Hi: When you are laying out the pattern, just make sure that the stretch of the fabric goes around your body not up and down it.

Bonnie

Bonnie has good advice. There are two pattern companies that make swimwear patterns that are decent: Kwik Sew and Stretch-and-Sew. I've used both at one time or another.

Watch what kind of elastic you use for swimwear, as the chlorine will eat at some forms. I used clear elastic, if I remember correctly, for both swimsuits and skating/gymnastic leotards.

DonnaR/CA

Here is a link that might be useful: Sewing Patterns website

I've made a number of swimsuits. In addition to keeping the main stretch going around the body, I highly recommend purchasing swimsuit elastic. It will far outlast regular elastic. You can do a google search for it.

Start with a simple pattern before you try designing your own. This is one garment that you want no ease at all. I've used patterns both by KwikSew, Stretch & Sew, and Simplicity.

I also use a stretch stitch on my machine,much better than just a straight stitch,and i also used the swimsuit elastic.Make sure you use a ball point needle,and a new one at that.I also used quick sew patterns and stretch and sew.Good luck,and let us see what you do.
Kathi

I design a lot of clothing, but I would never make a swimsuit without a pattern. I have made many suits and have always been happy with Stretch and Sew patterns.