Swimwear Basics: Everything you need to know about sewing your own swimsuit

In this video: Haley teaches you everything you need to know about how to sew swimwear. She'll cover how to select swimwear fabrics and lining, swimwear notions, some basic construction techniques, plus a bunch of tips along the way.
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[@betsysmith9176]

My favourite swimwear tip is just to go for it. When I sewed my first suit I was sooo nervous. I just drafted something and went for it, and it was completely wearable and a great learning experience. I also learned that power mesh is really itchy, and that making your own suit means you can use fabric colours you'd never buy off the rack because you can line them as much as necessary, like white. You can have a white suit that doesn't cast shadows or let hairs poke through. So, my tip is to go for it.

[@1775LostOne]

Thank you for the advice! I've never found a bathing suit I liked so I am gearing to make my own

[@pambroady1401]

I’m getting ready to sew my own suit. Since I swim laps every day the cost of a suit gets expensive when I’m replacing them ~3 months.

[@jillbell9083]

All the info on elastics was super. From choosing it to installing it. Thanks. I really only want to do this project once so all the help is wonderful.

[@BunnyBoo44]

Do you think I can make a swimsuit? I never sewed anything before and I just got a sewing machine secondhand and I'm ready to learn all about sewing

[@ennycho8431]

I love buying one pieces from the thrift store and turning them into two pieces/a bikini. It’s also very useful if you’re a beginner and you want to make mock-ups before buying swimwear fabric in itself, which can get pretty expensive 😬

[@FaerieGirl456]

Great idea 😊

[@debbiewalker3421]

Do you have instructions how to do?

[@texbex1117]

Great tips! I've never been able to wear store-bought one pieces comfortably because I have a long torso. This may be the summer I try making my own!

[@SeamworkVideo]

You can do it! Happy sewing!

[@allisonpinkall577]

Same!!

[@hazelhardy3941]

Same same.

[@AshleyRJones8]

I'm about to make my first swimsuit...a maternity swimsuit! 😬 This video was very helpful! I've made a pattern from my existing swimsuit, with maternity adjustments...but I'm planning to make a mock up in a similarly stretchy knit fabric that I'm hoping will just end up as a cute maternity bodysuit!😊

[@SeamworkVideo]

Glad it was helpful! Good luck on your swimsuit, I'm sure it will be really cute!

[@carolkite1156]

Thank you, this has given me the confidence to get started.

[@TateBugs]

THIS WAS THE BEST SWIMSUIT BIDEO I’VE EVER SEEN! So so so helpful!

[@SeamworkVideo]

Yay! Thank you!

[@cybergyrl6589]

Great video! Extremely clear explanations. Thank you!

[@yamiletviloria747]

So glad I found your video...excellent explanation and tips!!!

[@kazfarrell1061]

What a great video! so well presented and explained clearly. Thank you. I am about to make my first swimsuit.. wish me luck.

[@niccigericke1234]

This was great. Thank you so much for the effort you put in.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rayvenzwolvz]

Thank you SO much for the 4 tests for fabric swatches!

[@SeamworkVideo]

You're welcome!

[@AidaReva]

Thank you for this! Super helpful!

[@SaraSong-mw3zm]

I've always wanted to sew my own swimsuit and bought some material but I was wanting to make sure I got other stuff right and make sure I didn't mess up so this was a real big help lol.

[@mronson4035]

Brilliant video. So clearly explained. Thanks

[@SeamworkVideo]

Thank you! So glad you found it helpful.

[@lucaslegz]

Thank you for the swimwearLOVE!

[@stylzgohardllc.1132]

I ABSOLUTELY luv ur teaching ! My 1st time ever watchn .And Im subscribing aswell !! Your , awesome ‼️‼️‼️

[@SeamworkVideo]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@annrobinson6643]

Brilliant tips thank you so much x

[@SeamworkVideo]

You're welcome!

[@justgloria.]

Great tips

[@mariebrown5142]

Great video!

[@ielline]

Thank you so much! This is so helpful 😊 I want to make my own swimsuit since the cute ones I like are all too tiny in the bottom part which I'm not comfortable with.

[@SeamworkVideo]

So glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@elizabeth_hfx]

Really helpful! And I like your style of instruction. Using craft clips is genius- picking some up today!

[@SeamworkVideo]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@SuperNette101]

Thank you! This is very helpful!

[@SeamworkVideo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@withatwist5089]

Seamwork for the win...AGAIN! @Seamwork, thank you, friends.

[@CustomThreads]

This was really helpful

[@SteinbachZitherial]

Thanks so much for this. I’m so looking forward to sewing my own swimsuit because I can decide material, colour, straps etc. Have a while to go before I’m ready but I’m already mastering sewing stretchy material like for leggings 😊

[@SeamworkVideo]

Sewing swimsuits is so fun!

[@Monica-ii8yc]

Great video for beginners! Thank you!! You’re video has inspired me to create my own swimsuit.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Wonderful!

[@citygirlfarm]

Great information. Thank you.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@franug]

thanks!! I'm planning to sew some long-sleeved swimsuits for my daughter (summer is coming up here in the Southern Hemisphere) but I'm a bit nervous...I'd say I'm an advanced begginer and don't own a serger; these tips are super useful.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Have fun!

[@leenasca2339]

thank you. so much helpful info.

[@SeamworkVideo]

You are so welcome!

[@shanksre6186]

Thank you 🇬🇧

[@aussiepetlover3985]

Great video. Thanks

[@SeamworkVideo]

You are welcome!

[@LittleChick733]

Totally trying this! It would be so awesome to just sew my own suit instead of endlessly shopping for something I like. Great tips! Thank you!

[@SwervinErvins]

Yes! And then needing to take it to a tailor for alterations even after all that. I would love to be able to choose the colors that look good on me. I wish there were better print fabrics to buy. I really like the Albion patterned swimsuits but can’t find anything close from fabric stores.

[@edakalay]

Thank you!

[@SeamworkVideo]

You're welcome!

[@kenn1936]

thank you so much for doing this video, I have gone through loads and loads of fabric, making MISTAKES!!! I didn't know about different weights of lycra (they don't tell you this), I had to ask the company for the fabric that I can use for SWIMWEAR, and not thin see-through stuff that I have to double up on, in order to make then substantial - then they are very thick with all the seams (doubled up on). I have had to unpick many swimsuits to readjust - so this is a fabulous video!!! THANK YOU for all this info. It is just what was needed.

[@SeamworkVideo]

So glad it was helpful!

[@samscreapaper526]

Thank you so much! I made my first bikini! Shared my progess also on youtube! Its not perfect but it looks great :D cant wait to make the next one :)

[@SeamworkVideo]

Wonderful!

[@unidaze]

Can you create a video demonstrating different fabric stretch?

[@PerditionLeatherCo]

Loved it! Was looking for lingerie tips but this was great!

[@SeamworkVideo]

Awesome! Glad it was helpful!

[@steffidelzin4466]

can i ask what tension setting your serger is on? I just started making bathing suits and one of my most annoying problems is the seems showing. When you stretch out your seem at 6:55 I love how you don't see any thread. For me, the thread doesn't break of spread out exceptionally but it always shows and doesn't look as professional as I would like it to. I don't know what I'm doing wrong someone please help!

[@cierrawarness4007]

Great video! What kind of machines are you using?

[@SeamworkVideo]

In this video, we used a Bernina 475 QE and the serger is a Bernina L460.

[@vickyhart1007]

Can I use a bi-stretch polyester fabric? I read that polyester is okay

[@sylviatingle5813]

Any tips on serger settings. When I pull the fabric apart I see to much of the thread.

[@kjlouisi4630]

thank you! Can cup wire be added to this pattern ?

[@SeamworkVideo]

We didn't test adding underwire so it might take some experimenting. This swim top is really supportive (lots of elastic!) so you might not need it!

[@kjlouisi4630]

@@SeamworkVideo wanna bet :-)))

[@dizzyantennae5883]

Any online vendors you recommend for buying swimsuit fabric? Thanks so much 😊

[@SeamworkVideo]

I'm sure there are many resources out there but I've been eyeing some swimwear fabric on Style Maker lately: stylemakerfabrics.com/collections/swimwear?page=1

[@Sweet_mimii]

I can’t get the thread to stop bunching on the underside of the garment when trying the zigzag stitch after I’ve added elastic. Without elastic it zigzags just fine. The step you started at 8:49

[@SeamworkVideo]

Have you tried re-threading your machine? A new/different needle? Adjusting the tension? Use scraps to figure out what machine settings work best with your fabric and elastic. Your sewing machine manual usually has a troubleshooting section that can help you diagnose what's going on.

[@hannahingliscreative]

Do you know if you can make swimwear from scuba fabric?

[@SeamworkVideo]

Great question! Scuba has a different stretch ratio than most swimwear fabrics, so you'll want to find a swimwear pattern designed specifically for scuba fabric. It's also pretty thick, so it'll probably require flat construction techniques.

[@bodyandsoul17]

Would you be able to share how best to insert the foam cups please?

[@SeamworkVideo]

Here's a tutorial from Threads on how to add sewn-in bra cups to your swimwear: www.threadsmagazine.com/2011/06/13/how-to-install-bathing-suit-bra-cups

[@bodyandsoul17]

@@SeamworkVideo Thanks!

[@MsSavvy9]

Are DD the largest foam cups/bra inserts available on the market? I have been looking, but if anyone can suggest a great place with a great selection it would be appreciated.

[@elizabethlenihan5626]

www.braandcorsetsupplies.com/product/mb-balconette-foam-bra-cups-swimwear-cups-beige-black-sizes-42-52-clearance/

[@MsSavvy9]

@@elizabethlenihan5626 oh wow! Thank you! It is good to know they do exist, but it looks like they clearance the larger sizes and are sold out. ☹ It is a lead though! More have to exist!

[@annterrywilliams2304]

Savvy9, if you are larger than a D cup and not self supporting in the chest area, you probably need to look at swimwear patterns that utilize a built in bra. Craftsy has a class on sewing the bra or bra cups for larger sizes. Hope this helps.

[@MsSavvy9]

@@annterrywilliams2304 thank you I will look into that. I just picked up a few lingerie patterns for larger sizes and I am excited to venture into something new. It's amazing how many resources there are!

[@crystallionaire]

I was listening so intently and then "unfortunately placed flowers" had me rolling lol 😂 who said i was ready to become an adult lol clearly i should still be 13 not 31

[@SeamworkVideo]

😂

[@molokaimerahawaiifivefit4653]

How did you determine how much elastic to use in the seam?

[@SeamworkVideo]

You'll want to follow the elastic length the pattern calls for in the size you're making.

[@samsnailcare7934]

Where I'm from dont have swim wear elastic just regular elastic..... Can i use that if i vant get swim wear elastic

[@SeamworkVideo]

You can use regular elastic, but chlorine and salt water will cause it to break down faster than swimwear elastic.

[@Judyblumert]

hi, what is a 3 step zig zag? I have a Babylock machine. Thank you

[@SeamworkVideo]

A simple zigzag stitch creates one diagonal stitch in one step while a three step zigzag stitch makes three small stitches in one step.

[@melissagillespie9217]

I just bought a swimsuit but the top is a bit revealing when I bend over. I was thinking of adding elastic to the top seam. Is there any specific way I should sew it with out it looking awful?

[@SeamworkVideo]

Hmmm it is hard to say without seeing it. Definitely make sure you use a stretch stitch (like a zig zag) so that the elastic is able to stretch how it needs to.

[@dashiajames1882]

My best swimsuit tip is to use the correct fabric. Some ppl use t-shirt fabric. I'm like " That's not gonna work "..!!

[@terrabelle9937]

8:07 what size elastic should be used? I can't decide between quarter-inch and theree-quart-inch... Does it even matter that much? Am I overthinking it? 'Elp.

[@SeamworkVideo]

The Seamwork Maggie uses 1/4" elastic! If you're following a pattern, the instructions should tell you which width of elastic to use. If you're drafting your own pattern, you'll just want to use a width that corresponds with the seam allowance wherever it's being attached.

[@terrabelle9937]

@@SeamworkVideo Thank you so much! 🙏🙇‍♀️

[@pichi2303]

ahh my name is Haley

[@lizcademy4809]

I was hoping for instructions on altering the swimsuit for a full bust. Many Seamwork patterns are cute, but don't work for us people who **need** bust shaping. [I'm a 30GG, UK sizing.] Lately, you aren't even including darts I could use to start a FBA. And I do not wear clothing without a defined waist.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Thanks so much for the feedback! I'll bring it to the team.

[@annterrywilliams2304]

Check out the Craftsy class for info on how to alter a swim pattern. Their class will definitely help you.

[@johannechampagne7332]

Maillot (pronounced mayo) is the French word for bathing suit.

[@karenwilliams5941]

I have left over lycra from my costume I want to make a one piece I want to line the crotch not sure if I have to line everything

[@SeamworkVideo]

Just like with so many things in sewing, lining the entire one piece isn't really a "have to". You can definitely choose to only line the crotch and not the rest. Just test your fabric to make sure you feel like it is opaque enough and thick enough to give you the coverage you want without a lining.

[@karenwilliams5941]

If deffinately line the boobs too especially since I would go cupless , so I guess that's the important bits done

[@whatnow8362]

Which way should stretch be for two way stretch for a two piece bikini?

[@SeamworkVideo]

Two way stretch fabric stretches along the cross grain (from selvage to selvage). Follow the grainline directions for your bikini pattern to make sure the stretch is aligned the way the pattern intended.

[@citygirlfarm]

I'm no longer afraid. Lol😊

[@SeamworkVideo]

Glad to hear it! Sewing swimwear is really fun, and nothing to be afraid of! 😁

[@prostheticballerina]

FYI, "maillot" is pronounced without saying the l or the t, like "ma-y-oh".