A handmade rashguard and swim shorts set is a practical project for sewists who love creating functional activewear. Whether you're planning beach days, swimming sessions, paddle boarding, or other water activities, sewing your own swimwear allows you to choose performance fabrics, achieve a comfortable fit, and create a coordinated set that suits your style.
The Winslet's Darya Rashguard and Swim Shorts Set combines a fitted long-sleeve zip-up rashguard with comfortable swim shorts, making it an excellent project for beginners ready to explore sewing with stretch fabrics. Designed for swimwear performance while remaining approachable to sew, it's a versatile pattern you'll reach for throughout the warmer months.
Why Sew a Rashguard and Swim Shorts Set?
- Create a coordinated swimwear set for beach trips, swimming, and water sports.
- Enjoy the comfort of a fitted long-sleeve rashguard paired with practical swim shorts.
- Sew your own activewear using performance stretch fabrics designed for movement.
- Customize your fabric colors and prints for a unique handmade swimsuit.
- Build confidence sewing knit swimwear while learning techniques such as zipper insertion, binding, elastic waistbands, and stretch seams.
Why Choose the Winslet's Darya Rashguard and Swim Shorts Set Pattern?
- Skill Level: Easy
- Design Features: Two-piece fitted swimwear set featuring a long-sleeve zip-up rashguard and coordinating swim shorts.
- Suitable For: Swimming, beachwear, and water activities.
- Available Sizes: US 02 - US 32 | UK 06 - UK 36 | EU 36 - EU 64
Supplies & Notions
Prepare the following before you begin sewing:
- Poly nylon lycra knit fabric
- Tape measure
- Chalk
- Fabric shears
- Pins
- Iron
- Sewing machine
- Sewing needles suitable for stretch fabric
- 3-ply polyester thread
- Thread cutter
- Serger (or zig-zag stitch as an alternative)
- Coverstitch machine (or twin needle/narrow zig-zag alternative)
- Binder attachment
- Zipper (length according to the size chart)
- 1¼" (3.2 cm) wide elastic (length according to the size chart)
Fabric Recommendations
The sewing guide recommends 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 in poly nylon lycra knit fabric, chosen for its:
- Smooth, stretchy surface
- Excellent flexibility and recovery
- Moisture-wicking and breathable properties
- Compatibility with stretch sewing 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
Cut the following pattern pieces:
- A. Front – cut ×1 fabric
- B. Back – cut ×1 fabric
- C. Sleeve – cut ×2 fabric
- D. Collar – cut ×1 fabric
- E. Front Bottom – cut ×2 fabric
- F. Back Bottom – cut ×2 fabric
- G. Waistband – cut ×1 fabric
Pattern Marking
Before cutting, familiarize yourself with the pattern markings provided in the guide. These include:
- Grainlines
- Necklines
- Armholes
- Front and back armhole notches
- Side seam notches
- Side seams
- Hem lines
- Hip line
- Waist
- Crotch
- Inseam
- Center front notch
- Zipper placement marking
- Shoulder seam dart
These markings ensure every piece aligns accurately during construction.
Cutting Layout
Arrange the pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams for either 45-inch or 60-inch fabric widths.
Position every pattern piece so the grainline arrow runs parallel to the selvage. The layouts shown are suitable for non-directional fabrics. If your fabric has a directional print or nap, purchase additional yardage to accommodate proper placement.
Pin the pattern pieces securely before cutting for the most accurate results.
Fabric Cutting and Preparation
Arrange all pattern pieces following the cutting layout diagrams before cutting.
If using fabric shears, trace around the pattern pieces and cut carefully, trimming away any marking lines. Cut all notches accurately, as they help align the garment during assembly.
Transfer all pattern markings—including circles, fold lines, zipper placement, and center front markings—to the wrong side of the fabric using tailor's chalk or a fabric marking tool.
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 bodice right sides together, aligning the zipper stop with the zipper placement marking on the fabric.
1b. Sew a few stitches to secure the zipper end with backstitching. Cut a straight slit along the center front zipper marking from the top to the bottom marking.
1c. Flip the zipper toward the zipper opening so its wrong side faces the front bodice. Pass it through the slit so the zipper sits behind the front bodice and open the zipper completely.
1d. Fold one side of the front bodice along the slit and align the edge with the corresponding zipper tape, right sides together. Stitch in the ditch along the zipper marking.
1e. Repeat the same process for the opposite zipper tape and the other side of the slit.
2. Prepare and Attach the Sleeves
2a. With right sides together, fold along the sleeve dart markings. Match the dart legs and sew along the seamline.
Repeat for both sleeves.
2b. Place one sleeve and the front bodice right sides together, matching the front armhole notches.
2c. Overlock the armhole seam.
2d. Repeat for the second sleeve.
2f. Place the back bodice right sides together with one sleeve, matching the back armhole notches. Overlock the seam.
2g. Repeat for the remaining sleeve.
3. Finish the Side Seams with Binding
Note: To achieve the same bound side seam finish shown on the sample garment, follow these instructions. Alternatively, you may simply overlock the side seams by sewing the front and back together from the sleeve hem to the bodice hem.
Cut two cross-grain binding strips 1.25 inches wide. Each strip should equal the length of the side seam plus 2 inches to allow for seam finishing.
3a. Prepare the binding strip following the binder attachment method shown in the guide.
3b. Position the main fabric and binding as illustrated for correct placement.
3c. Insert the binding strip into the binder attachment and stitch about 3/8 inch to secure it. Feed both aligned side seam allowances of the rashguard into the binder with wrong sides together. Stitch continuously from the sleeve hem to the bodice hem, leaving approximately ½ inch of extra binding at both ends.
Repeat for the opposite side seam.
3d. Fold the sleeve hem binding toward the wrong side of the sleeve.
3e. Secure the folded binding with a few backstitched stitches.
Repeat for the second sleeve and both ends of the side seam bindings.
4. Finish the Rashguard Hems
Fold the bottom hem of the rashguard toward the wrong side and press.
Coverstitch from the right side so the neat double row of stitching appears on the outside.
Repeat the same process for both sleeve hems.
5. Prepare and Finish the Collar
5a. Fold the collar in half lengthwise with wrong sides together.
5b. Position the curved edge of the folded collar on the right side of the neckline, aligning the collar ends with the neckline ends. Distribute the collar evenly around the neckline and overlock to attach.
5c. Fold the collar upward away from the neckline and press the seam allowance downward toward the bodice. Topstitch in the ditch along the neckline from the right side to secure the seam allowance neatly underneath.
6. Attach the Front and Back Crotch Seams
6a. Place the two front bottom pieces right sides together.
6b. Align and sew the front crotch seam.
6c. Repeat the same process for the two back bottom pieces to complete the back crotch seam.
7. Join the Inseams
Place the completed front and back shorts with right sides together.
Match the inseam edges and sew each inseam from the crotch to the hem using an overlock stitch or a suitable stretch stitch.
Repeat for the second leg.
8. Sew the Side Seams
Align the front and back shorts with right sides together.
Match the side seam notches and sew both side seams.
Press the seams lightly to help them lie flat.
9. Prepare the Waistband
Cut the elastic to the length specified in the size chart.
Join the short ends of the waistband with right sides together to form a loop.
Fold the waistband in half lengthwise with wrong sides together, enclosing the seam allowance inside.
Quarter-mark both the waistband and the shorts waist opening to ensure even distribution.
10. Attach the Waistband
Place the folded waistband onto the shorts waist opening with the raw edges aligned and right sides together.
Match the quarter markings on the waistband and shorts.
Stretch the waistband evenly while sewing around the waist using an overlock or stretch stitch.
Press the seam allowance downward toward the shorts.
11. Finish the Shorts Hems
Fold each shorts hem toward the wrong side using the hem allowance provided on the pattern.
Press the hems.
Coverstitch or sew with an appropriate stretch stitch to finish both leg openings neatly.
Ready to Sew Your Own Rashguard and Swim Shorts Set?
The Darya Rashguard and Swim Shorts Set is a rewarding project for sewists who want to create stylish, functional swimwear with professional finishes. Featuring a long-sleeve zip-up rashguard paired with coordinating swim shorts, this pattern offers comfort, flexibility, and excellent coverage for swimming, beach outings, and water sports.
Designed with an easy skill level, the Darya pattern introduces practical stretch-fabric sewing techniques, including zipper installation, bound seams, collar construction, and elastic waistband application. Using high-performance swim fabrics, you'll create a handmade set that's both comfortable and durable for active days in and around the water.
Ready to start your next sewing project? Download the Darya Rashguard and Swim Shorts Set and enjoy sewing a versatile swimwear set you'll wear throughout the season.
Explore More Sewing Patterns
Browse our Swimwear Sewing Pattern Collection for more stylish handmade swimsuits, rashguards, bikinis, one-piece swimsuits, and beachwear designed for comfort, movement, and summer adventures.
Join the Community & Get Support
Share your finished Darya Rashguard and Swim Shorts Set on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com.
