Mistakes to Avoid When Sewing Swim Fabric Making your own swimsuits can be an incredibly rewarding hobby, but it’s also easy to make mistakes, especially if you’re just starting! Not gonna lie; we’ve all been there. For this blog, we’re highlighting some common sewing mistakes when working with swim fabrics—we also have some fab recommendations to help you get through it so you can rock that beachwear in style! 1. Stop That Stitch! Are You Using the Right Needle? Using a ballpoint needle is important when sewing swim fabrics like Swim Print | Mint Blossom. It avoids unpleasant snags and keeps your fabric in tip-top shape. 2. Grainlines Are Your Best Friends Let’s talk about grainlines. Cutting on the wrong grain can lead to garments that hang oddly. Always mind the grain, especially when working with fabrics like the Swim Kit | Coco Tweed. 3. Pre-Wash and Prep Your Fabrics! Always pre-wash your fabric to avoid any size surprises. And remember to follow the wash instructions, you don’t want to see the cute French Terry | Bamboo - Vanilla losing shape after you’re done sewing! 4. Seam Allowance Seam allowances are the secret to sleek finishes and a well-fitting garment. Patterns for swim projects—like the one you’ll need for the Swim Kit | Floral Rush + Wildberry—include specific seam allowances, so let’s give them the respect they deserve. 5. Thread Drama? Choose Quality for Smooth Sewing! Cheap or old thread just won’t cut it. High-quality threads are key when sewing swimsuit fabric, especially pieces like the ones in our Swim Kit | She’s An Icon + Black—which, by the way, already includes some top-quality Gütermann thread! 6. Test Garment First Before you cut into your precious fabric, make a test garment. Try using a less fancy fabric before handling your awesome Swim Kit | Grey Leopard + Black. 7. Steam Power! Press your seams and hems as you go. For swim fabrics like Swim Print | Baroque Silhouette, use a pressing cloth and low heat to avoid damaging the fabric! 8. Maintain the Right Tension Make sure your sewing machine’s tension is set correctly. Play around with a scrap piece of stretchy fabric from the Swim Print | Spot On to get it just right. 9. Keep Your Scissors Sharp Using dull scissors is a no-go. Sharp tools are essential, especially with designs like Swim Print | Gilded Flora. 10. Sew Slow and Steady Rushing through your projects is a recipe for frustration. Trust us, patience pays off. Take your time and enjoy the process while working with Swim Kit | Life’s A Peach + Forest Green or another kit. 11. Study Your Pattern Always read through the entire pattern instructions. It clarifies everything, especially with fab kits like the Swim Kit | Lost In Lagos + Navy. 12. Tune into Your Fabric’s Mood Each fabric has its personality. Some fabrics like our Swim Print | Check it Out have unique stretch and thickness, so adjust those techniques accordingly. 13. Use the Right Stitches Different fabrics require different stitches. Zigzag stitches are amazing for swim fabrics like Swim Print | Sleepy Hollow. 14. Handle with Love Delicate fabrics like swim ones need a gentle touch. Use special needles and take your time with the Swim Kit | Garden Whimsy. By mindfully following these tips and tricks, sewing swimsuit fabrics can be fun and fabulous! Check out our Swim 2025 Collection and our Swim Kits Collection to get your fabrics and kits. We’re here to cheer you on and get you the best materials to create something awesome. Now, turn those wrong stitches into something memorable.

Spring Fabric Trends: The Must-Have Fabrics for Your Next DIY Project Spring is here, which means it’s time for fresh fabrics, bold prints, and DIY projects that actually make you excited to sew. And if there’s one fabric stealing the spotlight this season, it’s swim fabric. Yes, you read that right—custom swimwear is the move this year. Forget settling for whatever fits off the rack. With our new swim fabrics and pre-made Swim Kits, you can design your own swimsuit, complete with the perfect stretch, colour, and fit. So, before we dive into the rest of spring’s trending fabrics, let’s talk about your new summer staple. 1. Swim Fabrics and DIY Swim Kits—Your Summer Essential Why settle for basic swimwear when you can make your own? With Fabric + Flow’s latest swim fabrics, you get high-quality, stretchy, and durable materials perfect for designing bikinis, one-pieces, or even stylish cover-ups. And if you want to make it even easier? Our Swim Kits come with everything you need—fabric, lining, and elastic—so you can skip the guesswork and get straight to sewing. Our top picks? Swim Print | Lost in Lagos → Vibrant, smooth, and ready for your next poolside moment Swim Print | She’s an Icon → Classic, textured, and ridiculously flattering Swim Kit | Life’s a Peach + Honey Gingham → A dreamy combo of playful peaches and classic gingham ✔️ Four-way stretch for comfort and support✔️ Swim Kits available—because we like to make things easy Pro Tip: If you’re new to sewing swimwear, start with a Swim Kit—it’s got all the essentials, plus you won’t have to hunt down the right materials. 2. Breezy Linen—Because Comfort Should Look This Good If effortless style had a fabric soulmate, it would be linen. It’s breathable, lightweight, and has that “Oh, this old thing? Just threw it on” kind of elegance. Whether you’re making an oversized button-up, a tailored jumpsuit, or an easygoing sundress, linen just gets the job done. Our pick? Woven | Viscose + Linen - Lavender. It’s structured yet soft, perfect for anything from power dressing to weekend lounging. ✔️ Keeps you cool✔️ Softens beautifully with wear✔️ Adds that understated luxury vibe 3. Statement Prints—Louder Is Better Minimalists, look away. Bold prints are dominating this season, and we are here for it. Florals, stripes, geometrics—if it turns heads, it belongs in your sewing room. What’s in our cart? Cotton Stretch Print | Night Garden. Crisp, breathable, and features a stunning black and white floral design that screams spring (without actually screaming, of course). 4. Lightweight Cotton—Your Everyday Go-To Yes, cotton is a staple. But not all cottons are created equal. This season, it’s all about breathable, soft, move-with-you cottons that work for everything from breezy blouses to laid-back dresses. Our cotton crush? Cotton Poplin Print | French Botanicals. Playful, fresh, and just structured enough to hold its shape without feeling stiff. ✔️ Lightweight and breathable✔️ Perfect for relaxed silhouettes—think wrap skirts, shirtdresses, and flowy tops 5. Stretchy Ribbed Knits—Because Who Said Comfort Can’t Be Chic? Soft, stretchy, and just the right amount of form-fitting, ribbed knits are the real MVP this season. They hug your curves (without suffocating you) and work for everything from cute crop tops to lounge sets. Must-have? Ribbed Knit | Bamboo - Fuchsia —the ideal balance of cozy and stylish. 6. Sheer and Flowy Chiffon—For Those Drama-Queen Moments Not all heroes wear capes, but if they did, they’d probably be made of chiffon. Whether you’re layering it over another fabric or making a billowy blouse that catches the breeze just right, this fabric brings instant romance to any project. Our go-to? Chiffon | Midsummer Night—light, sheer, and practically made for twirling. ✔️ Adds a soft, dreamy aesthetic✔️ Perfect for layering or statement pieces   Ready to Start Sewing? Let’s Make Some Magic Spring trends don’t wait, and neither should you. If you’re feeling inspired, grab these fabrics while they’re still in stock—because nothing haunts a sewist like the fabric they almost bought. Want more DIY inspo? Join our community on 📸 Instagram | 📌 Pinterest | 💼 LinkedIn Let’s get sewing!

Creating your own swimwear is an exciting project, but choosing the right fabric is key to getting a comfortable, stylish, and long-lasting swimsuit. Whether you’re sewing a bikini, one-piece, or rash guard, the fabric you choose will determine how well it fits, stretches, and holds up to all your activities. What to Look for in Swimwear Fabric Swimwear fabrics need to be: Stretchy: Look for at least 50% four-way stretch to ensure a snug, comfortable fit. Quick-drying: Fabrics that hold moisture will feel heavy and uncomfortable. Durable: Strong fibres prevent sagging and wear.  Top Fabrics for Swimwear Nylon Spandex (Polyamide Spandex) If you’re looking for a classic, go-to swim fabric, this is it! Nylon spandex is soft, stretchy, and fits like a dream. It moves with your body and gives that smooth, second-skin feel—perfect for bikinis, one-pieces, and even swim leggings.   Pros: Soft, lightweight, and dries quickly Cons: Slightly less chlorine-resistant than polyester blends Best for: Bikinis, one-pieces, swim leggings Our Pick? Swim Basic Solid | Dewy Blue Content: 80% Nylon | 20% Spandex Width: 150 cm | 60” Weight: 200 gsm | 7 oz Stretch: 4-way | 80-90% cross-grain and straight-grain Polyester Spandex  If you’re planning to swim a lot—as in, lap after lap in the pool or back-to-back beach days—this is the fabric you need. Polyester spandex holds up like a champ against chlorine and UV rays, meaning your swimsuit will stay vibrant and stretchy for the long haul. What we’d grab? Swim Print | Porcelain Rhapsody. This print has such a soft romantic vibe and just the right amount of stretch to keep things comfy.  Why you’ll love it: Long-lasting, fade-proof, and feels great against the skin. Keep in mind: It’s not as silky-soft as nylon, but it makes up for it with durability. Textured Swim Fabrics Want to take your DIY swimwear to the next level? Textured fabrics are where it’s at. Whether it’s ribbed, waffled, or jacquard, these fabrics add a unique, high-end look to your swimsuit. What we’re obsessed with? Swim Basic Rib | Marine. Navy is a timeless, elegant color that never goes out of style.   Why you’ll love it: Looks stylish, fits like a glove, and makes your DIY swimsuit feel designer-level. Pro tip:  Ribbed swim fabric provides amazing compression by hugging the body with its structured texture, creating a flattering and supportive fit. Don’t Forget the Lining!  No one wants a see-through swimsuit, right? For a pro finish, always add a good lining. It keeps things secure, adds comfort, and makes sure your swimsuit lasts!  What we’d use? Swim Lining | Nude . It’s lightweight and stretchy enough to move with you. Why you’ll love it: Gives your swimsuit that polished, high-quality feel. Pro tip: Use Power Mesh if you're looking for tummy control in a one-piece! Where to Buy High-Quality Swimwear Fabrics At Fabric + Flow, we offer a curated selection of high-performance swimwear fabrics designed for DIY creators. Whether you’re making a classic one-piece or an on-trend bikini, our fabrics are handpicked to provide the best fit, durability, and style. Explore our Swimwear Fabric Collection or check out our Swimwear Sewing Kits for everything you need in one place!