Tired of trying on a dozen swimsuits that never quite fit right? Sewing your own one-piece swimsuit gives you full control over fit, style, and fabric—so you can actually feel good in what you're wearing. Whether you're after something sporty, sexy, or totally unique, making your own swimwear opens up a world of creative possibilities. We’ve teamed up with some of our favourite sewing influencers to show off 10 stunning handmade swimsuits—and trust us, the inspo is next-level. Benefits of Sewing Your Own One-Piece Swimsuit: Custom Fit: Say goodbye to gaping necklines and saggy bottoms. Endless Design Options: Choose the pattern, fabric, coverage, and cut. Cost-Effective: High-end swimwear look, without the price tag. Confidence Boost: There’s nothing like rocking something you made with your own two hands. Sustainable: Avoid fast fashion and make only what you’ll actually wear. 10 Influencer-Made Swimsuits You’ll Want to Copy: @houseofhotard - Tami ✂️ Pattern: Modified Edgewater Ave Olivia 🧵 Fabric: Jet Black + Onyx Power Mesh Chic and sheer in all the right places. @indieseen - Nicole ✂️ Pattern: Greenstyle Mimosa 🧵 Fabric: Lipstick Jungle + Persimmon Swim Kit Tropical glam meets sleek design. @thewanderersclothing - Meighan ✂️ Pattern: Greenstyle Kokomo 🧵 Fabric: Marine + Honey Ribbed Solids Perfect for beach lounging and active days. @theravelout - Sylvia ✂️ Pattern: Edgewater Ave Poppy 🧵 Fabric: Spot On + Sienna Brown Swim Kit A bold combo for bold vibes. @bringingsewingback - Catherine ✂️ Pattern: Modified Styla Tavira 🧵 Fabric: Purple Swim Solid A unique take with a flattering silhouette. @majacan - Marie ✂️ Pattern: Petite Stitchery Darby 🧵 Fabric: Teal Pond + Wildberry Color-blocked for ultimate summer fun. @uniquelypriest - Tori ✂️ Pattern: Jalie Racerback 🧵 Fabric: Exotic Beauty + Electric Coral Swim Kit Sporty, secure, and full of flair. @majacan - Marie ✂️ Pattern: Rad Patterns Fit to Be Tied 🧵 Fabric: Viva Los Cabos (also seen is Burberry Look Boardshort) Perfect mix of flirty and functional. @houseofhotard - Tami ✂️ Pattern: Self-drafted from Pinterest inspo 🧵 Fabric: Casa Blanca + Sienna Binding Dreamy neutral tones with Pinterest-worthy vibes. Us! ✂️ Pattern: Edgewater Ave Poppy 🧵 Fabric: Monstera Madness, Casa Blanca, and Leaf It To Me A print-lover’s dream with statement energy. 🧵 Ready to Sew Your Own? Check out the fabrics used above in our Swim Fabric Collection and browse patterns from indie designers like Edgewater Ave, Greenstyle, and more. Follow us on Instagram to see these looks in action and tag us when you sew yours! ✨ MAKE IT. WEAR IT. OWN IT.

Swim to Street: How to Repurpose Swim Fabrics for Year-Round Wear Swimwear fabrics aren’t just for the beach anymore. With the rise of sustainable fashion and the need for versatile clothing, makers everywhere are getting creative with how they use recycled swimwear fabrics beyond the pool. These high-performance materials are breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and stretch-friendly. Perfect for creating wardrobe staples that work year-round. In this blog, we’ll show you how to take your favorite swim fabrics and transform them into stylish, functional pieces you can wear all year long. Why Use Swim Fabric Beyond Summer? Swim fabrics are typically made with a blend of recycled polyester or nylon and spandex. This combination gives them: Four-way stretch Quick-dry capability UV resistance Durability for active use That makes them ideal for everything from yoga tops to layering pieces for fall. Top Clothing Items You Can Sew with Swim Fabric 1. Athleisure Tops & Tanks Use swim knit to make racerback tanks, fitted tops, or yoga bras. The stretch and moisture-wicking properties make these ideal for workouts or layering under cardigans in cooler months. ✅ Fabric & Pattern Ideas: Greenstyle Patterns  Solo Tank in a print like Tropical Hurricane, layered over the Power Bra in Solid Red or Peacock Rib Love Notions Clearwater Summer Essentials (meant for swim & activewear) in Floral Silhouettes. @createdbybe made the sports bra version. 2. Everyday Leggings or Bike Shorts Yes—swim fabric can double as activewear fabric. Especially when paired with supportive patterns, it’s perfect for leggings, shorts, or even lounge sets. ✅ Pattern Ideas: Jalie Clara Leggings or Swim Shorts Patterns for Pirates Peg Legs (Bonus: these are free & they have free add ons) Fabric Suggestion:Ribbed Swim Solids: For leggings or fitted shorts, these offer a slightly heavier weight with amazing recovery—ideal for fall fitness fashion.  Pro Tip: Be sure to double check the stretch requirements for the pattern you are using to ensure a flawless fit. Swim Prints would work great on a looser fitting short. 3. Base Layers for Fall/Winter Turtlenecks, fitted long sleeves, and base layers made from swim fabric? Absolutely. Swim knits trap body heat while keeping moisture away—ideal under flannels or jackets. ✅ Pattern Ideas: Hey June Handmade Union St. Tee Closet Core Patterns Core T-Shirt (free) Fabric Suggestion:Sienna Brown or Rosemary Solids:Rich autumn tones and breathable fabric make these a no-brainer. 4. Fashion Bodysuits A sleek bodysuit made from shiny or matte swim fabric is on trend for layering with high-waisted pants or skirts. ✅ Pattern Ideas: George and Ginger Roadtrip Bodysuit or Friday Pattern Co Elysian Bodysuit Get creative and use your favourite 1 piece bathing suit pattern and modify it to include snaps. Check out this tutorial from Friday Pattern Co on how to add snaps to their Elysian Bodysuit Fabric Suggestion:Use a staple colour like Jet Black, and add some sexy Onyx Power Mesh accents like @houseofhotard did here: 5. Dresses or Skirts For a sporty twist, use swimwear fabric to create body-hugging dresses or midi skirts. Great for transitional weather and layering. ✅ Pattern Ideas: Petite Stichery Romy Twist Tee & Skirt  Seamwork Mesa Dress Fabric Suggestion:Use Ribbed Swim for more structured skirts, and Solids or Prints for tops and flowy skirts Sewing Tips for Swim Fabric: Use a ballpoint or stretch needle (size 75/11 or 80/12) Opt for polyester thread for better strength Use a serger or zigzag stitch to maintain stretch Consider a walking foot if your machine struggles with slick fabrics Use lining as needed to ensure you piece isn't see through, and add cups for some additional support Sustainability Spotlight: Why Choose Fabric & Flow? We offer a stunning range of Swimwear Fabrics, and other earth-friendly options like Bamboo and Recycled Denims. Every metre you use helps reduce waste and promotes slow fashion—making your creations not just stylish, but sustainable. Explore our full Swim collection HERE. Final Thoughts Swimwear fabric isn’t just for summer—it’s one of the most versatile materials in your stash. From stylish tanks to thermal base layers, these year-round spandex pieces will take you from swim to street in comfort, style, and sustainability. Ready to get sewing? Stock up on eco-conscious, designer-quality fabrics and start creating activewear that works year-round.

Why Pinterest Is Basically Your New Creative BFF Let’s be real—Pinterest isn’t just for planning dream weddings or saving recipes you’ll never cook (guilty). It’s a goldmine for creatives, designers, makers, and all-around visual thinkers. Whether you're dreaming up your next collection, redecorating a space, or planning a passion project, Pinterest is like that friend who always knows what looks good—and isn’t afraid to show you. So, why should you care about Pinterest? Because it's not just a social network—it’s a visual search engine. You can explore styles, color palettes, textures, and layouts from all over the world, right from your screen. Think of it as your digital mood board… that updates itself every day. And if you’re a fabric-lover, DIY dreamer, or full-on sewing enthusiast? Pinterest is basically your happy place. Sewists, this part’s for you: Pinterest can be the starting point for your next me-made outfit. Here’s how: Start with ready-to-wear inspiration.Use Pinterest to browse retail looks you love—from street style to runway to everyday influencers. You can search for specific pieces ("linen jumpsuit", "boxy blouse", "maxi wrap dress") or even full outfit vibes ("minimalist fall wardrobe", "coastal grandma chic", etc.). Then find the perfect sewing pattern match.Once you've pinned a look you love, it’s time to reverse-engineer it. What’s the silhouette? The construction? The fabric? Use those clues to hunt for a sewing pattern that mimics the style—but made by you. (Bonus: You get to pick the fabric.) Use Pinterest’s visual search tool.Did you know you can click on any image and search for visually similar ones? It’s an underrated tool for finding pattern inspiration or alternate versions of a look. 3 Ways We Use Pinterest at Fabric & Flow: 1. To build mood boards before creating anything Before any new product shoot, collection drop, or branding decision, we scroll through boards full of aesthetic magic to set the tone. It’s a total vibe check. 2. To spot trends before they hit your inbox Pinterest is where trends start. Whether it’s earthy color palettes, statement prints, or soft minimalism, we’re watching it unfold there first—and weaving it into our fabric and content planning. 3. To connect with you (yes, you) We’re always updating our Pinterest with curated boards of ready-to-wear looks paired with similar sewing patterns. Whether you’re hunting for your next sewing project or building your dream wardrobe, we’ve done the legwork to help you go from inspo to “I made this.” Want to start pinning like a pro? Here’s a mini challenge: 📌 Create a board for your next sewing project.Call it whatever you want (we like “Color Crush” or “Closet Goals”). Then, go wild—pin outfits, patterns, fabrics, color palettes, and textures. Try searching for looks you’d actually wear, then imagine how you could make them yourself. Before you know it, you’ve got a full visual game plan—and a whole lot of motivation. Ready to get inspired? Start scrolling (and sewing) with us:👉 Follow Fabric & Flow on Pinterest

Deadstock vs Regular Fabric: Why It Matters for Your Makes As sewists, we spend hours carefully choosing patterns, testing fits, and fine-tuning the details—but what about the fabric itself? The choice between deadstock fabric and regular yardage goes beyond aesthetics or drape. It’s about the story your fabric carries—and the impact it leaves behind. If you care about sustainable sewing, it's time to understand what deadstock fabric is, and why it's becoming a favorite among thoughtful makers. What Is Deadstock Fabric? Deadstock fabric refers to leftover, overordered, or unused fabric from fashion brands or textile mills. Instead of going to waste (or worse, landfill), this fabric is resold—often in limited quantities—to small brands, designers, and indie sewists like you. Think of it as giving fabric a second chance at life. It’s like fabric thrift shopping—but way cooler. How Is It Different From Regular Fabric? Regular fabric (sometimes called “production fabric”) is manufactured and dyed with the intention of being sold at scale. It’s made on-demand by mills and suppliers to fill retailer orders. While it’s available in predictable quantities, it often comes with a higher environmental footprint—especially if it’s produced with virgin fibers, chemical dyes, and under unclear labor conditions. Deadstock, on the other hand: Already exists (no new resources used to make it) Is often unpredictable in yardage, fiber content, and availability Can include designer or high-end textiles at more accessible prices Why Choose Deadstock for Your Makes? If you're leaning into ethical fabric sourcing and making more conscious creative choices, deadstock is a strong place to start. 1. 🌍 It’s More Sustainable Buying deadstock prevents perfectly good fabric from being discarded. It reduces demand for new textile production and helps keep waste out of landfills. 2. 🧵 It’s Unique Deadstock runs are often small, meaning what you sew won’t look like anything else out there. No mass-produced matching wardrobes here. 3. 💰 It’s Budget-Friendly Deadstock can include luxury or designer fabrics sold at a discount, making it a great way to access high-quality textiles without blowing your budget. Any Drawbacks? Yes, a few things to consider: Limited quantities: You may not be able to reorder. Grab what you love when you see it. Uncertain content: Sometimes fiber content or weave type isn’t clearly labeled. (Tip: get comfortable with a burn test!) Not always “green” by default: Just because it’s deadstock doesn’t mean it’s organic or non-toxic—it just means it's leftover. Still, using it keeps it out of the waste stream, which is a win. Deadstock Fabric at Fabric & Flow At Fabric & Flow, we source deadstock fabric with care—curating modern, wearable textiles that align with our love for slow fashion and sustainable sewing. From neutral linens to playful prints, our deadstock collection is ever-changing (and often one-of-a-kind). 🛒 Browse our latest deadstock fabric arrivals📌 Follow us on Pinterest for outfit ideas + matching patterns🧵 Join our maker community on Facebook and Instagram, and show us what you’ve made with the tag #fabricandflow Final Stitch Your fabric choices matter. Choosing deadstock over regular fabric isn’t just an aesthetic decision—it’s a small but powerful shift toward more ethical fabric sourcing and planet-conscious sewing. And as sewists, isn’t it kind of amazing that we can create exactly what we want to wear—while also creating less waste? Want more tips on sustainable sewing? Sign up for our newsletter for fabric drops, free resources, and ways to make your sewing practice even more mindful.

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!

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