What if this summer, you wore a swimsuit sewn by your own hands, perfectly fitted to your body shape and impossible to find on the beach? Sewing your own swimsuit has long had an intimidating reputation. Yet, with the right pattern, the right fabric, and a few tips, it’s a completely accessible—and incredibly rewarding—project. At Ikatee, we have a favorite piece to get started: the PALOMA bodysuit, which transforms into a beautiful one-piece swimsuit as soon as you sew it in lycra. We’ll explain everything.
Why sew your own swimsuit?
Buying a swimsuit in stores often means making compromises: the top fits well but the bottom gaps, you like the color but not the cut, or vice versa. Sewing your swimsuit changes the game in three ways:
- The fit: you start from your actual measurements, from size 32 to 52, for a piece that stays in place and that you don’t have to keep adjusting.
- Uniqueness: you choose your lycra, your color, your neckline. Your swimsuit won’t look like any other.
- The joy of sewing knits: despite its technical reputation, a swimsuit is a small project, quick to sew once you understand the logic of stretch fabric.
Good news: sewing a swimsuit involves exactly the same techniques as sewing a bodysuit. That’s why PALOMA is an ideal starting point.
PALOMA: a bodysuit that turns into a one-piece swimsuit
PALOMA is our women’s bodysuit pattern, designed to be versatile: 3 necklines, 2 sleeve lengths, and an optional slit, all available from size 32 to 52. With an intermediate sewing level, it’s aimed at those who have already sewn a few pieces and want to advance in knit sewing.
Its close-fitting cut, snap crotch, and clean lines make it a perfect base for a one-piece swimsuit. The secret lies in the fabric: sew PALOMA in classic jersey and you get a bodysuit to wear under a skirt or high-waisted pants; sew it in swimsuit lycra and you have an elegant one-piece swimsuit with the neckline of your choice.
👉 Discover the PALOMA women’s bodysuit pattern (also available as a printable PDF version)
And for the whole family
If you also sew for children, Ikatee offers dedicated swimsuit patterns: PAULETTE, the girls’ swimsuit one- or two-piece (ages 3-12), and SEBASTIEN, the boys’ underwear and swimsuit set. Enough to outfit the whole tribe for the beach. Find them all in our Swimsuits – Sewing Patterns collection.
Which fabric to choose for a swimsuit?
This step makes all the difference. A swimsuit is sewn from lycra (also called elastane or swimsuit fabric): a knit that stretches a lot in both directions, resistant to chlorine, salt, and UV rays. Avoid classic cotton jersey, which stretches out and becomes transparent when wet.
Also consider the swimsuit lining, a fine knit that adds comfort, opacity, and better support—essential for a one-piece. For quantity, follow the yardage indicated on the pattern envelope, with a little extra if your lycra is printed and requires matching.
👉 Choose from the Lycra – Swimsuit Fabrics collection and complete with the dedicated lining.
The notions that make all the difference
Sewing a swimsuit requires some specific supplies designed for elasticity and contact with water:
- Special swimsuit elastic: resistant to chlorine and keeps its tension, to be applied at armholes and leg openings.
- Stretch thread: flexible and stretchy, it makes seams invisible and comfortable against the skin, ideal for sergers.
- Jersey or stretch needle: its ballpoint tip slides between the knit stitches without damaging them.
Everything is gathered in our Sew a Swimsuit collection.
Our tips for a successful swimsuit
A few simple habits make the difference between an “okay” swimsuit and a flawless one:
- Choose your size based on your measurements, without adding ease: since lycra is very stretchy, the swimsuit should be snug to provide good support.
- Sew with a stretch stitch (narrow zigzag, stretch stitch, or serger) so your seams follow the fabric’s elasticity without breaking.
- Apply the elastic in the right place: slightly stretched at the armholes and crotch for perfect support.
- Do a fitting before finishing: it’s always easier to adjust before attaching the elastic and snaps.
- Take care with PALOMA’s snap crotch: it’s what turns the bodysuit into a practical swimsuit that’s easy to put on.
And if you get stuck, know that the PALOMA video tutorial walks you through attaching the necklines and crotch step by step—a real home workshop to sew with confidence.
Ready to dive in?
Sewing your own swimsuit means treating yourself to a unique, well-fitted, and durable piece, while enjoying a wonderful sewing experience. With PALOMA as your base, the right lycra, and the proper notions, you have everything you need to succeed at your one-piece swimsuit—whether you’re a motivated beginner or an experienced sewist.
So, shall we get started? Grab your favorite lycra and head to the beach in handmade style:
👉 I sew my swimsuit with PALOMA
And don’t forget to share your versions with the Ikatee community: your handmade swimsuits are our greatest inspiration this summer!
