It’s hot, it’s humid, you’ve seen the sights and now all you can think about is a dip in the ocean to cool off and completely relax. We get it. So trust us when we say, this is made 10x better when you’re doing so in a one-of-a-kind bikini that you’ve made yourself.
Sewing swimwear is so much easier than you think and can be whipped up in a few hours once you’ve got the hang of it. Lucky for us, we are spoiled with some beautiful patterns that take any stress out of the design process, meaning we get the perfect fit and (often) multiple styling options!
Before we dive in (pardon the pun), here’s your gentle reminder that every body is a bikini body and that you deserve to wear beautiful bikinis any day of the year – especially ones you’ve made yourself xx
1. Everything Edgewater Avenue
Edgewater Avenue truly is the home of great swimwear patterns. They have shapes and styles for every sewist with the ability to mix and match your bikini selection with separate top and bottom patterns. Their pdf patterns are super affordable and come with YouTube tutorials for you to sew-along to (always appreciated!) so you can print and sew in next to no time.
To get you started, the Ally Top is super simple with a knotted centre and is a self-proclaimed great boost for the girls. All you need is some swimwear fabric and swimwear elastic and you’re good to go!
The Ranger Bottoms are the perfect pairing – the classic bikini bottom style, with 3 coverage options so you can show as much or as little as you want. What makes these bottoms extra special is that they are completely reversible, so you’re basically getting two pairs for the price of one, who wouldn’t want that?
2. Two-Tone Bikini
If you haven’t already realised, I am a super fan of contrast trims and the Cowrie Kini by Paradise Patterns is the perfect example of how great this looks. The pattern has 2 options for the front style, and 2 rise options for the bottoms. Pay attention to the notes about the different elastics you need for either view, but this pattern is such a beautiful way to experiment with different colour ways, and the reviews speak for themselves on how uncomplicated it is!
3. Two for the Price of One
You really cannot go wrong with a triangle string bikini, but it can definitely be made even better, which is exactly what Swimstyle Patterns have done with the Reversible String Bikini. I always like to double-layer swimwear, either with the same or a lining fabric, so why not do this with a different colour, and have 2 bikinis for the price (and time) of one? For those of you with overflowing luggage, this one’s for you!
4. Strap/less Chic
The clue really is in the name with Swim Style Patterns, and so we’re back for another beautiful pattern – this time it’s the Chic Bandeau Bikini. This is aimed at a more intermediate/advanced sewist, using extra supportive wadded/pre-moulded cups and removable straps. The bottoms are a classic brief style, and are fully lined, so you won’t be running the risk of accidental nudity (FYI, Europe has its fair share of nudist beaches, if that’s your thing…).
As always, it’s a challenge to pick just a few patterns, and for those of you that prefer one-pieces, you haven’t been forgotten! There’s plenty more where that’s come from, you’ll be drowning in patterns before you know it…
