A one piece swimsuit is a practical project that combines comfort, coverage, and style in one garment. Whether you're planning a beach vacation, swimming laps, paddleboarding, or simply enjoying time by the pool, sewing your own swimsuit lets you create a custom fit while choosing fabrics and color combinations that suit your personal style.
The Winslet's Skye One Piece Swimsuit Sewing Pattern is designed for sewists looking to create a sporty, modern swimsuit with professional-looking finishes. Featuring a functional front zipper, high neckline, and contrast raglan sleeves, this easy-level pattern includes detailed step-by-step instructions to help you confidently sew your own swimwear.
Why Sew a One Piece Swimsuit?
- Create a custom-fit swimsuit tailored to your measurements.
- Enjoy full coverage for swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and other water activities.
- Sew a sporty design with long raglan sleeves for added comfort and sun protection.
- Add your own style with color blocking or contrasting sleeve fabrics.
- Pair it with shorts or a sarong for a versatile beach outfit.
- Build confidence sewing stretch swim fabrics while creating a practical wardrobe staple.
Why Choose the Winslet's Skye One Piece Swimsuit Sewing Pattern?
- Skill Level: Easy
- Design Features: Sporty long-sleeve one piece swimsuit with a functional front zipper, high neckline, contrast raglan sleeves, curved leg openings, and comfortable snug fit.
- Available Sizes: US 02 - US 32 | UK 06 - UK 36 | EU 36 - EU 64
Supplies & Notions
You will need:
- Tape measure
- Chalk
- Fabric shears
- Pins
- Iron
- Sewing machine
- Sewing needles
- 3-ply polyester thread
- Thread cutter
- Zipper
- Serger (or use a zig-zag stitch as an alternative)
- Coverstitch machine (or twin needle/narrow zig-zag alternative)
- Binder attachment (optional)
Always test your stitches on a fabric scrap before sewing your final garment.
Fabric Recommendations
Use lightweight 4-way stretch knit fabrics with 50–100% stretch, including:
- Nylon spandex scuba
- Polyester spandex jersey
- Tricot knit
- Ribbed swimwear knit
The sample garment is sewn using poly nylon lycra knit fabric, chosen for its:
- Smooth, stretchy feel
- Excellent recovery
- Moisture-wicking and breathable properties
- Compatibility with stretch needles
Size Charts
Check the size charts and measure yourself to select the correct size, using the garment and body measurement tables in the guide.
Verify how much fabric you need by referencing the fabric yield table in the guide.
Pattern Inventory: What Pieces to Prepare
Prepare the following pattern pieces:
- Front — Cut 1 Fabric
- Back — Cut 1 Fabric
- Sleeve — Cut 2 Fabric
- Gusset — Cut 1 Fabric
- Collar — Cut 1 Fabric
For home printing, use the A4/US Letter pattern.
For copy shop printing, use the A0 pattern.
Pattern Marking
The pattern includes all the markings needed for accurate construction, including:
- Grainlines
- Neckline
- Armhole front and back notches
- Collar notches
- Side seams
- Leg openings
- Crotch markings
- Gusset line and gusset top edge
- Zipper attachment marking
- Shoulder seam dart
- Sleeve hem markings
Transfer all pattern markings carefully before sewing to ensure proper alignment during construction.
Cutting Layout
Follow the cutting layout diagrams provided in the sewing guide to keep every pattern piece on grain.
The guide includes layouts for:
- 45" fabric width
- 60" fabric width
- Swimsuits sewn from one fabric
- Swimsuits sewn with contrast sleeve fabric
These layouts are non-directional. If your fabric has a nap or directional print, purchase extra fabric to accommodate pattern placement. The layouts shown use a US Size 12 for illustration.
Fabric Cutting and Preparation
Arrange the pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams, ensuring each grainline runs parallel to the fabric selvage.
If using fabric shears, trace the pattern pieces before cutting. Cut carefully outside any marking lines and clip all notches, as these help align the garment during assembly.
Transfer all pattern markings—including circles, fold lines, and other construction marks—to the wrong side of the fabric. Mark the center front on any pieces cut on the fold to help with accurate assembly.
Seam Allowance
Please follow the seam allowances as indicated on the pattern file layers. These are provided specifically for each piece to ensure accurate construction.
This pattern uses a 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance all around, and 2.5 cm (1") at the sleeve hem.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
1. Attach the Front Zipper
1a. Place the zipper and front piece right sides together, aligning the zipper stop with the zipper attachment marking on the front bodice.
1b. Sew a few stitches to secure the zipper end with backstitches. Cut a straight slit along the center front zipper marking, from the top marking to the bottom marking.
1c. Flip the zipper toward the zipper opening so the wrong side of the zipper faces the front bodice. Pass the zipper through the slit so it sits behind the front bodice, then open the zipper fully.
1d. Fold one side of the front bodice along the slit. Align the folded edge with the corresponding zipper tape, right sides together, and stitch in the ditch along the zipper marking.
1e. Repeat the same process for the opposite zipper tape and remaining slit edge.
2. Prepare the Gusset
Serge the top edge of the gusset.
3. Attach the Crotch
3a. Place the right side of the gusset against the wrong side of the back piece, aligning the crotch edges.
3b. Place the front over the back with right sides together, matching the crotch edges with the gusset.
3c. Overlock through all layers along the crotch seam.
3d. Open the front and back pieces along the crotch seam so the wrong side faces up.
3e. Place the gusset over the front piece, aligning the leg opening. Baste the seam allowances of the gusset and front piece together.
4. Prepare the Sleeves
Fold each sleeve right sides together along the dart markings.
4a. Match the dart legs and stitch along the marked seam line.
Repeat for both sleeves.
5. Attach the Sleeves
5a. Place one sleeve on the front bodice with right sides together, aligning the front armholes.
5b. Match the front armhole notches and overlock along the armhole seam.
5c. Repeat for the second sleeve.
5d. Place the back bodice over one sleeve, aligning the back armholes. Match the back armhole notches and overlock.
5e. Repeat for the remaining sleeve and back armhole.
6. Finish the Side Seams and Leg Openings with Binding
Cut four cross-grain binding strips measuring 1.25" wide and equal to the side seam length and total front leg opening. Add 1" seam allowance to each short end.
6a. Stitch the binding strip as shown in the guide.
6b. Position the main fabric and binding as illustrated for the correct binding placement.
6c. Feed the binding strip into the binder and stitch about 3/8" to secure the fold. Insert the front leg opening into the binder and continue stitching around the leg opening until reaching the back leg opening.
6d. Place another binding strip inside the binder. Stitch about 3/8" to secure the binding, then insert the aligned side seam allowances (wrong sides together) into the binder. Begin at the sleeve hem and stitch down to the bodice hem. Leave 1/2" of extra binding extending beyond each end. Repeat for the opposite side seam.
6e. Press the binding flat toward the back of the swimsuit and topstitch along the edge from the sleeve hem to the bodice hem.
6f. Fold each 1/2" binding extension to the wrong side and secure it with a few backstitches. Repeat at every binding end.
Note: If you prefer not to use bound side seams, simply place the front and back right sides together and overlock the side seams from the sleeve hem to the bodice hem. Likewise, if you do not wish to bind the leg openings, fold the seam allowance to the wrong side and finish with either a coverstitch or a zig-zag stitch.
7. Finish the Sleeve Hems
Fold each sleeve hem to the wrong side and press.
Coverstitch the hem from the right side so the finished garment shows a neat double row of stitching.
8. Prepare and Attach the Collar
8a. Fold the collar in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together.
8b. Place the folded edge of the collar against the right side of the swimsuit neckline. Align the collar ends with the neckline ends and distribute the collar evenly around the neckline. Overlock the neckline seam.
8c. Fold the collar upward away from the neckline. Press the overlocked seam allowance downward toward the swimsuit on the wrong side. From the right side, topstitch in the ditch along the neckline seam to secure the seam allowance underneath and complete the collar finish.
Ready to Sew Your Own One Piece Swimsuit?
A one piece swimsuit is a practical addition to any handmade wardrobe, offering comfortable coverage, a sporty look, and a custom fit that's perfect for swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, or relaxing by the water. With its front zipper, raglan sleeves, and high neckline, the Skye One Piece Swimsuit Sewing Pattern is an enjoyable project for sewists looking to build confidence working with stretch swim fabrics.
Whether you choose a classic solid color or create a bold contrast sleeve design, this easy sewing pattern provides detailed instructions to help you achieve a professional-looking finish. Download the pattern today and start sewing a swimsuit you'll love wearing all season long.
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Browse our Swimwear Sewing Pattern Collection for more stylish handmade swimsuits, bikinis, swim dresses, and beachwear patterns perfect for your next sewing project.
Join the Community & Get Support
Share your finished Skye One Piece Swimsuit on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com.
