I’m so excited to announce a new swimsuit pattern in our collection. Introducing the Breakwater Swimsuit! You know I love to swim and swimwear has become one of my favourite things to sew. Swimwear is quick to make and the reward is so high - custom fitting swimsuit in a cute fabric that suits your style. What better way to kick off your summer!?
Breakwater is on sale this week for 25% off! No coupon code required. Sale ends June 30th, 2026.
Pattern Description
Breakwater is a sleek, strappy swimsuit with an open front and a modern, playful feel. This pattern includes two options: View A is a one piece with bold front and back cutouts, and View B is a coordinating two piece with a separate top and bottoms. The top features angled front panels, a narrow elasticated strap, and an open back. The front panels can slide along the strap so you can customize the positioning and fit! The strap can be secured at the back or tied behind the neck. The bottoms feature a high-cut leg line and cheeky back coverage. Swim elastic is used to finish the edges for a secure fit. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, heading to the beach, or playing in the waves, Breakwater is ready for sunny days and salty swims!
The Views
Breakwater has one piece and two piece views. The one piece has the top of the suit secured into the waist seam of high bottoms. The two piece has the top separated and the bottoms have a lower waist. With that said, you can always make the high waisted bottoms for your two piece if you prefer. It’s like a sneaky third view! All of the views have the option to tie the strap behind the neck or to anchor the straps to the back of the suit. I love including customizations like this so that you can make the suit work for you!
The Fit
The best thing about Breakwater is the fun cut outs on the one piece! I love the little peekaboo window created by the front panels cinching up along the strap. There is a cute window in the back, too! The two piece does not have these cut outs but the vibe is also really fun with the scrunched up front panels.
Because the front panels slide along the strap, the way you wear Breakwater is customizable! We include instructions for anchoring the panels on the strap for a more secure fit, or you can leave them loose and slide them to reveal as much as you like. Larger busts may experience a little ‘underboob’ peaking out and we are loving that look. If this is not for you, you can tighten up the elastic and secure the straps to minimize it. It is also possible to alter the pattern to get more coverage in this area.
The Breakwater bottoms have a high cut on the hip and a cheeky bum. We include instructions in the pattern for adding coverage and customizing the bottoms to suit your style! It is easy to adjust and make your dream swimsuit.
The Name
This pattern is named after The Breakwater in Victoria here on Vancouver Island. It is a long walkway extending into the Salish Sea. The sunset views are amazing! The Breakwater swimsuit has a divided front that is similar to the way the walkway parts the sea.
Recommended Fabrics & Elastic
Swimwear stretch knits with at least 50% stretch horizontally and vertically. Look for nylon or polyester knits with high spandex content. You may want to look for chlorine resistant fabrics for swimming pools and/or fabrics with a UPF rating over 30 for sun protection.
Swimwear lining provides extra comfort and coverage in your swimwear. It is optional but recommended. Look for stretchy nylon or polyester fabric specifically labeled as swimwear or swimsuit lining. You can also line Breakwater in lightweight power net or firm power mesh for more support.
We got the fabrics for our samples from Blackbird Fabrics! You can also find swim fabric at other retailers like Discovery Fabrics and Core Fabrics.
In addition to fabric you will also need 1/4” swim elastic! You can use rubber or cotton, it is up to you. It is also available at the above retailers. Breakwater uses quite a bit of elastic as all the edges are finished using this method. By the end of sewing this suit you will be a swim elastic pro. Once you master sewing swim elastic you can whip up a suit in 1-2 hours and hit the beach the same day!
Sewing Swimwear
If you have never sewn swimwear before - fear not! It is surprisingly easy and intuitive once you get going. Breakwater is totally do-able as a first swimsuit!
Benefits include:
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Not needing to use an iron to press
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Small pieces = minimal printing and cutting
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Quick to put together
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Feels like a real superpower!
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I love whipping up new suits with fun swim fabrics and I know you will too! As long as you have the right needle to sew the fabric you should be good to go. Try “stretch” or “microtex” if you are having issues with regular ballpoint or universal needles.
I hope you love Breakwater as much as I do! I’ve got more fun versions to share this week and I can’t wait to see what you make with Breakwater!
Breakwater is on sale this week for 25% off! No coupon code required. Sale ends June 30th, 2026.
