☀️ 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  

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.

Spring might still be in full swing, but we’re already daydreaming about summer days, breezy outfits, and all the new projects we can’t wait to create. There’s no better time to start stitching up your warm-weather wardrobe than now. So, whether you’re stitching up a laid-back tank, a comfy dress, or the ultimate beachwear fabric look, we’ve got you covered! We’re thrilled to launch our brand-new striped jersey just in time to kick off your summer sewing! Designed for movement, breathability, and style, this fabric offers the buttery feel of cotton jersey fabric, the fluid drape of premium bamboo linen, and the added stretch of spandex, all topped with the visual interest of playful stripes. Get ready to sew up some sunshine-worthy outfits that are as comfortable as they are chic. Your summer creations are about to get a serious upgrade! Meet Your New Summer Staple: Striped Jersey Say hello to your new summer star: our striped jersey fabric! Light as air, irresistibly soft, and super breathable, these fabrics were practically made for warm-weather sewing projects, like a flowy tank top, a relaxed-fit T-shirt, or a breezy summer dress.  Our striped cotton jersey fabric is made of a dreamy blend of bamboo and cotton with just the right amount of spandex: 67% bamboo fabric, 28% cotton fabric, and 5% spandex. The drape and feel of this soft cotton bamboo spandex fabric will inspire you to create the most beautiful pieces.  But what really makes this fabric a summer standout is its texture. The natural fibres offer all the cooling, moisture-wicking benefits you love for summer clothes, while the added stretch from the spandex keeps everything comfy and easy to wear. Plus, the playful stripes create visual rhythm and movement, giving even the simplest designs a fresh, lively twist. All this makes our jersey fabric the perfect beachwear fabric for creating dreamy pieces that feel as good as they look. A Match Made in Sewing Heaven: The Ideal Ribbing! What’s better than finding the perfect fabric? Finding a great ribbing to go with it! We have included the ideal ribbing, which takes all the stress out of sewing. Made from an ultra-soft and stretchy blend of bamboo, cotton, and a hint of spandex (66% bamboo, 28% cotton, and 6% spandex), this charcoal tubular ribbing is perfect for creating polished neckbands, comfy cuffs, and flexible waistbands that pull your whole look together. If you want a lighter contrast, you can check this beautiful 95% cotton white ribbing.  Using soft cotton ribbing that perfectly coordinates with your striped jersey ensures your summer tops, tanks, and dresses have a cohesive, professional finish. Why Choose Cotton, Bamboo, and Blended Fabrics for Summer? When the temperatures rise, choosing the right fabric can make all the difference between a dreamy handmade piece and one that gets buried in the back of the closet. That’s why we’re head over heels for natural and blended fibres like cotton and bamboo—they’re truly summer’s best friends!  Cotton is loved for its breathable, lightweight qualities, keeping you cool and comfy even on the hottest days. Bamboo steps up with its super-soft texture, natural moisture-wicking properties, and eco-friendly credentials; it’s perfect for those long afternoons at the beach or weekend markets. And if you haven’t sewn with bamboo linen yet, its breezy drape and effortless flow are sure to win you over! Our cotton bamboo spandex blend combines the best of all three: breathable softness, gentle stretch, and lasting comfort. It’s ideal for everything from easy-fitting tees to flowy dresses that move with you. Once you sew with these blends, you’ll wonder how you survived summer without them! Get Ready to Sew! We don’t know about you, but we’re already dreaming up all the sewing we’ll do with this fabric. Let your creativity flow, and start stitching pieces you’ll love to wear all season! Shop our new striped jersey and matching ribbing collection and get a head start on your sunniest, comfiest, and most stylish makes yet!

Cover Up, Sunshine! (+ Exciting UPF 50 News!) We love a sun-drenched beach day as much as anyone—golden hour selfies, salty swims, and chasing waves 'til sunset. But those UV rays? They’re sneaky little troublemakers, and too much exposure can mean everything from premature aging (no thanks) to serious skin damage (double no thanks). The good news? You don’t have to choose between sun protection and looking cute.  Enter: UPF50+ swim fabric. Think of it as built-in sunscreen woven right into your swimwear—blocking 98% of harmful rays without needing to reapply after every splash. We’re thrilled to announce that all of our swim fabrics are now officially rated UPF 50!  What Is UPF50+ Anyway? If SPF is for sunscreen, UPF is its stylish, sewable cousin. A regular cotton tee might offer UPF 5–15, but our swim fabrics like Lost in Lagos, Mint Blossom, or Peacock Blue Rib are rated UPF 50+, giving you high-level protection that won’t fade, wash out, or rub off. That’s because it’s part of the fabric—not a coating—so it holds up through every rinse, ride, and cannonball. Why Our Fabric’s a Keeper This isn’t just functional—it’s feel-good fabric you’ll actually want to wear and sew: UPF50+ built right in (no treatments = no fading) Soft, buttery stretch that moves with you Holds up to sun, sand, chlorine, and everything in between Easy to sew, hard to resist Not all sun cover is created equal, though — so let’s talk options. Long-sleeved swim tops are a fan fave for full upper-body protection, especially if you're surfing, paddle boarding, or just really into SPF math. High-neck one-pieces offer great chest and shoulder coverage (aka the sunburn danger zones). Prefer breezy coverage? Sarongs, rash guards, and swim leggings give you flexibility without sacrificing style. And yes, you can still look like a total beach babe while being responsibly sun-savvy. Made for Memories, Not Sunburns With Fabric + Flow’s sun-safe swim fabrics, you're not just stitching up something stylish—you’re creating pieces that protect the skin you’re in while you live out your best summer days. So go ahead—frolic, float, flip, and soak it all in. You’ve got a suit that’s got your back. Literally. Ready to dive in? Check out our latest UPF 50+ swim kits and start sewing something sun-smart and swoon-worthy. P.S. Sunscreen’s still your BFF. Just think of your suit as its ride-or-die backup.

Sew a stylish linen capsule wardrobe using just a few key patterns! Learn how to mix solids and prints to create dresses, separates, and layers you can wear multiple ways.