Guess what?! We’ve got some exciting news that’s going to make your online shopping experience even better (and your wallet happier). We just lowered our free shipping threshold from $199 to $150!  That means more free shipping, more savings, and fewer reasons to abandon your cart. Win-win-win. Why the Change? We heard you loud and clear. $199 felt like a big commitment, especially when you're just a few items away from hitting the free shipping mark. So, we’re making it easier (and faster) to qualify for free shipping – because honestly, who doesn’t love seeing that magical “Free Shipping” note at checkout? What This Means for You: Save More, Spend Less – Now, you only need to hit $150 to unlock free shipping. No More Overthinking Your Cart – Add what you love and check out with confidence. More Frequent Orders – Shop in smaller batches, more often, without paying for shipping each time. Our Promise to You We’re all about delivering more value with every click. Lowering our free shipping threshold is just one way we’re working to make your shopping experience smoother, easier, and more rewarding. So go ahead—fill that cart. You’re closer than ever to free shipping bliss! 💡 Pro Tip: Want to stay in the loop on future deals and updates like this one? Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on socials. We’ve always got something brewing... Thanks for being part of our amazing community. Happy shopping—and enjoy that free shipping! 

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.

Ready, Sweat, Sew: Create Your Own Athletic Wear Magic You’ve got the vision. You’ve got the skills. All you need now is the gear to get going. Whether you're stitching up sleek leggings, airy tops, or that perfect sports bra—you’ll want the right mix of fabrics and extras to make your activewear dreams a sweaty (but stylish) reality. Enter: Our Athleticwear Kits 💥 They’re curated, coordinated, and just waiting for you to get your sew on. What’s in the Kit, You Ask? Each kit is a powerhouse package with everything you need to make magic at your machine: Solid Athletic Knit Fabric→ Supportive + stretchy = chef’s kiss for leggings and sports brasContent: 75% Nylon / 25% Spandex | 230gsm / 7oz Powermesh Fabric→ For that breathable hold-your-stuff-in feel. Think lining magic.Content: 72% Nylon / 28% Spandex | 160gsm / 5oz Perforated Mesh Fabric→ Hello ventilation. Perfect for inserts, panels, or sporty flair.Content: 80% Nylon / 20% Spandex | 200gsm / 6oz Thread (perfectly matched)→ Because your seams deserve to be just as pretty. Exclusive Sew-In Label→ Add that pro-finish touch. Because YOU made this, and the world should know. Choose Your Adventure: Fat Half or Full Meter? Fat Half KitEach fabric: 75cm x 100cm (30" x 39")Total = 1.5 meters of awesome Full Meter KitEach fabric: 150cm x 100cm (60" x 39")Total = 3 full meters of sewing freedom A Quick Note on What’s Not Inside  We've packed these kits with the good stuff—but there are a few things you won’t find inside, like elastics, foam cups, or sewing patterns. We can’t do everything (yet 😉), but don’t worry—we’ve always got great pattern suggestions to point you in the right direction. Why You'll Love It (Besides the Obvious) ✅ High-quality fabrics for high-impact workouts (or lounging, we won’t judge)✅ Great for beginners or seasoned stitchers✅ Perfect for testing patterns or building your athleticwear stash✅ No more guessing – just grab a kit and go! Make It. Sweat In It. Brag About It. Whether you're running marathons or marathoning Netflix, these kits are here to support your creative hustle. Get inspired, mix and match, and make something that's 100% YOU. So go on… grab a kit, fire up your sewing machine, and get ready to strut that handmade swagger.  P.S. - We also have Athletic Print Kits too, you're welcome! SHOP ALL KITS HERE  

Sew Your Own Activewear: The Fun, Fit, and Freedom of DIY Workout Clothes Let’s be real—finding activewear that actually fits, feels good, and flatters? Not always a walk in the park (or on the treadmill). That’s why more and more people are grabbing their sewing machines and going full-on DIY with their workout clothes. Whether you're tired of see-through leggings, awkward seams, or just want your gym gear to scream you, sewing your own activewear might just be your new favourite project. Why Make Your Own Workout Clothes? Fit Like a Glove: Say goodbye to saggy waistbands and too-tight tops. You control the measurements. Pick Your Performance: Choose breathable, moisture-wicking, or recycled fabrics based on your workout. Style Your Way: Leopard print yoga pants? Color-blocked sports bra? Go wild. Eco-Friendly Bonus: Reduce waste and fast fashion with sustainable sewing choices. Pro Tips for Sewing Your Own Activewear Before you dive into spandex paradise, here are a few must-know tips to help your DIY fitness gear turn out like a pro made it. 1. Choose the Right Fabric Activewear needs stretch! Look for four-way stretch knits, like nylon-spandex or polyester-spandex blends. For breathability and performance, consider: High performance knits like our Athletic Solids Power mesh (for ventilation panels and extra support where needed). Perforated mesh is also great for ventilation, visual interest and breezy tops Recycled poly blends (hello, sustainable sewing!) Pro tip: Always do a stretch test—pull the fabric both ways and make sure it snaps back easily. 2. Use the Right Needle & Thread Swap out your universal needle for a ballpoint or stretch needle to avoid skipped stitches. Pair it with polyester thread—it’s stronger and more elastic-friendly than cotton. And yes, a serger helps with clean seams—but don’t stress if you don’t have one. A zigzag stitch or stretch stitch on your sewing machine works just fine. 3. Pick Patterns That Move With You Start with beginner-friendly patterns like: Leggings with a yoga waistband Racerback sports bras Fitted tanks or bike shorts You can find digital sewing patterns online or use your favorite pair of leggings as a template (pro tip: trace before you cut!). 4. Test the Fit—Always! Make a muslin (test version) using inexpensive stretch fabric before cutting into your fancy print. Test out squats, stretches, and dance moves to make sure seams hold and nothing rolls down where it shouldn't. 😉 5. Add Performance Features Want to level up your DIY workout clothes? Try adding: Flatlock seams for comfort Hidden pockets for keys or cards Elastic waistbands with drawstrings Thumbholes in sleeves for that athleisure look 6. Unsure of what fabric to get? Grab an Athletic Kit in Fat Half or Full Metre! You’ll get 3 fabrics (Solid, Power & Perforated  Mesh) in matching or complementary colours. No need to choose—you get all the options to get your creativity on! Sewing Activewear Is Empowering (and Kinda Addictive) Once you realize you can make a pair of leggings in a weekend that fit better than anything from the store, you’ll never go back. Plus, creating custom fitness clothes adds a boost of motivation to your workouts—because let’s face it, wearing something you made is a flex in itself. Ready to Get Started? Shop our curated collection of athletic fabrics, DIY athletic kits, and notions. Whether you’re starting small with a tank top or diving into full matching sets, we’ve got your back (and your backside). ✅ Final Stitch: Your Sewing Activewear Checklist ✅ Stretchy, breathable fabric ✅ Ballpoint/stretch needles ✅ Polyester thread ✅ Beginner-friendly pattern ✅ Confidence to make it your own Start sewing your own activewear today—and never settle for boring workout clothes again.

Yes, You Can Sew Stretch Fabric Without a Serger! Many sewists assume you need a serger (also known as an overlocker) to sew swimwear, leggings, or anything made from stretch fabric. But here’s the truth: you absolutely don’t. Whether you’re new to sewing or just not ready to invest in a serger, you can create strong, stretchy, and professional-looking seams with your regular sewing machine—as long as you use the right stitches and techniques. What You’ll Need Before you start, here’s what we recommend for sewing stretch fabric on a home machine: Stretch needle or ballpoint needle→ These glide between fibres instead of piercing them—perfect for spandex, lycra, and knits. Polyester thread→ Polyester thread has stretch and strength. Avoid cotton, which can snap. Stretch fabric→ Need help choosing one? Shop our swim and athletic fabrics → Walking foot (optional)→ Helps feed fabric evenly—especially useful for lightweight or slippery materials. Best Stretch Stitches to Use (No Serger Needed!) Most modern machines come with stretch-friendly stitches. Here are three of our favourites: 1. Zigzag Stitch Stitch Width: 2.5–3.5Stitch Length: 1.0–2.5 The zigzag stitch is a tried-and-true choice. It stretches with your fabric and works well for seams and hems. 🔧 Pro Tip: Test the settings on a scrap before sewing your final piece. 2. Lightning Bolt or Stretch Stitch Symbol: Often looks like a wavy lightning line (⚡) This is a built-in stretch stitch on many machines. It’s perfect for seams that need extra durability, like swimsuit bottoms or activewear leggings. 3. Triple Straight Stitch This stitch sews forward, then backward, then forward again for a super strong (and slightly stretchy) seam. Great for high-stress areas. ⚠️ Heads up: It can be slow to sew, and tough to unpick—so go slow and steady. How to Prevent Wavy or Stretched-Out Seams Stretch fabric loves to… well, stretch—sometimes more than you want. Here’s how to keep your seams smooth: Don’t pull your fabric while sewing – Let the machine feed it naturally. Use a walking foot – Especially helpful for slippery fabrics like swim lycra. Lower presser foot pressure – If your machine allows, reduce it slightly. Stabilize tricky areas – Use clear elastic or stay tape in shoulder seams, waistbands, etc. Hemming Without a Serger You can hem stretch garments with: A narrow zigzag A twin needle (for that classic double-stitch look) A coverstitch lookalike using stretch stitches 🌟 Twin needles are affordable and give a professional hem finish with built-in stretch. Fabric + Flow Pro Tip The better the fabric, the better your results. Cheap stretch fabric can curl, shift, and behave unpredictably. We stock high-quality swim and activewear fabrics that perform beautifully on a home machine—no serger required. Shop Swim Shop Athletic Ready to Start Sewing? Sewing stretch fabric without a serger is easier than you think—with the right tools, the right stitches, and the right fabric, you can make beautiful, wearable swimwear or activewear at home. Still have questions? Message us on Instagram or send us a note—we love helping makers grow their skills. 📩 Get More Sewing Tips Like This! Sign up for our newsletter to get tutorials, product tips, and stay up to date with new products and promos.

☀️ Make a Splash Without Spending a Dime Looking to dive into DIY swimwear this summer? Great news—you don’t need to spend a ton to get started. These 5 free swimsuit patterns are perfect for beginners or experienced sewists looking for a new project. We’ve included a mix of styles (bikinis and one-pieces) and tips on which of our fabrics pair best with each. 1. Madalynne Intimates Type: Has a few "intimates' patterns that can be made into swimwear with little to no mods Skill Level: Confident beginner You can find free patterns here See the guide here Fabric Tip: Get your creativity on and pair prints with stripes or dots - like Viva Los Cabos + Aruba Teal Stripe 2. The Oahu Swimsuit by Mood Fabrics Type:  one-piece with a scoop neckline, waist belt, and polished details Skill Level: Intermediate Fabric Tip: Go classic in Solids or extra snatched in Ribbed. Or level up and go all print with a splash of solid - like Coral Zest + Red Rib Look at all these Ribbed colour choices!! 3. Triangle Bikini by Bikini Design Clue (Cost $1, so not free) Type: Classic triangle bikini Skill Level: Beginner Fabric Tip: Use printed swim fabric - like Teal Pond for a statement piece 4. Girls Swimsuit by Zaaberry Type: One-piece or Two-piece Skill Level: Intermediate Fabric Suggestion: Try using one of our curated Swim Kits like Latin Limon + Sunny Morning Rib 5. Abelia Long Sleeve by Mood Fabrics Type: Long Sleeve One-piece that could easily be modified into a rash guard. Get pattern HERE Skill Level: Intermediate Fabric Match: Get creative and colour block your favourite solids. Example - mix and match every neon swim shade we’ve got—why choose one when you can rock them all? Go full ‘80s and make a splash! Our Top Fabric Picks for Swim Patterns Explore our curated swimwear collection perfect for these free patterns, and don't forget the essentials like lining, rubber elastic and matching thread. Shop Swimwear Fabrics and Supplies 📩 Want More Freebies & Sewing Tips? Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to hear about free patterns, stretch sewing tutorials, and fabric promos.

5 Trendy Linen Clothing Styles to Sew This Year Linen has always been a warm-weather classic, but in 2025, it’s having a serious fashion moment. From elevated basics to relaxed tailoring, linen garments are everywhere—and the best part? You can sew them yourself. Here are five trending styles, plus pattern suggestions to help you bring them to life. 1. Matching Linen Sets Why it’s trending: Easy to style, endlessly wearable. Pair a button-up or crop top with linen shorts or trousers. Patterns to try: Doe & Deer Fougere Overshirt & Jacket True Bias Dani Short/Pant Friday Pattern Co Saguaro Set 2. Linen Wrap Dresses Why it’s trending: Flattering, breezy, and adjustable. Perfect for beginners and pros alike. Pattern to try: Closet Core Elodie Wrap Dress 3. Oversized Button-Ups Why it’s trending: Perfect as a swimsuit cover-up, over jeans, or worn as a light jacket. Patterns to try: The Assembly Line Oversized Shirt 4. Wide-Leg Linen Pants Why it’s trending: Polished and breathable—what’s not to love? Patterns to try: Emerson Pant / Short – True Bias Paradise Patterns Protea Pant 5. Minimalist Dresses & Tunics Why it’s trending: Modern, clean lines that let the fabric do the talking. Patterns to try: Style Arc Sydney Designer Dress Tessuti Lisa Dress Want to Start Sewing Linen?  Shop Linen Fabrics Here

How to Create Matching Family Swimwear: Your Guide to DIY Summer Style There’s nothing more fun (or photogenic) than a family in matching swimwear. Whether you're planning a beach vacation, poolside weekend, or just love coordinating your makes, sewing your own matching family swimsuits is the perfect way to combine creativity, comfort, and style. At Fabric + Flow, we make it easy with coordinating swim fabrics and boardshort fabric options, so you can create custom swimwear for everyone — from the littlest swimmers to the grown-ups. Why Sew Matching Family Swimwear? Besides the obvious cuteness factor, sewing your own swimwear lets you:✔ Choose high-quality materials✔ Customize fit and support✔ Express your style as a family✔ Avoid mass-produced sizing headaches Whether you're going for playful and bold, or sleek and minimal, creating matching swimsuits for the whole family is easier than you think — especially with the right supplies and patterns. What You’ll Need To make matching family swimwear, you’ll need: Swim fabric: Choose from our bold prints like Groovy Lavender or Great Barrier Reef Boardshort fabric: Ideal for kids’ and men’s trunks Swim lining: For comfort and coverage Rubber elastic: 8mm or 19mm, depending on the pattern Thread & notions: Matching Gütermann thread, foam cups or power mesh if needed You can shop all of these individually in our Swim Collection — or do yourself a favour and grab one of our Kits. We make it easy to create your own swimwear with our curated Swim Kits and Boardshort Kits — designed to give you everything you need in one go. Our Swim Kits include high-quality swim fabric, swim lining, rubber elastic, matching Gütermann thread, and a sew-in label. Our Boardshort Kits come in two sizes and include boardshort fabric, soft mesh lining, knit and rubber elastics, thread, drawstring, interfacing, grommets, and a sew-in label — all the essentials to make professional-quality trunks. All you have to do is bring the patterns. We’ve taken care of the rest. Pattern Ideas for Matching Family Swimwear Looking for patterns that work across sizes and ages? Here are some of our favourite family swimwear sewing patterns: 🩱 Adults + Kids One-Piece or Bikini Cottesloe Swimsuit – Megan Nielsen(Available in adult and kids sizes. Classic lines, great for all body types.) Mairin Swimsuit – Sew a Little Seam(Kids and adult options, perfect for sporty styles.) Petite Stichery – Wide range of swim styles for all ages 🩳 Boardshorts for All Ages Malia Shorts – 5 out of 4 (women), they also have a Family Bundle of more standard Boardshort style Jalie 2678 – Men’s and boys’ boardshorts Pair any of our Groovy Swim Prints for the suit with the matching Groovy Boardshort fabric for the trunks and you're set for picture-perfect coordination. FYI - we offer our Groovy print in FOUR colours! Tips for Success Pre-wash your fabrics to prevent surprises Use a stretch needle and a stretch stitch or serger Test your elastic tension before sewing final seams Mix and match prints within a colourway for a playful but cohesive look Ready to Sew? Our swim kits are designed to make matching easier than ever — and with coordinating boardshort fabrics, creating matching family swimwear is just a few stitches away. Create summer memories in handmade style. ➡️ Shop Swim Kits Now