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Ah, swim season. The sun’s out, the sewing machines are humming, and your Pinterest board is screaming “make the swimsuit!”
But if the thought of sewing something that might get wet (and stretch and cling and… yikes) makes you nervous — take a deep breath. You’ve totally got this.
Sewing swimwear is just like sewing activewear’s fun, flirty cousin — same stretch, a few special tricks, and a lot of confidence. Let’s get you pool-ready!
Your fabric choice can make or break your swimsuit — literally. Regular spandex? Too thin. Cotton knit? Please no. You need the real deal:
Nylon Spandex or Polyester Spandex Swim Knit: Look for around 75–100% stretch both ways. FYI - our prints are Polyester and our Solids are Nylon.
Swim Lining Fabric: A lightweight, supportive stretch lining that helps everything stay opaque and comfy.
Power Mesh (optional): Great for extra support in bras or tummy panels.
👉 Pro Tip: Give your fabric the “wet test” — stretch it over your hand and spray lightly with water. If it turns sheer, grab something thicker.
If you’ve ever had a swimsuit try to escape while you swim — that’s an elastic issue. 😅
Use chlorine-resistant swim elastic instead of regular clear or braided elastic. It’ll hold up against sun, salt, and pool chemicals way longer.
Where to use it:
Inside leg openings
Around armholes
Under bust bands
At necklines
💡 Pro Tip: Stretch the elastic slightly as you sew, especially around curves, to help everything lay flat and stay put.
Your swimsuit’s going to stretch a lot, so you’ll need stitches that can keep up:
Zigzag or Lightning Bolt Stitch: Perfect for seams.
Twin Needle or Coverstitch: For topstitching that looks clean and stretches beautifully.
Serger: Optional but ideal if you want that pro, store-bought finish.
Remember — test your stitches on scraps first. Swim fabrics behave differently than your gym leggings!
The trick to a great swimsuit? Fit that feels secure and flattering.
If it’s riding up — lengthen the torso or loosen the elastic slightly.
If it’s gaping at the neckline — tighten the elastic a smidge.
If it’s sagging when wet — your lining or elastic might be too loose.
👉 Don’t be afraid of a “test version” — think of it as your pool rehearsal.
Add those final details to make your suit look high-end:
Topstitch seams to keep them flat and neat.
Use matching thread (or go bold with contrast!).
Add a custom tag — because yes, you made that.
When you slip on your handmade suit and it fits perfectly, you’ll feel unstoppable.
Grab your swim fabric and elastic from our Shop, download your fave swim pattern, and start practicing those stitches now.
By the time summer hits, you’ll be the one at the beach saying, “Oh this? I made it.”
