11 Swimsuit Patterns to Make Yourself

By
Mollie Johanson
Mollie Johanson
Mollie Johanson
Mollie Johanson is a professional needlecrafter with over 10 years of hands-on embroidery, sewing, and knitting experience. She is the author of “Stitch Love: Sweet Creatures Big & Small." Mollie also designs and sells stitching projects, co-hosts a crafting podcast, and has taught online embroidery courses.
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Updated on 09/03/19
Pink Flamingo One-Piece Swimsuit From a Bodysuit Pattern
Ohhh Lulu Lingerie

Sewing your own swimsuit may sound intimidating, and while it's not for beginners, it's often more pleasant than trying to find just the right suit in a store. DIY swimsuits give you the option to choose a fabric you love and then make adjustments for the fit you want.

Whether you're looking for something sexy or sporty, this list of patterns has you covered!

  • 01 of 11

    Hit the Pool Pin-Up Style

    Alison Retro-Style One-Piece Swimsuit Pattern
    Burda Style

    For a vintage look with plenty of coverage, check out this classic pattern from Burda Style. The tied back gives extra support, but it's also a fun detail. It's perfect for when you want to look great at the pool and still feel comfortable if you want to swim a few laps.

    Alison Bathing Suit Pattern, $4, Burda Style

  • 02 of 11

    Craft Two Bikini Styles

    DIY Halter and Scalloped bandeau Bikini Tops
    The Sorry Girls

    Pair these DIY tops with a plain bikini bottom or use one of the other patterns in this list to make your own. The Sorry Girls present two options for making your own top. The first is a halter style that's upcycled from an existing swim bottom (perfect for when you find separates on clearance!), and the second is a sew-it-yourself bandeau. Both look great for the beach or with cut-offs!

    DIY Bikini Tops from The Sorry Girls

  • 03 of 11

    Sport a Well-Fitting Handmade Two-Piece

    Cordia High-Waisted Swimsuit Pattern
    Mood Fabrics

    Mood Fabrics offers an amazing selection of fabric for garments, and that includes swim fabrics. But they also have some fun and free patterns for making swimsuits! The Cordia two-piece has a high-waisted bottom and a flattering halter top. They also have a long-sleeved swimsuit pattern that is on-trend and great for protecting your skin.

    Cordia High-Waisted Swimsuit Pattern from Mood Sewciety

  • 04 of 11

    Make a Classic Style With Classy Details

    DIY Bikini Triangle Top With Metal Capped Ends
    Sirena Patterns

    For the times when you don't want to mess with a classic, grab this pattern for a simple triangle bikini top. But just because this is what you think of as a simple suit, doesn't mean this is basic. The graded pattern pieces are designed for a great fit and the finishing details of gold caps on the strings make this something special. Be sure to look through the other swimsuit patterns offered by Sirena Patterns for more style options.

    DIY Bikini Triangle Top from Sirena Patterns

    Continue to 5 of 11 below.
  • 05 of 11

    Sew a Suit to Show Off Your Curves

    Ipswich Swimsuit Pattern for Women With Curves
    Cashmerette

    This color-blocked swimsuit pattern comes with options for making a one- or two-piece suit, plus a free add-on to make a tankini version with a peplum. Best of all, the pattern is designed for US sizes 12-28, so you know it will fit and flatter your curves.

    Ipswich Swimsuit PDF Pattern, $14, Cashmerette

  • 06 of 11

    Search for Scallops in a Scalloped Bikini

    Black Scallop Edge Bikini Tutorial
    Deconstrut

    For a variation on the classic teeny bikini, head to Deconstrut for a tutorial on how to make your own scalloped edge two-piece. Charlotte walks you through how to draft the pattern pieces from items in your closet. The helpful thing about swimsuit fabric is that it doesn't fray and you can leave a raw edge on those adorable scallops.

    Scallop Edged Bikini from Deconstrut

  • 07 of 11

    Get Wrapped Up in Summer in a Bandage Bikini

    Wrapped Bandage Bikini Top Tutorial

    Creative Fashion Blog

    This wrapped bandage bikini top lifts and gives support in the best way possible. With a halter neck and two straps at the back, you'll feel secure while showing off a bit of skin. The thorough photo tutorial shows you how to cut simple shapes as you put this together, and you can even adjust the size and coverage to suit your style.

    Bandage Bikini Top from Creative Fashion Blog

  • 08 of 11

    Transform a Bodysuit Pattern Into a Bathing Suit

    Pink Flamingo One-Piece Swimsuit From a Bodysuit Pattern
    Ohhh Lulu Lingerie

    Most swimwear has some similarities to lingerie, which means you can often use the patterns interchangeably. That's the case with the Anouk bodysuit which has a free add-on for making it into a swimsuit. This one-piece suit features contrasting trim and straps you can wear two ways. Plus once you have the pattern, you can make yourself something special to wear when you're not at the beach!

    Anouk Bodysuit and Swimsuit Add-on, $16, Ohhh Lulu Lingerie

    Continue to 9 of 11 below.
  • 09 of 11

    Create Your Own Swimsuit Pattern

    Two-Piece Reversible Swimsuit With Sunglasses and Flip Flops
    Mollie Johanson

    Get two swimsuits in one with this reversible halter-style two-piece! Starting with a few measurements and pair of favorite underwear as a pattern, you can make this easy, fully-lined swimsuit. It's fun in two solid fabrics, but would also look fantastic in a bold print and coordinating solid so you could wear each piece in a different fabric.

    DIY Two-Piece Swimsuit from The Spruce Crafts

  • 10 of 11

    Head to the Beach in a Ruched DIY Bikini

    Ruched Bikini Pattern
    Laura Bolčina

    Simple is often the best, and that's what this bikini represents. But even in that simplicity, there's a cute ruching detail. The free pattern shows you how to measure and draft your own pattern for the top, and also includes pieces for the bottom in four sizes. If you're making one of the other bikini tops from this list, you could also use this bottom piece!

    Free Swimsuit Pattern and Tutorial from Sew Mama Sew

  • 11 of 11

    Dive Into Sewing a Simple Suit

    Gisela Reversible Tank One Piece Swimsuit Pattern
    Gigi Patterns

    A one-piece tank suit is a favorite for swimmers. It's no-fuss and still cute. This reversible version lets you customize your swimwear in fabrics you love as you get the fit just right. UK-designer Gisela offers a selection of swim patterns you won't want to miss, and even has a free bikini for newsletter subscribers.

    Gisela Reversible One-Piece Swimsuit Pattern, $8, Gigi Patterns