15+ Free Bathing Suit Sewing Patterns & Cover-Ups
Hit the pool in style with these swimsuit ideas that are perfect for summer! We're also featuring must-make cover-ups.
The sun is high in the sky and the waves at the beach are calling your name. Whether summer is on its way or here to stay, it's always a good idea to have swimsuit ideas in mind.
It's even better to have a DIY swimsuit in mind. That's why we put together 15+ Free Bathing Suit Sewing Patterns plus the coolest DIY beach cover-up designs you've ever seen.
Instead of buying brand new and expensive suits, you can create summer duds out of your winter duds, scraps you may have around, or new, beautiful bathing suit fabric you love.
Once you learn how to make a swimsuit, you'll never want to go back to buying them. These swimsuit ideas for summer will help you soak up the summer rays in style.
Not only are there some amazing bathing suit sewing patterns for both women and younger girls, along with a few for boys, but we included a bonus section, too!
After you find the perfect bathing suit to make, scroll down to the DIY Beach Cover-Up Patterns section.
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Table of Contents
Summer fashion is a great way for everyone to express their individuality. These tutorials and patterns will show you how to sew shorts that everyone in your family will be excited to bust out as soon as the forecast says "sunshine."
>>40+ Free Shorts Patterns (to Sew)
Free Bathing Suit Patterns for Women
Buying a brand new swimsuit can be insanely expensive. It seems like each year store-bought suits grow more and more expensive.
Save yourself a dime by learning how to make swimsuits all by yourself with these how to make swimsuit tutorials. Plus, you can customize the size, colors, and other details to your liking.
Simple and Stylish Swimsuit Patterns
These unique DIY swimsuits are perfect for anyone who is looking for swimwear that will really make a splash.
Wouldn't it be great if you could spend less than a hefty twenty dollars on your swimsuit pieces? With this DIY bikini top, you can.
This project is a great way to save money without sacrificing style. Especially if you can't get enough of vintage looks.
Get ready for fun in the sun with this fabulous yet uncomplicated two-piece swimsuit. This bikini sewing template looks great!
This darling DIY two-piece suit is modest, yet flattering, keeping you covered and comfortable while you splash around with the kids.
Upcycled Swimsuit Made From a Pair of Pants
These thrift store pants were a spandex blend, so they were well-suited to being turned into a bathing suit dress.
DIY Swimsuit with Printable Pattern
This swimsuit is a blend of trendy yet modest for those that don't like to show it all off during summer trips to the pool or beach.
DIY Monokini From An Old Bikini Set
Skip the store for the perfect suit. Learn how to transform a basic bikini you already have into a sexy, perfectly fitting DIY monokini.
This 3-In-1 DIY Bathing Suit is simply genius! The tutorial features a bikini sewing pattern, a tankini pattern, and a bonus maternity bathing suit pattern.
With this refashion, fake the look of trendy embroidery on your suit with a sew-on embellishment strip (and save yourself loads and loads of time).
How to Sew Bathing Suit Fabric
BONUS! Learn the specifics needed for sewing bathing suit fabric. These tips and tricks will assure that you sew a perfect suit.
On the hunt to find the best fabrics for hot weather? This guide has you covered! Whether you're at the beach or hanging out in the backyard, this can help you stay comfy.
>>Best Fabrics for Summer
Swimwear Sewing Patterns for Girls
Kids grow way too quickly. They can never wear a new suit from one year to the next. Save some money by learning how to make a swimsuit for your little man or little lady.
These swimsuit tutorials for kids are easy, quick, and absolutely adorable. Plus, you won't have to struggle through department store shelves to find a one-piece!
A Big Splash Swimsuit Tutorial
Learn how to sew a girls' one-piece swimsuit. Girls' summer sewing patterns like this are sure to make a splash at the beach and the pool!
Free Toddler Swim Suit Pattern
Goodness, there are few cuter DIY swimsuits for girls than this! This bathing suit has comfortable yet stylish straps and a cute little skirt.
This adorable girls' swimsuit is a one-piece that helps to avoid painful and dangerous sunburn by covering sensitive bellies and backs.
The pennies swimsuit is the easiest, thriftiest way to make a homemade swimsuit for the little ones to wear to the pool.
Beach Baby Free Tankini Pattern
BONUS! Made with less than 1 yard of swimsuit fabric, this DIY tankini top is a great intro project for working with stretchy fabric.
Swim Trunk Patterns for Boys
While there aren't as many swimsuits and swim trunks for boys and men, we do have a few excellent patterns and tutorials. On the plus side, they are much simpler than girl's and women's suits, so you can easily modify any of the patterns below to work in different ways.
Instead of buying your boy's next pair of trunks at the store, make them yourself. These DIY swim trunks are easy and fun to sew and he'll love sporting them around the pool or beach.
Make sure your little boy is ready for the beach with these. Take a normal shorts sewing pattern and add some mesh liner to make this awesome and easy DIY swimsuit.
You can really create these shorts for any occasion. Need something fun and funky? Grab a floral print. Want to make a DIY bathing suit? Grab the nylon.
Printable DIY Bathing Suit Pattern
If you have no idea how to make your own swimwear for your little boy, look no further than this printable DIY bathing suit for boys.
This kids' shorts pattern is easy-to-follow and perfect for some beach or pool time fun. With the right fabric, they make perfect swim trunks.
How To Upcycle A Swimming Suit
BONUS! Learn how to upcycle a swimming suit for kids. It’s a great way to save money and reuse adult swimming suits that aren’t being used.
Design clothing that your grandson will love with this list of wearable things to sew for boys!
>>Sewing for Boys: 17+ DIY Clothing Ideas That He'll Love
BONUS! DIY Beach Cover-Up Patterns
If you love the beach but tend to burn easily, swimsuit covers are your best friend while you are lounging in the sand.
Learn how to make a swimsuit cover with these cute patterns and you will be all set for summer. We think that these are so much cuter and more unique than anything you'd find at the shopping mall or online. Use your favorite prints or colors to make them your own.
How pretty is this one? This easy sewing pattern uses light, cool fabric that won't make you overheat between dips in the ocean.
This DIY cover-up is based on a beachwear collection from Victoria's Secret. Created from old clothes, it will be extra soft and comfy.
Most swimsuit cover-ups for women are somewhat impractical. Instead of thin material, wear a dress made from a beach towel!
How to Make a Bathing Suit Coverup
Learn how to make a bathing suit coverup that offers a bit more coverage without sacrificing style!
Frumpy Dress to Swimsuit Coverup
Turn a dowdy dress from a secondhand store into an adorable sundress or cover-up! What could be thriftier?
Fair warning, you will be so excited to put on this super snazzy cover-up that you may not even wait to get to the beach!
Fun and funky! If it’s the early morning and there’s a cool breeze in the air, this cover-up is the perfect way to stay warm.
Victoria's Secret Inspired Backless Swim Cover
Forget spending $50 at high-end stores; grab your fave fabric and challenge yourself to design your own cover-up.
BONUS! Design a gorgeous lightweight summer dress that doubles as a swimsuit coverup for those warm days spent at the beach with this free sewing pattern.
Upgrade your wardrobe with ease this summer with one of these stylish summer sewing patterns!
>>28+ Summer Top Sewing Patterns
Want More?
23 Summer Picnic Patterns to Sew >>
What's your favorite style of swimsuit?
Let us know in the comments!