Pattern Making | Swimwear
In this advanced course, you’ll learn how to create swimwear that fits properly and feels good to wear. You’ll develop patterns for bikinis, tankinis, one-piece swimsuits, and active-style swimwear, along with beachwear pieces such as sarongs, kaftans and wraps.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll build the practical patternmaking skills needed to design and develop swimwear, with a strong focus on fit, stretch fabrics, and how swim garments work on the body.
You will need to complete Introductory Pattern Making first or have similar sewing & pattern making experience.
What to Expect
Our courses are open to all skill levels and held in our Pymble studio on Sydney’s North Shore. We offer morning, afternoon, full-day, and evening options, running Monday through Saturday.
Classes run once weekly for 3–3.5 hours across an 11-week term. Courses are typically priced in the $900–$1,000 range, depending on the number of hours.
As this is an advanced class, many students will require more than one term to complete their project.
Class Times & Booking
You’ll be able to view upcoming class dates and pricing before confirming your booking.
Swimwear Pattern Making | Course Summary
During the course, you’ll work through a range of swim and activewear garments, with the option to include coordinating beachwear pieces depending on your interests and project choices. You will receive instruction in:
Creating a bodice pattern block as the foundation for swimwear development
Drafting blocks and patterns for bikini and tankini bottoms, bikini and tankini tops (including bra-style and triangle designs), one-piece swimsuits, and exercise pants and tops
Developing patterns for individual garment choices, including sarongs, kaftans, and wraps
Making pattern adjustments specifically for stretch fabrics
Selecting suitable fabrics and haberdashery for swimwear and activewear
Applying stretch sewing techniques, including elastics, moulded bra cups, linings and interlining.
Skill Level | advanced
All skill levels are welcome but it is an advantage to have some basic pattern making and sewing skills before undertaking the course. Students who have not sewn before may take more time to perfect the techniques associated with swimwear.
📅 Class Schedule & Booking
When: Morning (8.30am–12.00pm),
Afternoon (12.30pm–4.00pm)
Evening (6.00pm–9.00pm)
Where: CAFA, Pymble (Sydney’s North Shore)
Term Times: → View Dates & Classes
flexible start dates available
Cost: Starting from $919 per term
(33 hours tuition )
Save: Book a full-day class and receive a discount of $135
Class Size: Small group format for personalised instruction
→ Contact us if you're not sure which level is right for you.
make your own swimwear Course Details
The course is designed to teach pattern making and garment construction for swimwear and exercise wear.
Garments completed in the course include bikinis, tankinis, full piece swimming costumes, exercise pants and tops. The course may also include sarongs, kaftans and wraps.
What You'll Learn
Pattern block for a bodice which is the starting point for swimwear development
Pattern drafting of blocks and patterns for bikini and tankini panties, bikini and tankini tops including bra style and triangle tops, one piece swim suits and exercise pants and tops
Development of patterns for garments the student wishes to make including sarongs, kaftans and wraps
Pattern alterations required when dealing with stretch fabrics.
Fabric and haberdashery selection for swimwear
Stretch sewing techniques used in swimwear and exercise wear including the application of elastics, moulded bra cups, linings, and interlinings.
More Information
Please feel free to email or call us on 02 9449 1450 and we'd be happy to provide more information or tailor a program for you.
Feeling Social?
There's nothing we love more than to see our students work in progress or finished creations!