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How to Make a Summer Wreath: Swimsuits on the Clothesline

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Summertime is all about embracing vibrant colors, sunny days, and a cheerful mood. What better way to set the tone for the season than with a warm welcome right at your front door? If youā€™ve been wondering how to make a summer wreath that radiates creativity and fun, youā€™re in the right place. This DIY summer wreath idea features an adorable clothesline of miniature swimsuits, bringing playful charm and seasonal vibes to your home. Dive into this easy project and craft your own DIY summer wreath to celebrate the joys of summer with style!

A decorative wreath wrapped in light blue fabric with white polka dots. The wreath features miniature swimsuits, including one-pieces, bikinis, and shorts, hanging on tiny twine lines with small clothespins. It is hung with a pastel pink and yellow ribbon, and a small teal bow is attached at the top center of the wreath.

If you love adding seasonal charm to your front door, you wonā€™t want to miss the creative ideas in my wreath collection. From the vibrant whimsy of this DIY heart-shaped wreath to the rustic beauty of my Wooden Hope Easter Wreath Sign and the affordable charm of the Dollar Store Spring Easter Basket Wreath, thereā€™s inspiration for every season.

Close up of A decorative wreath wrapped in light blue fabric with white polka dots. The wreath features miniature swimsuits, including one-pieces, bikinis, and shorts, hanging on tiny twine lines with small clothespins. It is hung with a pastel pink and yellow ribbon, and a small teal bow is attached at the top center of the wreath.

Materials Needed

  • Ribbon or burlap (optional, for hanging or accents)
  • Wreath base (grapevine, foam, or wire)
  • Miniature swimsuits or fabric to create them
  • Twine or small rope (for the clothesline)
  • Mini clothespins
  • Decorative elements like seashells, flip-flops, beach balls (optional)
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • Scissors

Steps to Create the Summer Wreath

Choose A Wreath Form Size And Shape

Start your DIY wreath project by selecting the perfect wreath form size and shape to suit your creative vision. The Craft store offers a variety of options, from traditional round forms to unique shapes like squares, stars, or hearts. Check out this tutorial for a step-by-step guide on making your heart-shaped wreath form. For my wreath base, I used a 12ā€³ wreath form.

A collage showing close-up details of miniature swimwear and a towel hanging on a twine clothesline. The images feature a pink and white chevron one-piece swimsuit, a navy polka-dot one-piece with pink bows, a light blue zigzag-patterned swimsuit with a small flower embellishment, and a textured yellow towel with pink and orange stripes. All are clipped with tiny wooden clothespins.

Create or Gather Swimsuits

To make the swimsuits for this wreath, you have a few fun and creative options!

  • Craft Your Own: Freehand draw swimsuit and shorts shapes on paper, cut them out as patterns, and use these to craft your swimsuits from colorful fabric. Add unique details like bows, ruffles, or patterns to make them stand out. 
  • Pre-Made Mini Swimsuits: If sewing isnā€™t your craft of choice, consider using pre-made doll swimsuits. These adorable options make for a quick and charming addition to your wreath. Check out these doll swimsuits and colorful sets that fit perfectly with this summertime project.
A summery wreath wrapped in light blue polka-dot fabric, decorated with miniature swimsuits such as bikinis, one-pieces, and shorts, hanging on tiny twine lines with miniature clothespins. The wreath is hung with a pastel pink and yellow ribbon and accented by a small teal bow at the top.

Attach the Clothesline

Secure a piece of twine or burlap ribbon across the center of the wreath using hot glue or by tying it to the frame. This will serve as the clothesline.

Hang the Swimsuits

  • Use mini clothespins to hook the swimsuits to the clothesline.
  • Ensure theyā€™re evenly spaced for a balanced look. This set in bright colors comes with some fun summer accessories

Add Decorative Accents

  • Glue seashells, beach balls, or flip-flop cutouts around the wreath for added summer flair.
  • You can also weave in a ribbon or burlap for extra texture.
  • For a finishing touch, add a cheerful bow or a colorful ribbon that complements your design.
  • Enhance the look further by incorporating blooms, garlands, or floral picks to bring a fresh and vibrant feel.
  • These final details will give your wreath a polished and eye-catching look, making it the ultimate centerpiece for your summertime decor.

Display Your Swimsuit Wreath

Hang your finished summer wreath on your front door or another visible spot to welcome the season with charm.

A summery wreath wrapped in light blue polka-dot fabric, decorated with miniature swimsuits such as bikinis, one-pieces, and shorts, hanging on tiny twine lines with miniature clothespins. The wreath is hung with a pastel pink and yellow ribbon and accented by a small teal bow at the top. with text that reads 'Summer Wreath'

FAQ

Is it cheaper to buy or make a wreath?

Deciding whether to buy or make a wreath depends on your budget and preferences. DIY wreaths can be more affordable, especially if you use natural materials or buy supplies on sale, and they allow for customization. However, they may require an upfront investment in tools and time. Premade wreaths save time and offer professional designs but can be pricier, especially for custom or high-quality options. If you enjoy crafting and want a personalized touch, making a wreath is a cost-effective choice; otherwise, buying one offers convenience.

How do you make a wreath without a form?

To make a wreath without a form, you can follow a similar processĀ as this tutorial for a heart-shaped wreath, but keep the shape round instead. Instead of a wreath form, start by creating your own base using gathered twigs or vines. You can find flexible branches outside or at craft stores, which you can twist into a circular shape. Once you have your round base, secure it with floral wire or hot glue to maintain the shape. Then, add your chosen decorations, such as flowers, ribbons, or other embellishments, just as you would with a traditional wreath form. This method gives you a rustic, natural look and is an easy way to customize your wreath.

Crafting your own summer wreath is an easy way to infuse your home with the vibrant spirit of the season. This quick tutorial will guide you on how to make a summer wreath, whether you opt for making your own swimsuits or use pre-made ones. With the right color combination and a little creativity, youā€™ll create a charming and unique decoration that will give your front door a warm welcome. Embrace the fun of this DIY project and enjoy the cheerful vibes it brings to your space. Happy crafting and happy summer!

Check out Lolly Jane Summer Bread Wreath, and Life After Laundry

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63 Comments

  4. Oh my goodness, this is the cutest summer wreath! I just love it. Sharing, for sure!

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  6. Super cute! Love how this turned out!

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  7. OMG, this is the cutest thing I’ve seen in a very long time!! The detail is unbelievable. This little clothes line would look adorable in a bathroom or little girls room too.

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    1. Great idea Melissa, the whole time I was making it my little girl was asking if it could be for her!

      Reply

  9. THIS IS SO CUTE! I TOTALLY HAVE TO TRY IT!!!!! <3

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  12. Stopping by from Work it Wednesday. I love this idea! Adorable and very talented with that needle and thread šŸ™‚ I would probably use Barbie & Ken swimsuits, LOL

    Reply

  13. This is so adorable! Love the tiny swimsuits!

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  16. I absolutely adore this! I have done a similar wreath with paper baby clothes for a shower, but this is even cuter.

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  17. This might be the cutest summer wreath I have ever seen!

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  18. Super cute… I am featuring you tomorrow. Thank you so much for linking up with us!

    Reply

  19. Virginia – this is ADORABLE. I love it! You are the most patient crafty woman to make all of those little swimsuits and towels. Pinned!

    Reply

    1. Thanks Tara, what else is a girl to do with 4 days of no power!

      Reply

  20. I love it so unique and different thanks for sharing visiting from bewitchin project block party have a great week

    Reply

  21. Oh my word…..this is just the *cutest* little thing! I love it! I have no idea how to sew, but maybe I could even do something like this with a little hand sewing. Thanks so much for sharing! Now you’ve got the wheels a-spinnin’ in my head. šŸ™‚

    Reply

    1. I made this with hand sewing! Of course machine would be quicker, but the power was out! Give it a try!!

      Reply

  23. This is adorable and I am going to have to make this! Pinning it until the day I can. Thank you

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  24. This is so stinkin cute!!!! Thanks for sharing at Tips and Tricks!

    Reply

  28. This is adorable!! How summery! Thanks SO much for coming to share it at Motivational Monday on my blog, Virginia šŸ™‚ Have a great Tuesday!

    Reply

  30. So flipping adorable! I love it. Thank you for liking it up to The Creative Collection Link Party! Have a great week.

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  31. This wreath is seriously SO stinkin adorable! And the colors are just stunning and work so well with one another–you’re a Pro!

    Thanks for linking up at the Bewitchin Projects party this week! I can’t wait to see what you link up again next week over at OurMiniFamily.com!

    Cheers,
    ~Cathy Mini~
    OurMiniFamily.com

    Reply

  32. This is adorable! Where did you get the tiny swimsuits? I don’ t know how to sew šŸ™ I wonder if Barbie outfits would work… Thanks so much for sharing!! You did such an awesome job!

    Reply

    1. Barbie outfits would totally work! You could even just cut out the swimsuit fronts from fabric with interfacing, that would work too! Thanks for visiting!

      Reply
  34. Polly Housley says:

    Adorable, and I have a couple of quick questions. Did you actually make these from spandex, and how did you finish the leg holes, arm holes, etc? Did you use a fabric glue to turn them under, or did you stitch them?

    Reply

    1. these little suits are actually made from cotton fabric and the arm/ leg holes aren’t finished. Since once they are attached to the wreath they won’t be touched. If you wanted to iron on a piece of interfacing before cutting them out, it would keep from fraying also.

      Reply

  35. Ok, this is seriously too cute! You know it’s summer when wet bathing suits are hanging to dry šŸ™‚

    I stopped by from Inspiration Monday.

    Reply

  36. HI this is such a darling idea, I LOVE this and am sharing on Facebook later today. Thanks for sharing at our Something to Talk About Link Party n have a great week, Lisa at Concord Cottage

    Reply

  37. How adorable!! I love your little swimsuits! This would go great on our deck when we put in our pool next year! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  38. Love all your summer wreaths but this swimsuit clothesline is so stink’n cute! I’m featuring it this weekend at the DIY Sunday Showcase Party.

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  39. How cute it this!!! Thank you for sharing at Share it One More Time… Tammy

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  40. This is super adorable Virginia! I love it. I am impressed you made each of the little swimsuits. They turned out so cute!

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  41. HA! I love this wreath. What a fun idea. I bet you had a blast with all those mini swimsuits. Very clever. Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty – we’re looking forward to what you have to share next week. šŸ™‚

    ~Lorelai
    Life With Lorelai

    Reply

  42. Your wreaths are so cute! I love the little swimsuits! I wonder if I could do this with scrapbooking paper too?! I may have to give it a try. I love your Welcome Aboard wreath too!

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  44. This is so perfect for a summer cape house! How adorable, maybe I’ll make one for my in laws.

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  45. This is absolutely darling! Thanks for sharing on Sunday FUNday! Sharing on my FB page! Hope to see you at this weekend’s party!

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  46. LOVE this!!! Did you make the clothing out of paper or fabric? What type of fabric?

    Reply

    1. I made them out of fabric, just regular printed cotton, you can press interfacing on the back to avoid fraying

      Reply
  47. Sania Farooqi says:

    Hi, can I ask where u get those tiny/thin wooden clips? are the 25mm long and how thin are they?

    Reply

    1. They were just from our local dollar store. They are very petite

      Reply