Your dream swimsuit probably exists somewhere between the right swimwear sewing pattern, a fabric you cannot stop looking at, and the courage to finally cut into it. Whether your style is sporty, minimal, retro, or gloriously bold, sewing your own gives you far more freedom than shopping from a rack.

Ready to plan your DIY swimsuit? Let’s explore the best swimwear sewing patterns for every style and skill level.

One-Piece Swimsuit Sewing Patterns

A good one-piece pattern can give you the coverage you want while still leaving plenty of room to play with shape, colour, and print. Here are some one-piece swimwear sewing patterns to try:

Flow Swimsuit Pattern by Fabric + Flow ⭐

First time sewing your own swimwear? Then the Flow Swimsuit Pattern is your best pick! This Fabric + Flow swimwear pattern features a clean-lined V-neck one-piece that keeps things simple in the best way.

Its simplicity and minimal shape give the fabric room to shine, whether you love a bold print, a classic solid, or something textured. The fuller coverage makes it practical for swimming and lounging, but the design also works as a bodysuit paired with shorts, skirts, or linen trousers.

Key pattern details:

• Skill level: Beginner
• Size range: XXS to 4XL
• Style: V-neck one-piece swimsuit
• Coverage: Fuller coverage with a streamlined fit

Best fabric pairing: Try the Electric Palm from Fabric + Flow for a bright tropical finish. The simple silhouette lets the print do the talking (which, in this case, is saying quite a lot)

Shop the Flow One-Piece Swimsuit Sewing Pattern

Faye Swimsuit Pattern by Closet Core Patterns

The Faye Swimsuit Pattern is a strong choice for sewists who like clean lines with a slightly sporty feel. For a one-piece, choose View C, which features a scoop neckline, adjustable straps, a deep scoop back, and a fully lined finish.

Key pattern details:

• Skill level: Confident beginner
• Size range: 0 to 20
• Style: Classic maillot with adjustable straps and a deep scoop back
• Coverage: Slightly cheeky cut

Best fabric pairing: Try Fabric + Flow’s Swim Basic Solid in Raspberry. The bright colour keeps the clean silhouette feeling fresh, while the four-way stretch suits the pattern’s fabric requirements.

Jalie 3350 One-Piece Swimsuit Pattern

The Jalie 3350 Swimsuit Pattern gives you two one-piece styles to play with. View A has a sweetheart neckline, contrast band, and open back with a clasp, while View B features a twist front and closed back.

Key pattern details:

• Skill level: Intermediate
• Size range: 27 sizes
• Style: Two one-piece designs: sweetheart neckline with an open back or twist front with a closed back
• Coverage: Classic one-piece coverage

Best fabric pairing: Try Fabric + Flow’s Seaside Garden + Charcoal Rib. Use the soft floral print for the main suit and the textured charcoal rib for contrast panels or neckline details.

Sabrina One-Piece Swimsuit Pattern by Edgewater Avenue

The Sabrina One-Piece Swimsuit Pattern is a beginner-friendly design with moderate bum coverage and fully adjustable straps that require no hardware. Its fully reversible construction gives you two swimsuits in one, while the optional non-reversible back leg line offers another way to fine-tune the fit.

Key pattern details:

• Skill level: Beginner
• Size range: XS to XXL and extended sizes 12 to 30
• Style: Reversible one-piece with adjustable straps
• Coverage: Moderate bum coverage

Best fabric pairing: Try Monstera Madness from Fabric + Flow. Its vivid coral, teal, orange, and purple tropical print adds bold energy to the Sabrina’s simple silhouette, while the reversible construction lets you pair it with a coordinating solid for two distinct looks.

Two-Piece or Bikini Sewing Patterns

Two-piece swimsuit patterns give you more freedom to mix sizes, combine colours, and choose the amount of coverage that feels right for you.

Ease Two-Piece Swimsuit Pattern by Fabric + Flow ⭐

The Ease Two-Piece Swimsuit Pattern is our best pick for a modern bikini that still feels comfortable and wearable. It pairs a sculpted halter neckline with wide, supportive straps and flattering mid-rise bottoms.

Designed with beginners in mind, Ease keeps the construction approachable while still giving you a polished result. The clean lines also make it easy to experiment with prints, contrasting colours, or a bit of both, it’s all up to you!

Key pattern details:

• Skill level: Beginner
• Size range: XXS to 4XL
• Style: Halter-style top with wide straps and modern-cut bottoms
• Coverage: Comfortable coverage with a flattering rise

Best fabric pairing: Try Tropical Hurricane from Fabric + Flow. Its bold multicolour print brings plenty of energy to Ease’s clean, modern shape.

Shop the Ease Two-Piece Swimsuit Sewing Pattern

Cottesloe Swimsuit Pattern by Megan Nielsen

The Cottesloe Swimsuit Pattern includes two bikini options with an athletic, easy-to-wear feel. View C combines a simple bikini top with low-rise bottoms, while View D features a sportier top and high-waisted bottoms with a wide waistband.

Key pattern details:

• Skill level: Beginner
• Size range: 0 to 20, with a separate 14 to 30 version
• Style: Classic or athletic bikini
• Coverage: Choice of low-rise or high-waisted bottoms

Best fabric pairing: Try French Botanicals + Electric Coral from Fabric + Flow. The floral print brings the fun, while the coral solid is ideal for waistbands, straps, or a contrasting top.

Girls’ 2-Piece Swimsuit Pattern by Zaaberry

The Girls’ 2-Piece Swimsuit Pattern is a playful option for sewing children’s swimwear. The free swimsuit pattern includes a simple top with an optional ruffle and contrast trim, plus lined bikini bottoms. You'll need around half a yard each of swimsuit fabric and lining, along with swim elastic.

Key pattern details:

• Skill level: Confident beginner
• Size range: One size, designed to fit a tall, slim child around age seven
• Style: Girls’ two-piece swimsuit with an optional ruffled top
• Coverage: Child-friendly two-piece coverage with lined bottoms

Best fabric pairing: Try Cheetah Girls from Fabric + Flow. The colourful statement print adds plenty of personality to this simple two-piece design, with no extra embellishment required.

Boardshorts and Swim Shorts Sewing Patterns

Boardshort patterns are a practical choice for swimming, beach days, and the inevitable snack run afterwards.

Dune Swim Shorts Pattern by Fabric + Flow ⭐

The Dune Swim Shorts Pattern is the best all-round pick for modern swim trunks with an easy, polished fit.

It features a relaxed silhouette, an elastic waistband with an optional drawstring, and optional pockets for a pair that works just as well away from the water. Clean finishing keeps the result looking sharp without making the sewing process overly complicated.

Key pattern details:

• Skill level: Advanced beginner
• Size range: XS to 4XL
• Style: Relaxed swim shorts with an elastic waistband, optional drawstring, and optional pockets
• Coverage: Full swim-short coverage with a comfortable, relaxed fit

Best fabric pairing: Try Island Shock from Fabric + Flow. The lively tropical print brings plenty of personality to Dune’s clean shape, while the lightweight, quick-drying boardshort fabric is made for swim trunks and active beachwear.

Shop the Dune Men’s Swim Shorts Sewing Pattern

Dune Swim Shorts Pattern for Boys by Fabric + Flow ⭐

The boys’ version of the Dune Swim Shorts Pattern keeps the same clean, relaxed look in sizes designed for older children and teens. Its elastic waistband, optional drawstring, and optional pockets make it practical for swimming, playing, and generally refusing to sit still.

Key pattern details:

• Skill level: Advanced beginner
• Size range: 7 to 16
• Style: Relaxed children’s swim shorts with an elastic waistband and optional details
• Coverage: Comfortable swim-short coverage designed for easy movement

Best fabric pairing: Try the Paradise City Boardshort Kit from Fabric + Flow. Its colourful print suits the relaxed shape, while the kit includes boardshort fabric, lining, elastic, a drawcord, and the other essentials needed to get sewing.

Shop the Dune Boys’ Swim Shorts Sewing Pattern

Adult Straight Fit Boardshorts Pattern by Ellie & Mac

With Ellie & Mac’s Adult Straight Fit Boardshorts Pattern, you can choose from three lengths, several waist closures, slash pockets, and an optional cargo pocket. There’s also an option for a faux drawstring to create swim shorts that suit the wearer and the occasion.

Key pattern details:

• Skill level: Beginner-friendly
• Size range: XS to 5XL
• Style: Straight, loose-fit boardshorts with multiple pocket and closure options
• Coverage: Choice of mid-thigh, lower-thigh, or knee-length coverage

Best fabric pairing: Try Seaside Stripes from Fabric + Flow. The soft sea-green stripes give these versatile boardshorts a crisp coastal look, especially in the longer length options.

Tankini Sewing Patterns

Tankinis offer the flexibility of a two-piece with extra coverage through the torso, making them a practical middle ground between a bikini and a one-piece.

Hanalei Bay Swimsuit Pattern by Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop

The Hanalei Bay Swimsuit Pattern gives you plenty of room to customize your tankini. Choose from three top lengths, two back styles, and either a knotted or banded hem. It also includes a built-in shelf bra with optional cups, plus several full-coverage bottom styles. In other words, it likes options.

Key pattern details:

• Skill level: Intermediate
• Size range: XXS to 5X
• Style: Reversible tankini with scoop or racerback options
• Coverage: Tankini-length top with full-coverage bottoms

Best fabric pairing: Try Lemon Mist from Fabric + Flow. Its soft green background and delicate lemon print give this versatile tankini a fresh, easygoing finish.

Riviera Reversible Swimsuit Pattern by Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop

The Riviera Reversible Swimsuit Pattern is designed for children and includes basic or colour-blocked tankini views. The fully reversible construction gives you two looks from one swimsuit, while optional shoulder and leg flutters add a playful finishing touch.

Key pattern details:

• Skill level: Intermediate
• Size range: 3 months to size 12
• Style: Reversible tankini with basic or colour-blocked views
• Coverage: Tankini-length torso coverage with a two-piece fit

Best fabric pairing: Try Melon Splash from Fabric + Flow. The bright watermelon print brings plenty of summer energy to this playful children’s pattern.

Kokomo Swimsuit Pattern by Greenstyle

The Kokomo Swimsuit Pattern includes tankini, bikini, and one-piece options, making it a useful pattern to keep around for future swimwear projects. For the tankini, you can choose between standard and more modest coverage depending on the fit you prefer.

Key pattern details:

• Skill level: Confident beginner
• Size range: A1 to M3
• Style: Tankini with additional bikini and one-piece options
• Coverage: Choice of standard or modest coverage

Best fabric pairing: Try Bold Expression + Black Rib from Fabric + Flow. Use the colourful print for the main tankini and the rib for bands or contrasting panels—the fabrics are doing the styling work for you!

Plus-Size or Size-Inclusive Swimwear Patterns

These size-inclusive patterns offer thoughtful fit options, supportive details, and plenty of ways to create swimwear that feels made for you (because it is!)

Marblehead Swimsuit Pattern by Cashmerette

The Marblehead Swimsuit Pattern is designed with built-in, wire-free bust support in cup sizes C to J. Choose between a bikini or tankini top, then pair it with high- or low-rise bottoms. The tie-front detail keeps the design polished while concealing an integrated soft bra with customizable support.

Key pattern details:

• Skill level: Advanced beginner
• Size range: 28C to 54J for the top; 0 to 32 for the bottoms
• Style: Tie-front bikini or tankini with a built-in soft bra
• Coverage: High- or low-rise bottoms with adjustable support through the top

Best fabric pairing: Try Baroque Silhouette from Fabric + Flow. Its detailed monochrome print gives the tie-front design a polished finish while letting those clever construction details shine.

Banksia Swim Expansion by Muna and Broad

The Banksia Swim Expansion transforms its classic Banksia Bralette into either a bikini or tankini. Both top options feature support slings for separation and light support, while the tankini includes a hidden bralette. The fully lined bottoms and soft edge binding keep the finished swimsuit comfortable and neatly finished.

Key pattern details:

• Skill level: Beginner-friendly, rated 2 out of 5
• Size range: A to M, covering 38- to 64-inch busts and 41.5- to 71.5-inch hips
• Style: Supportive bikini or tankini with a matching lined bottom
• Coverage: Full-coverage bottoms with light bust support

Best fabric pairing: Try the Teal Pond + Magenta Berry Swim Kit from Fabric + Flow. Use the print and coordinating solid to colour-block the bikini or tankini, then add powernet for the pattern’s built-in support.

Siren Swim Top by Patterns for Pirates

The Siren Swim Top is a fitted bikini-top pattern with cup-size cutting lines from A to G. Keep it streamlined or add a straight, pointed, or back flounce, then finish it with straight or criss-cross straps. Plenty of options, but no need to choose just one forever.

Key pattern details:

• Skill level: Intermediate
• Size range: XXS to Plus 3X, with A- to G-cup cutting lines
• Style: Fitted swim top with multiple straps and flounce options
• Coverage: Close-fitting bust coverage with customizable cup sizing

Best fabric pairing: Try Magenta Berry from Fabric + Flow. The rich solid colour keeps the fitted shape sleek while giving the optional flounces plenty of room to make an entrance.

How to Choose the Right Bathing Suit Pattern

The best bathing suit pattern is not just the one that looks good in the photos. It also needs to match your sewing level, provide the right amount of support, and work with the stretch and recovery of your chosen fabric. A little checking upfront can save you from ending up with a swimsuit that looks great on paper but feels wrong once it is on.

Before choosing, check:

• Pattern options: Multiple views give you more flexibility and better value.
• Support features: Look for shelf bras, cups, underwires, boning, or power mesh if needed.
• Fabric stretch: Confirm whether the pattern needs two-way or four-way stretch, plus the required stretch percentage.
• Real-life fit: Search the pattern name or hashtag to see how it looks on different body shapes.

Remember that swimwear uses negative ease, so the finished garment will be smaller than your body measurements. That snug fit is intentional and helps the swimsuit stay secure when wet.

Start Sewing Your Own Swimwear!

Once you’ve chosen your own swimwear patterns, it’s time for the fun part: choosing your fabric!

Browse Fabric + Flow's swim fabric collection for prints, solids, ribs, and textures that suit your pattern. Just check the required stretch percentage first. Your seam ripper will thank you.

For beginners, Fabric + Flow offers swim kits that bring together coordinated swim fabric, swim sewing notions, and other essentials. Jump right away into sewing your own swimwear with everything in one place!

FAQs About Swimwear Sewing Patterns

Why choose Fabric + Flow swimwear patterns?

Fabric + Flow patterns combine modern, wearable designs with clear instructions and approachable construction. They also work well with the brand’s coordinated swim fabrics and kits, which makes choosing compatible materials much easier.

What are the most common mistakes when sewing swimwear?

Common mistakes when sewing swimwear include ignoring the required stretch percentage, using regular elastic, skipping the lining, and choosing the wrong size. Always test your fabric’s stretch and recovery before cutting. Swim fabric can be dramatic enough without inviting extra problems.

Can beginners sew their own swimsuit?

Yes. Start with a beginner-friendly pattern that has clear instructions and fewer complicated details. A simple one-piece or two-piece design is usually easier than a pattern with underwires, boning, or advanced support features.

A Fabric + Flow swim kit can also make the project less intimidating by bundling compatible fabric, lining, elastic, thread, and other essentials in one place.

Do you need special fabric and elastic for swimwear?

Yes. Use swim fabric with the stretch and recovery specified by the pattern, along with swim lining and powermesh, as well as chlorine-resistant or rubber swim elastic. Standard garment fabric and everyday elastic may lose their shape after repeated use in water.

Can I use an activewear pattern to make swimwear?

Sometimes, but check the design and fabric requirements first. Close-fitting activewear patterns can work for swimwear if they use similar stretch percentages and have enough negative ease, but they may not include swim-specific details such as lining, elastic finishes, bust support, or secure leg openings. For the best fit in and out of the water, a dedicated swimwear pattern is usually the safer choice.