Embroidery Library
Inspiration Studio Lookbooks Stitchers Showcase Christmas Inspiration
Videos Fabrics 101 Helpful How-To's Search Projects Projects by Category ▾
Free Designs Gift Certificates Thread Exchange Happy Hour & VIP

Swimsuit Cover-Up

Free project instructions to create a Swimsuit Cover-Up.

Free project instructions to create a Swimsuit Cover-Up

Stitch a one-size-fits-all swimsuit cover for those sunny days spent at the beach! A great way to protect from the summer sun and show off your favorite embroidery, too!
Project Needs & Notes:

- 2 1/4 yards knit fabric
- Sheer mesh cutaway stabilizer (like Sulky Soft 'n Sheer)
- Air-erase pen
- Temporary spray adhesive
- Ball point needle (for sewing seams)

The design featured in this tutorial is:
- X14145, Fish Medallion 1

Finished Sizes:
Adult size: 39" x 38"
Teen size: 29 1/2" x 28 1/2"
Child size: 20" x 19"

Special Notes:
These instructions demonstration how to make an adult sized cover-up. For teen and child sizes, use the measurements below:

Teen Size: Cut the fabric to 30" x 58" high. Measure and mark the arm holes 11 1/2" down from the upper corners of the fabric.

Child Size: Cut the fabric to 20" x 38" high. Measure and mark the top opening 3 3/4" in starting at the upper right corner. Then, measure 3 1/2" down along the right edge of the fabric starting at the upper right corner. Measure and mark the arm holes 8" down from the upper corners of the fabric.

Free project instructions to create a Swimsuit Cover-Up

Cut a piece of knit fabric to 40" x 76".

Free project instructions to create a Swimsuit Cover-Up

To create the top opening, first fold the fabric in half lengthwise and then again widthwise with the folded edge on the right.

Free project instructions to create a Swimsuit Cover-Up
Measure and mark 4 1/2" in along the top edge of the fabric starting at the upper right corner. This is for the top opening.

Free project instructions to create a Swimsuit Cover-Up
Measure and mark 4" down along the right edge of the fabric starting at the upper right corner.

Free project instructions to create a Swimsuit Cover-Up

Using an air-erase pen, draw a line between the marks.

Draw the line to curve in slightly. This will make a scoop shaped neckline.

Free project instructions to create a Swimsuit Cover-Up
Pin the fabric in place along the outer edges. Then, cut along the line.

Cut through all the layers of the fabric.

Free project instructions to create a Swimsuit Cover-Up
Unfold the fabric and lay it flat with the top opening at the top.

A template, or printout of a design, is an excellent tool to help with placement.

Print a template of the design from your embroidery software.
If you do not have embroidery software, Wilcom's TrueSizer is
a free program to use.

Position the design where you would like it. This tutorial shows the design 4" down from the top opening. Mark the center point and the axis lines.

Free project instructions to create a Swimsuit Cover-Up
Turn the fabric over with the wrong side facing up.

Spray a piece of sheer mesh cutaway stabilizer with temporary adhesive and smooth the stabilizer on the backside of the fabric.

Free project instructions to create a Swimsuit Cover-Up

Hoop the fabric and stabilizer together, aligning the marks on the fabric with the marks on the hoop.

Free project instructions to create a Swimsuit Cover-Up
Attach the hoop to the machine and load the design.

Move the hoop so the needle is directly over the center point on the fabric.

Embroider the design.

Free project instructions to create a Swimsuit Cover-Up
When the design has finished, trim away the excess stabilizer on the backside of the embroidery.

Free project instructions to create a Swimsuit Cover-Up

Fold the fabric together lengthwise, right sides together, and align the side edges. Pin in place.

Measure mark 15" down along each side edge starting at the top corners.

Zigzag stitch along each side, starting at each bottom corner and stopping at the marks (sew about 1/2" in along the edges of the fabric).

When embroidering on knit, a ball point needle provides best results.

Free project instructions to create a Swimsuit Cover-Up

Fold the arm openings in 1/2" to the wrong side and pin.

Zigzag stitch around the openings.

Free project instructions to create a Swimsuit Cover-Up

Cut a 1/2" slit at the bottom of the "v" at the front neckline.

Free project instructions to create a Swimsuit Cover-Up

Fold the edges of the top opening in 1/2" to the wrong side and pin.

Zigzag stitch around the top opening.

Free project instructions to create a Swimsuit Cover-Up

Turn the edges of the bottom opening in 1/2" to the wrong side, pin, and zigzag stitch around the opening.

Free project instructions to create a Swimsuit Cover-Up

Turn the cover-up right side out, and wear as a summertime staple during trips to the pool or beach.
Swimsuit Cover-Up



This project is featured on the Embroidery Library Pinterest page.

Pin it yourself using the "Pin It" button on this page.

Questions or comments? Let us know! Send an email to us; the address is support@emblibrary.com.

Products used in this Project: