What to Sew First: A Beginner’s Guide to Swim Kits (and What to Expect)

If you’ve been thinking about sewing your own swimwear but don’t know where to start — this is for you.

Swim can feel intimidating at first. Stretch fabric, elastic, fit… it’s a lot. But the truth is, with the right pattern and the right materials, your first swim project is completely doable (and honestly, kind of addictive).

Let’s walk through what to sew first, what’s inside our swim kits, and what you can expect along the way.

Start with the Right Pattern

If you’re new to swimwear, choosing a beginner-friendly pattern makes all the difference.

Our Flow and Ease swimsuit patterns are designed specifically with beginners in mind. They focus on:

• Clean construction

• Straightforward techniques

• Minimal overwhelm while still feeling elevated

Whether you’re leaning toward a one-piece or a simple two-piece, these are the best place to start.

What’s in Our Swim Kits?

We created our swim kits to take the guesswork out of sourcing materials — so you can focus on sewing, not hunting everything down.

You can choose between two options:

Full Metre Kit

Perfect if you want:

• A one-piece

• A matching set in the same print

Includes:

• 1 metre of swim fabric

• 1 metre of luxe swim lining

• Matching Gütermann thread

• Rubber elastic (4m of 8mm + 2m of 19mm)

• Exclusive sew-in label

Standard Kit 

Perfect if you love a mix-and-match look.

Includes:

• Two coordinating swim fabrics (fat halves totalling 1 metre — think print + solid, or print + stripe, etc)

• 1 metre of swim lining

• Matching Gütermann thread

• Rubber elastic (4m of 8mm + 2m of 19mm)

• Exclusive sew-in label

What to Expect From Your First Swim Project

Your first make might not be perfect — and that’s completely normal.

Here’s what will happen:

• You’ll learn how stretch fabric behaves

• You’ll get comfortable sewing elastic

• You’ll understand fit in a whole new way

And by the end? You’ll have something you made yourself — which is always worth it.

Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Let’s save you some frustration:

1. Using the wrong needle
Always use a stretch or ballpoint needle. This prevents skipped stitches and fabric damage.

2. Skipping test stitches
Test your stitch on a scrap first. A narrow zigzag or stretch stitch usually works best.

3. Pulling the fabric while sewing
Let the machine do the work. Stretching fabric as you sew can cause rippling.

4. Elastic tension struggles
Elastic doesn’t need to be stretched to the max — consistent, gentle tension is key.

5. Rushing the process
Take your time, especially on your first go. Swimwear is all about control and precision.

A Few Extra Tips That Make a Big Difference

• A walking foot can help feed fabric evenly (optional, but helpful)

• Polyester thread (like the one included in our kits) is a must for stretch and durability

• Clip instead of pin when possible — it’s easier on stretch fabric

• Press gently with low heat (always test first)

You’re More Ready Than You Think

Starting is the hardest part — but once you do, everything clicks faster than you expect.

With a beginner-friendly pattern and a thoughtfully prepared Swim Kit, you’re not figuring it out alone — you’re set up for success from the start.

And your first swim piece? It won’t be your last.