Why Print Placement Matters We’ve all been there. You’re walking through a store, glance at a garment, and bam — there it is. A flower, a circle, a bold graphic... sitting right there. Dead center. Unintended bullseye. The kind that makes you do a double take (and not in a good way). Print placement might sound like a small detail, but once you notice it — there’s no unseeing it. And if you’ve ever cut your pattern pieces without thinking about where the print falls, you know that pit-of-your-stomach feeling when you realize what just happened. Let’s talk about how to avoid those moments and make your fabric work for you, not against you. Directional vs. Non-Directional Prints Knowing whether your fabric is directional (where the design has a clear top and bottom) or non-directional (design works in any orientation) is key before you start cutting. Non-directional prints are a dream for sewists. Why? Less fabric waste and more flexibility in layout. You can often flip pieces to make the most of every inch - like Summer Slice. Directional prints like French Botanicals, require you to be more mindful. Every piece needs to be cut facing the same way — especially if it’s a garment like swimwear or dresses where top and bottom matter. But here’s the fun part: even technically non-directional prints can have a "best" orientation. Pattern Placement: Make or Break Even with a non-directional print, placement can make or break a design. When you’re working with larger-scale or bold prints, you want to highlight the fabric — not hide it or create visual distractions. Case in point? Let’s talk about two of our favourite swimwear prints: 🌿 Leaf It to Me Think cool, abstract botanical vibes. It’s technically non-directional, so you can flip it any way.But... it honestly looks best vertically. That flow? Chef’s kiss. It’s stunning on a one-piece swimsuit, especially when you take time to place the pattern to show off the print’s movement. Trust us — it’s worth the extra thought. 🏺 Casa Blanca This one’s all about bohemian elegance with earthy tones and a bold scale. Again, vertically-oriented layout gives the most striking impact. Casa Blanca sings when allowed to take center stage on a one-piece. Fabric Grain and Stretch Considerations When working with stretch fabric (like 4-way stretch swimwear), you get even more flexibility. Some prints don’t have a strict grain direction, which means more creative freedom and less waste — win-win! Still, if you're fussy cutting or matching stripes, patterns, or motifs, remember:👉 You’ll need extra fabric.But oh — when those stripes line up just right? Cue the angelic chorus. Pro Tips for Smart Sewing with Prints: Always lay out your pattern pieces and visualize the finished garment before cutting. Use a full-size printout or make a mockup for big prints. Consider the visual impact zones (center front, bust, seat, etc.) and avoid placing big motifs where you don’t want attention. When in doubt: step back. Squint. Does the placement work from a distance? Final Stitch: Celebrate the Print Prints are powerful. When thoughtfully placed, they can highlight your shape, tell a story, or add that extra wow to your project. Whether you're working with something abstract like Leaf It to Me or something bold like Casa Blanca, take a few minutes to plan. A little intention goes a long way — and helps you avoid any hello-look-at-my-bits surprises along the way. Want to see more swimwear-ready prints?Browse Our Swim FabricsOr check out Leaf It to Me and Casa Blanca directly and start planning your next masterpiece!

Meet the Extras Kit: For the DIY Swimwear Dreamer  So, the time has finally come. You’ve caught the creative bug, and this time it’s whispering: “make your own swimsuit.” And guess what? You're actually going to doing it. Maybe you’ve already done your homework and picked out the perfect pattern (and if not we've got plenty of pattern suggestions to get you started). Now you’re deep in the fabric phase. You're here - on our site - because, where else would you go for high-quality swim prints and solids? You might be scrolling through our curated kits, searching for that spark of inspiration, but maybe none of our pre-made combos are quite you. You’re more of a choose-your-own-adventure kind of creator. We get it. You’ve nailed down the main event: your dream combo of prints and/or solids. But you still need the behind-the-scenes magic to make your swimsuit come to life. That’s where the Extras Kit comes in. What’s in the Extras Kit? This kit is made for the freestyle makers—the mix-and-matchers, the rule-benders, the swimwear rebels. Inside, you’ll find: 1 meter of Lining – Choose black or white Swimwear elastic – 2 meters of 18mm and 3 meters of 8mm An exclusive sew-in label – Because the details do matter, and that finishing touch makes it all feel real It’s everything you need to round out your DIY swimsuit project—minus the fabric and pattern (you’ve got that covered, right?). So go ahead, build your own kit, make it 100% you, and dive into swimwear sewing like the creative rockstar you are.  Shop - All Swim

Comfort Meets Cutest-Ever Style: The Estes Pattern Has Arrived We’ve officially fallen in love — and we’re not afraid to shout it from the rooftops. The new Estes pattern from Jenn at Styla Patterns, is exactly what our sewing dreams are made of: flirty, functional, and fabulously comfortable. Because who said style and sweat can’t go hand in hand? A Two-Piece Wonder With Built-In Confidence Estes comes as a two-piece set that doesn’t just serve looks — it delivers comfort and support in every stitch. Whether you're dancing in the wind, powering through a workout, or running errands with main character energy, this set has you covered — literally. ✨ The Top: Drama? Yes, please. Sculpted seam lines add a touch of flair, while built-in support means you can skip the bra without skipping the structure.🍑 The Skirt: This one’s a total flirt. A flouncy back hem adds movement and fun, while built-in shorts underneath keep everything secure (even when you're hitting your best spin on the dance floor or fighting a surprise breeze). And did we mention options? The skirt comes in two lengths, because we believe in outfit freedom — and elastic waistbands. Your New Favourite Pattern for, Well... Everything One of the best things about Estes is its versatility. With the right fabric, you can completely transform the look and function of this set: Make it in performance fabrics for an activewear outfit that moves with you. Sew it in swim fabric for a bold two-piece swimsuit. Get creative with prints, mesh inserts, or luxe scuba knits like @twisted.daizy.designs did with her lace border print version that stopped us in our tracks. Community-Made Magic We had the absolute joy of supporting Jenn (aka @emmaandblaine) and her pattern testers with some of our favourite athletic fabrics. Here’s how a few of the amazing makers brought their Estes sets to life: @sew.with.steph used Tropical Hurricane and Athletic Solid Cactus for a bold, sporty combo. @sew.mom.repeat kept things cool with Athletic Solid Storm Blue. @utrachel went classy with Athletic Print Guava Linen Look. @lilbrockli brought texture with Midnight Solid and Perforated Mesh. And of course, the original inspiration from @emmaandblaine in Groovy Pink Print had us swooning from the start. We’re constantly blown away by the creativity in the sewing community — and it’s an honour to be part of your makes. Want to Collaborate? Let's Dream Something Up This project is a perfect example of what happens when great minds come together. If you're a pattern designer, content creator, or just someone with a cool idea and a love for fabric, we’d love to chat. Whether it’s a new pattern launch, fabric testing, or a joint creative project — we’re here for it. Drop us an email at workroom@fabricandflow.com and let’s see what we can come up with. Ready to Sew Your Own Estes? Styla Patterns creates thoughtfully designed sewing patterns that blend style and function—perfect for everyday wear and active lifestyles. Grab your copy of the Estes pattern here - use code ESTES to save 25% off (valid until end of August) and browse our collection of athletic prints and solids to bring your version to life.