlygirl! did you try my no-sew version? If you're worried about fraying, you can buy the heat-bond stuff at any craft store. It makes a hem without sewing :)What sort of info are you looking for?
DeleteThanks for the response. I was looking for 1. when you first start, do you fold it in half to cut it or lay it flat out. 2. how do you angle it so it gets the kriss cross in the front evenly?
ReplyDeleteYes- I started with it folded in half because then your underarms will match. With the angle, I just cut one side, and then when you wear it, that's the side you want in front. You want it wider on top and narrower on bottom. We're only talking about a few inches, so for you I'd say to take a yard stick and start it at the top corner, then have it finish at the bottom, 3-4 inches in. Cut along that :)
DeleteThanks for the tutorial! I just finished making 2. One for me and one for my toddler. They are super cute and easy. I made the braided straps for my daughter and for mine I used a stretchy ribbon/trim that I had on hand. It cut the total project time down to about 5 minutes and added some great interest since my fabric store was low on jersey options this time and I had to choose gray. Thanks for sharing the tutorial!
ReplyDeleteI love it! five minutes is much better than 20 ;) You're awesome and thanks for reading!
DeleteThis is great! But do you think that I might be able to add some short floppy sleeves? You know, to keep from getting a burn on my shoulders?
ReplyDeleteyou know- that's a great idea! Try cutting half-oval shapes about 4-6 inches longer than the length you'd need for the strap. Gather the straight edge and then sew the ends on where the braided strap would be. It might work!
DeleteBrilliant!! Can't wait to make my own!! Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteMake several!
DeleteIs there any way you could give us rough measurements of this one and your height? I just made one (5' 5") and wrapped it around myself, guessing at the length, but didn't account for cutting out the arm holes, so it's WAY short up front, ha.
ReplyDeleteOh no, haha! Save the material, if you do any sewing you can add a panel to the bottom front to fix it. I'm also 5'5'' (and it looks like we're the same weight, too, so you can always just use my measurements probably!) and mine is 51 inches long by 26 inches high :) I hope that helps!
DeleteThanks! I don't have a sewing machine, so adding a panel would be more work than I want to do, ha, but I'm pretty sure there's a sale going on at the local fabric store still :)
Deletehaha! I'm always about taking the easy route. I used my extra fabric to make braided scarves. If you want to- that's always an option. Or save the fabric for a rainy day!
DeleteThis is great thanks! I'm in Cancun so hopefully I'll have for the beach this weekend :)
ReplyDeleteOhhh! have so much fun!
DeleteOk so I tried making this and first off I couldnt ever get the size right. it didnt seem to fit me around the body right (lay right) I am 5'1" and 123 lbs so I went with the 1.75 yards thinking that would be just right. Also after I did my straps the whole wrap didnt sit right again. Not sure if the straps are just too long or what. This was not as easy as it looks. Why can't I get mine right? I can email you pics of what mine looked like on afer completing it. PLEASE HELP!! because I have four girlfriends that want me to make them one SOON!. we live on the beach and they all want one for this summer season (which is now). Thanks in advance.
ReplyDeleteYes! You can email me at la.vie@aol.com. I'm running way behind with my emails- but I will get to is asap.
DeleteHi Andrea, I'm 5'2" and about 115 pounds. I used the 1.75 yards, the straps are 17" long, and the length of the fabric is 26". My angle in was about six inches. Mine turned out great! I'm not very talented in these things, so I was really happy! - Lisa
ReplyDeleteSo want to make this for my granddaughters. Looks easy so I should be able to do it. They are all different sizes and heights. Oh, boy! What if I measured their waists and then doubled the measurement for the width of the material. Would that work? I like the idea of putting short sleeves to cover the shoulders too. Great idea. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHmm... i think that would be about right? It would be easier to wrap it around them to see how it lays, but the beauty of this project is the lack of exact-ness. You can cheat it, if you need to :)
Deletejust did this with swimsuit fabric (and I can't sew for beans!) I love it and am SO excited to wear it! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful name, Jolie! I hope you'll send a picture! <3
DeleteDo you think you can make this out of a large (or maybe two) beach towels?
ReplyDeleteYes! one would be enough :)
DeleteI saw a tutorial on pinterest for a jersey knit skirt where they used a jersey sheet for the fabric! So I thought I might try that if it's cheaper. :) Thank you SO much for the tutorial!!
ReplyDeletei made this with my grandmother this week and it ended up taking a lot longer than it should have. if you are 5'2'' and around 130 like me you will need more than 1.75 yards. we used a jersey stretch fabric and in order for it to be loose and drapy we had to add in a panel. also, be wary of cutting the fabric until you are absolutely sure. we ran into problems with the depth of the arm holes. just take your time and it will save you time!
ReplyDeleteMeasure twice and cut once! Smart woman :)I put a note in about how much fabric will be necessary and to be sure to wrap the fabric around yourself loosely in the store before having it cut to determine the correct length. BUT no one seems to see it :/ I've even added in an extra! I'm thinking that a good measure is to get your hip or waist measurement (whichever is larger) and get twice as much as the circumference. Is that about the measurement you got of fabric?
DeleteThanks for the tutorial. My SIL and I made some today! But it was NOT a 20 min. project. More like 2 hours!
ReplyDeleteAlso, we twisted the straps, instead of braiding, which looked cute too. :)
oh my word?! You must have hemmed everything. I had one girl tell me she finished in FIVE minutes!
DeleteHi there! I just wanted to let you know that I LOVE this tutorial and I am so excited to try it myself. I would love to share this on my new blog (themodernausten.wordpress.com), linking back to you, of course! Please let me know if this would be a problem.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
attempted to make this and due to my lack of skills, I ended up with a pretty nice halloween costume! (i used zebra print fabric). My end result wouldn't pass on the beach haha
ReplyDeleteoh NO! E-mail me @ la.vie@aol.com with a picture of you wearing it and a picture of it on the ground. We can fix it :) I have three other versions that require less material!
DeleteI'm working on this. Going to try finishing the edges because I will like that look better. This is my first time sewing with jersey, first time sewing anything I'm going to wear. I have made a few quilts though so I know a little bit. I'm having trouble with the drape. Should the cover up be a rectangle or are there curved edges? I seem to have a lot of extra fabric in the back. I'm fine with it being low, but yours doesn't seem to have that extra material. Do I need to cut some of it off?
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem. To make it around my body, there is a lot of bunched fabric at the top. I am wondering if it would work to add some pleats. Maybe tack the fabric to assist in the draping? My mistake was using a sheet, therefore I am going to have to hem the whole thing if I cut the top fabric away!
Deleteladies, I think you have too much fabric on the sides. When you wrap it, is there room to cut more off? If there's a ton pooling at the back, that's probably the issue.
DeleteYou can definitely curve the top of the rectangle, the original actually does that but it's much more complicated so I left it out. If you choose to do that, just taper it from the side, cutting deeper toward the middle and then back up again at the sides. But I do think that it's probably too long on the sides :)
Correct me if I am misunderstanding -- Do you mean to angle the edges more? I have already cut down both edges, not just the front one. :(
DeleteI went from my first attempt being too short length wise -- so it is an awkward halter, to this one fitting perfectly wrapped, just with the bunching. . sad panda.
oh no! We can't have any sad pandas! (though that's super cute) Would you be able to email me a pic from the front and back of you wearing it? I can fix you right up from there :) la.vie@aol.com
DeleteHello, beautiful idea but I was trying to figure out which angle do you cut or adjust?? Please help because I need to make one ASAP!!!
ReplyDeletewhen you wrap the cover up around yourself- whichever side would be in front. You will cut an angle in starting at the top (where the strap is) and going all the way to the bottom, making it narrower on the bottom than the top. You can see a better image of it when you look at the other beach wraps I've done- I think specifically the high back :) Good luck- if you need any more help let me know! <3
DeleteThanks now I get it!! Ur the best ;)<3
DeleteAny help for if you don't have enuff fabric?? I cut it and now it's not enuff what now??! :/
ReplyDeleteHi Nykki! You can either add a panel back on (i've had to do this *many* times) thru sewing, OR you can try to DIY Halter Version (link is in pink at the top) which requires less fabric :)
DeleteLOOOOVE this tute. Thanks so much for posting it. Can you please tell me how far in from the corner and how far down you cut your arm holes? I'm leery of cutting too much and having a wrap that's too short. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah- the arm holes aren't really a big deal. Remember it's always easier to cut MORE off, so you can start small and see what works for you. I recommended to one reader that she could use a tank top to get a perfect fit. Match the top of the sleeve to the top your wrap and the side seam to the side of your wrap. Cut along the C shape and repeat for the other side :) Does that help? You can always e-mail me at la.vie@aol.com if you have questions! <3
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ReplyDeleteThank you I just made this dress using the tutorial!! Loved it great new summer wrap under $10.00 cant beat that!!
ReplyDeleteHurrah, Rosie! I'm so glad it went well! <3
DeleteMade two of them for my sister as a birthday present she loved them. After posting pics on Facebook I'm referring everyone to your blog. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteUmm---- who loves you? ME! <3 thanks for the press! send them to my FB page, they can win one of these all summer long!
DeleteMaking it tonight, gonna use beaded strappity do das (beaded bra straps) for the straps because I can take them off and switch them between color cover ups. Thanks for the diy, can't wait to see how it turns out.
ReplyDeleteYeah, girl! I'd love to see pictures! <3
DeleteHi, Auna. Just want you to know that i loved this project. I have blogged my version. Made two of this, one for my daughter and for her friend. Pls. check out my blog...http://bisayajudkaayo.blogspot.com/2012/07/diy-beach-wrap.html
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this.
That's great! Be sure to link it up down below where it says "links to this post" :)
DeleteDo you think this would work with a sheer stretchy fabric? I wear a one piece so it wouldn't be too scandalous lol! I love this tutorial so much! Can't wait to get started :)
ReplyDeletethat's great! Talk to me about the content of the fabric (percentages of cotton, polyester, rayon, spandex... whatever). You *may* need to hem it, too. :)
DeleteI pinned this a while ago but haven't made it yet... well I was just surfing around a certain lingerie and clothing website where they have the same wrap ON SALE for $40!!! No thank you! All I could think of is "I have this same thing pinned already!" Need to run to the fabric store asap!
ReplyDeleteYeah, girl!!! If you need any help let me know! <3
DeleteIs the back of this too low to be acceptably worn in public? I know you made a street version too but I like the low back look.
ReplyDeleteIt depends on where you're going- if it's a beachy/tourist area and you're heading to lunch, I don't see why not! I think you'd be alright.
DeleteI loved that beach wrap ...but I guess it can be used not on the beach only...I hope I 'll have some time to make one for me...thanks for the tuto!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessigns,
Nadya
very nice thank you so much
ReplyDeleteI dont have the talent in sewing but by reading on this tutorial I can see that its easy to make a cover ups!Nice one,I love that cover ups!
ReplyDeletePinned it, made it, love it! Thanks so much for such easy instructions.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I love everything about this comment! way to go, lady!
DeleteSo if I used polyester fabric, would I need to hem it?
ReplyDeleteIt varies, so it's hard to say without seeing your fabric. I'd hem it just to be sure.
DeleteI just saw this in the catalogue and said it would be easy to make! Thank you so much for the tutorial! Im going to try making a maxi style, as well as the shorter style :)
ReplyDeleteBrilliant, be sure to ask if you need help!
DeleteWhich "side" did you angle? And why? I am confused if it is the part that is the bottom when you have it on, the top or one of the sides that criss cross over your front?
ReplyDeletehi there! I ended up cutting in an angle because I thought it laid better, but you're welcome to skip that entirely. If you were to create the entire beach wrap without angling and then put it on, the angle would be cut into the side/piece of fabric that is crossed over and in the very front.
DeleteWhat a cute project! I love it so much that I decided to feature it in our roundup of beachy summer crafts! Check it out here: http://www.favecraftsblog.com/link-love-beach-crafts/
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Thank you so much, Julia! It looks great! I'll be sure to add the link to my "as seen in" section. <3 <3
DeleteMade this today with bright pink terry cloth.. came out a little more stiff (doesn't look as flowy on), but still cute (and big enough to use as a beach towel in a pinch too!). Thanks for the helpful instructions :) Once I have a better picture I'll add it to my blog (with a link back to you of course!).
ReplyDeletehttp://janiefromscratch.blogspot.com/
Awesome, Janie! I've had a lot of readers want to do this in terry cloth, it's definitely more stiff so I suggested they use less fabric (so it doesn't just look like a hot mess!), but soooo practical! Thanks for sharing your feedback!
DeleteIt's so lovely! I can't wait to do it!
ReplyDeletegreetings from italy
Liz
http://lechatongris.blogspot.it/
Thanks, Liz!!
DeleteHahaha! I royally messed this up! Bigger girls will need more fabric around and then you have to cut off a lot. Oh, well! I'll make something else out of it! Such a great idea, though!! I'll make it eventually and correctly!
ReplyDeleteMy friend posted a pic of one on Facebook asking if anyone had ever ordered from that particular site before, and I was like "Girl you could make one" and she was like "I need a tutorial" and I was like "Bam look at this blog"
ReplyDeleteSo thanks for saving my friend from spending her hard earned money!