---
title: "Bee: FreeSewing's Bee Bikini Top"
sidebar_label: Bee Bikini Top
---

<DesignInfo design="bee" />

## Designer Notes {#notes}

I made Bee together with Prudencerabbit, as they wanted to make a swimwear pattern that went along with a previous freesewing pattern.
It is based on a garment they made and wanted to make available for other people make as well.
We worked of FreeSewing's body block Bella as a base, converting it to a single dart block to make the top.
During pattern testing one of our contributors TangerineShark made a variant with crossover back ties which we found so cool we added it to Bee!
You can get this variation by using [option Cross Back Ties](/docs/designs/bee/options#crossbackties).
Bee can also be made reversible by using options [Reversible](/docs/designs/bee/options#reversible) & [Duo Colours Ties](/docs/designs/bee/options#duocolorties).
With the previous pattern being retired you can use [Uma](/docs/designs/uma) to make a matching bikini bottom.

\_

bobgeorgethe3rd

## What You Need {#needs}

To make Bee, you will need the following:

- Basic sewing supplies
- About 0.5 - 1 metre (0.6 - 1.1 yards) of a suitable fabric ([see Bee Fabric options](/docs/designs/bee#fabric))
- (Optional) About 0.5 - 1 metre (0.6 - 1.1 yards) of lining fabric ([see Bee Fabric options](/docs/designs/bee#fabric))
- (Optional) Ribbons/Tapes/Cords for neck ties and bands, with the same length and width as neck tie and/or band.

:::note
The lining fabric is only needed if you want to make this pattern reversible. If you don't, you only need the main fabric.
You can use a serger/overlocker to construct this pattern but it is not mandatory.
Ribbons/Tapes/Cords can be used instead of making custom ties. Just make sure to get more than you need and that you cut down to size after construction.
:::

## Fabric Options {#fabric}

### Main and Lining Fabric

The main and lining fabric are the same type of material. Bee is made with swimwear fabrics such as lycras.

:::note
You only need lining fabric if you intend to make the pattern reversible or if you want the band for the cross back tie variant to be a contrasting fabric. Otherwise you can cut all the required pieces from your main fabric.
:::

## Cutting Instructions {#cutting}

There are three variations of this pattern. **One Colour**, which is where the bikini top is made out of one colour. **Two Colours**, where the bikini top is made reversible by using two colours, and **Cross Back Tie Variant**, where the neck ties tie in the back replacing the band tie.

### One Colour (Non-Reversible)

**Main fabric**

- Cut **4 cup** parts.
- Cut **2 neck tie** parts.
- Cut **1 band tie** part.

### Two Colours (Reversible)

**Main fabric**

- Cut **2 cup** parts from main.
- Cut **2 neck tie** parts.
- Cut **1 band tie** part.

**Lining fabric**

- Cut **2 cup** parts.
- Cut **2 neck tie** parts.
- Cut **1 band tie** part.

### Cross Back Tie Variant.

**Main fabric**

- Cut **4 cup** parts or Cut **2 cups** from main and lining if making reversible ties.
- Cut **2 neck tie** parts or Cut **2 neck ties** from main and lining if making reversible ties.
- Cut **1 band** part if making cross back tie variant instead of band tie variant.

:::note
This pattern is easily made reversible by buying a similar fabric to the main fabric and using it as contrast. To save confusion on instructions it will be referred to as the lining fabric.
:::