Linen, But Make It Swim: The Best Linen Fabrics for Creative Swim Cover-Ups Linen and swimwear? Trust us—it’s a match made in beachwear heaven.While linen may not be the first fabric you reach for when sewing something seaside, it’s time to rethink your cover-up game. Lightweight, breathable, and effortlessly stylish, linen is the perfect canvas for those dreamy in-between-beach looks. This summer, we’re spotlighting our solid linens and the stunning Noir Botanica print—because your swimwear deserves something beautiful to slip into. So let’s break it down: what makes linen so perfect for the poolside (and beyond), and how do you turn it into your next favourite statement cover-up? Why Linen Deserves a Spot in Your Summer Sewing Stash Here’s the thing about linen: it’s effortlessly chic and built for warm weather. Whether you're going from surf to sangria or lounging poolside, linen brings that relaxed elegance that synthetic fabrics just can’t match. 🌀 It’s breathable — perfect for post-swim air flow💦 It dries fast — so you can toss it on after a dip🌿 It’s sustainable — a plant-based fiber with eco appeal🎨 It holds dye beautifully — cue vibrant solids and deep prints And unlike traditional swimsuit materials, linen gives your handmade wardrobe the ability to move beyond the water. Think layering pieces you can wear again and again. Patterns We Love for Linen Cover-Ups When it comes to linen swim cover-ups, the key is to keep the silhouette flowy and the vibe relaxed. We’re currently crushing on: 1. The Kauai by Pattern NicheDreamy, drapey, and ultra-elegant, this robe pattern is perfect for lightweight fabrics. Try it in a rich Plum or Emerald Green linen for a cover-up that doubles as a dinner outfit. 2. The Charlie Caftan by Closet CoreBeachy glam, sorted. Use a light, solid linen (we love Mineral Blue or neutral Sand) for a breezy, modern look. It’s got that “resort in Greece” energy. 3. The Atlas Top by Stitch Witch PatternsThis asymmetrical wrap screams vacation chic. Go bold with Noir Botanica for a statement piece that takes you from towel to terrace.  💡 Pro tip: Want extra flow? Size up and hack your hemline into a maxi length. You’ll thank us later. Linen Pairings: From Swim to Street Don’t stop at the beach! Linen cover-ups work beautifully as transitional layering pieces. Toss your caftan over high-waist jeans for brunch. Pair a linen wrap skirt with your one-piece for a summer-in-the-city outfit. Or match a linen button-down with your swim top for a casual, pulled-together look. And don’t forget: Noir Botanica isn’t just a beach moment—it’s a whole aesthetic. This lush black-and-white print gives serious resort energy and looks amazing paired with swimwear in solid black, olive, or even chartreuse. It's a Perfect match for the Saguaro Set by Friday Pattern Co. Final Thoughts Whether you’re lounging lakeside or plotting a getaway, linen fabrics deserve a spot in your sewing stash. They’re breathable, beautiful, and ready for more than just your average beach cover-up. So go ahead—sew outside the box. Your swimwear deserves something with a little drama (and a lot of breeze). Bonus Tip: Want to match your linen look with your swim project? Our UPF 50+ Swim Solids pair perfectly with our linen solids and prints. Mix + match textures for maximum impact. → Shop Linen Fabrics→ Explore Noir Botanica

Bamboo fabric is having a moment, and we’re so here for it. With its dreamy softness, breathability, and low-impact footprint, it’s no wonder bamboo has become a favourite for sewists who love comfort with a conscience. We’ve picked three of our current must-have bamboo fabrics from Fabric + Flow—each one perfect for everything from loungewear to layering pieces. Plus, we’ve got quick care tips to help your handmade pieces last longer (because, yes, bamboo deserves a little extra love ). French Terry Bamboo – Yellow Shop It Here   Cozy, bright, and buttery soft, this bamboo French terry in cheerful yellow is made for sweatshirts, hoodies, and relaxed-fit joggers. It’s lightweight but warm—perfect for layering during transitional seasons or curling up on cooler nights. Care Tip: Wash cold, air dry, and use a stretch stitch for best results. Always press gently with low heat to keep that softness intact. Ribbed Knit Bamboo – Periwinkle Shop It Here This pastel beauty is perfect for tanks, body-hugging tees, or matching sets. The ribbed texture gives structure while keeping all the stretch and softness we love from bamboo. We’re obsessed with the periwinkle hue—it’s soft, wearable, and totally on-trend. Care Tip: Pre-wash before cutting to reduce shrinkage. Sew with a ballpoint needle and stretch stitch for a smooth finish. Ribbed Knit Bamboo – Latte Brown Shop It Here Neutral lovers, this one’s for you. This latte-toned interlock knit is a versatile go-to for layering tops, sleek dresses, or luxe loungewear sets. It’s flattering, flexible, and gives your handmade wardrobe that elevated, earthy vibe. Care Tip: Stick to cool water washes and avoid high heat. For sewing, we recommend a walking foot and a stretch-friendly needle. Sewing with Bamboo: Simple Care = Long-Lasting Love If you caught our Bamboo Care 101 newsletter, you already know the basics: cold washing, gentle handling, and low-heat ironing are your bamboo BFFs. But since bamboo deserves the best, we’ve put together a full care guide to help your creations last longer, wear better, and stay ultra-soft. Here’s a quick recap of essential care tips to keep your bamboo fabric looking and feeling amazing: Pre-wash in cold water to prevent shrinking and soften the fabric Use gentle detergents that won’t strip bamboo’s natural softness Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can damage fibres Wash on a gentle cycle or hand wash to preserve fabric integrity Dry flat or tumble dry low to prevent warping or damage Iron on low heat if needed, preferably inside out Following these simple steps will make sure your bamboo pieces stay cozy, breathable, and beautiful through every wear and wash. Need Some Sewing Inspo? Here are three pattern ideas you can use to create stylish pieces with these fabrics: French Terry Bamboo – Yellow: Make a cozy cropped sweatshirt or relaxed hoodie—perfect for casual wear with a bright, sunny vibe. Periwinkle Ribbed Bamboo: Sew a fitted ribbed turtleneck or a sleek long-sleeve top that hugs comfortably and adds a touch of elegance. Latte Brown Ribbed Bamboo: Create lounge shorts for comfort or a minimalist midi dress that’s breathable and effortlessly chic. We’d love to see what you make! Tag us on Instagram or Pinterest and show off your bamboo creations. Your projects inspire the entire Fabric + Flow community. 💫

Sewn to Fit: The Best Bamboo and Cotton Ribs for Fitted Dresses and Summer Staples If you’ve ever wished your handmade pieces could hug you just right, rib knit is the fabric you’ve been dreaming of. And this season, we’re head over heels for two ribbed stars in our studio: ultra-soft Bamboo Rib Knits and freshly dropped Cotton Rib Knits. These fabrics are more than just comfortable—they’re curve-loving, stretch-happy, and made for your next summer obsession (hint: fitted dresses, dreamy two-piece sets, and perfect tanks that play nice with everything in your wardrobe). So what makes them special—and what should you create first? Let’s dive in! Why Rib Knits Deserve a Spot in Your Summer Stash Whether you’re sewing for comfort, shape, or a little bit of both, ribbed knit fabrics check all the boxes. Here’s why: Bamboo Rib Knit is luxuriously soft, naturally breathable, and sustainable. With fantastic stretch and drape, it’s perfect for slinky silhouettes that still feel wearable in real life—think fitted dresses, soft tanks, or lounge sets that work double time. Cotton Rib Knit offers the same comfort but with a touch more structure and durability. It’s great for casual basics and layering pieces like T-shirts, crop tops, and skirts. Plus, it’s available in a gorgeous lineup of go-with-everything shades. And just like Bamboo Rib:  Both are ideal for fitted garments Both offer that signature ribbed texture What Can You Sew with Bamboo & Cotton Ribs? We thought you’d never ask! If you’re into sewing pieces that move with you, rib knits are your go-to. And when it comes to matching the right fabric with the right pattern, we’ve done the thinking for you. For Bamboo Rib (Fitted Dresses + Lounge Sets): The Nikko Dress by True Bias is a chic sleeveless turtleneck that’s all about silhouette. The Adult Easy Set by Lowland includes two trend-forward pieces: an oversized tee with an uneven hem and fitted shorts, perfectly styled for easy mix-and-match fashion. Pro Tip: Why don’t you use our Bamboo Rib Knit in Soft Mint for this pattern? The fabric’s buttery drape and breathability make it perfect for creating sleek lines without sacrificing comfort—it’s polished, wearable, and your next go-to dress. For Cotton Rib (Tops, Tees + Everyday Sets): The Islington Top by Styla Patterns is classic fitted scoop neck tee. Perfect to dress up or down. The Rio Ringer Tee/Dress by True Bias because who doesn't love a dual look pattern. Pro Tip: Pair it with our Cotton Rib in Sweet Cherries–the stretch is spot-on, and the subtle rib texture gives just enough structure for a clean silhouette that still feels soft and summer-ready. Style Inspo: Fitted, Flowy, or Floral? Want to spice up your sewing queue? Pair solids with a little pattern play: Our Sweet Cherries Cotton Rib adds a fun, vintage feel to any tee Our Floral Cotton Ribs make perfect statement tops or kids wear pieces Mix ribbed solids with printed bottoms, or go full monochrome for a sleek summer capsule Try a two-piece set with a fitted tank and skirt, or layer a ribbed tee under linen overalls. The styling options are endless (and endlessly comfy). Final Thoughts When it comes to sewing summer staples, rib knits give you everything you want—texture, movement, shape, and softness. Reach for the bamboo blend for your next dressy basic or cotton rib for everyday comfort, and turn these rib knits into something special. Bonus Tip: These fabrics also pair beautifully with our Swim Solids or Linen Prints for contrast textures in transitional layering! Ready to rib it up? Your next wear-all-week piece is just a stitch away.