Like a lot of surfers (really, people in general), I won’t pass up a chance to score something I need at a reasonable price.

I run through swimwear like water since I try to be surfing or paddleboarding as much as possible. A while back, I had picked this bikini top up at a local swimwear shop in Cocoa Beach called Mar Chiquita. It was in the clearance bin for only $5, locally made here in CB, and PURPLE. I’m sold.

The only thing that bothered me is how it tied. I am not a huge fan of the neck tie, the knots, and all the extra tie string leftover. I’d like to make it into an over each shoulder style, meeting in the back. I’ll make this fitted for me and something I’ll put on over my head (no clasps).

Now, if you do not have a dress form like in the pics, get a trusted friend or significant other to help you either mark where you want your knots. You can also have that person make the following knots while it’s on your body as well to ensure proper fit. Here’s how I did mine on my own.By using a square knot instead of the bow tie knot that was used previously, it’s so much more comfortable on my back.

Now, I’m going to get rid of the excess ties and secure the bundle into a little tassel. This part really doesn’t require sewing, since you just wrap the ends together several times with matching polyester thread, then knot it off to secure. You really don’t even need a needle.

Done!!!

Now, this doesn’t mean anyone will see my fresh n’ fly knotting job on my bikini, since I almost always wear a rashguard. I mean, yeah, sun protection is great, but I wipeout I lot, and no one needs to see my boobs.