How to sew a DIY beach cover-up

Whether the sunny season is on the horizon, you'll be glad to have a beach cover-up.

These breathable pieces help keep you dry and warm when you're out of the water and give you something to wear over your swimsuit when going to and from the beach.

Believe it or not, they're pretty easy to make yourself!

There is a wide variety of DIY swimsuit cover-up sewing patterns, ranging from beginner-friendly to intermediate and expert-level.

With the right fabric and a sewing machine, you can make a caftan, sarong, kimono, sundress, maxi dress, poncho, tie skirt, or oversized button-downjust a few exciting options.

What do I need to make my own beach cover-up?

You will need the following items for this sewing project:

• Brother Sewing Machine
• A yard of fabric
• Bias tape
• Marking chalk
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Measuring tape

 

Supplies How to create your DIY beach cover-up

The basic shape of this DIY beach cover-up is a large square.

The folded edge will become the top neckline, and the sides—with excess fabric—will drape on the body and flow when you move, especially on those breezy summer afternoons.

 

1. Determine the length of your cover-up

First, lay the fabric's right sides together to make a square and determine the length.

If you are making a tunic beach cover-up, the length should land mid-thigh; so, take your measurement for the length.

The square in this demo is 38” x 38” including seam allowance.

The folded edge is the neckline, so measure to find the center, mark with a pin, and measure 10 inches total with the pin at the center point. Mark each side of the opening.

 

2. Create your preferred opening

Cut the fold between the two marks to create an opening.

Then cut one layer of fabric (the top layer) down the center for the neckline, about 10” deep or less, depending on how low you want the front opening to be.

You can create a plunging neckline, V-neck, or just enough to pop your head through.

 

3. Open the neckline

From each side of the 10” width neckline, cut a V-shape to open the neckline. Finish the neckline with bias tape. Sew in place.

 

4. Clean up the edges

Finish the remaining fabric edges with a double-folded hem.

 

5. Create the arm holes

To make the arm holes of your beach cover-up, fold the fabric in half with the right sides facing out, ensuring the front and back of the neckline is in place.

Your bias-finished neckline should lay flat with the top edge on the fold.

 

6. Figure out the side stitching

To determine the side stitching’s location, measure in from the sides and down from the top of the fold.

Leave a wide opening for the arm hole about 9-10 inches and enough ease on the sides for comfort—about 8 inches or more.

 

7. Mark and sew stitch lines

Mark the stitch lines with pins and sew the stitch lines.

 

8. Complete the cover-up!

To finish, add on a small hook and eye and any other embellishments you like at the V-neck of your cover-up.

 

You are now finished with this super-easy sewing project! But the best part? You get a cute bathing suit cover-up to enjoy on your next vacation!

Pro tip: This is more than just a cover-up. Let’s call it what it really is—a beach dress that you can wear just about anywhere when you’re on the coast.

 

Want to learn more about how to create this swimsuit cover-up? Watch our tutorial video below!

 

More tips for making your first DIY beach cover-up

Here are some handy tips for making your own DIY swim cover-up using a sewing machine, lightweight fabric, and a beach cover-up pattern.

What material should I use for my beach cover-up?

A swimsuit cover-up should be breathable and comfortable, even if it gets slightly wet.

Ideally, you'll want to use a lightweight fabric, whether it's cotton, linen, rayon, chiffon, or crocheted material.

What patterns should I use?

There are many routes you can take when making a DIY beach cover-up.

You can find seemingly endless sewing patterns and swimsuit cover-up tutorials online, with step-by-step instructions for making breezy summer dresses, caftans, ponchos, simple T-shirts, tank tops, skirts with drawstring ties, sarongs, and kimono-style cover-ups.

What's the easiest DIY beach cover-up you can make with a sewing machine?

If you're a beginner looking for an easy swimsuit cover-up, consider making a poncho or caftan.

These garments have relatively basic silhouettes and typically only require you to sew together two pieces of fabric.

There are lots of free patterns and easy online sewing tutorials for making these simple beach cover-ups.

You could also make a DIY beach towel, which will only call for hemming the ends of a large piece of fabric (like terry cloth cotton)—no pattern needed.

Wrapping it all up!

Whether you're spending time at the beach, pool, or hotel resort, a swimsuit cover-up is essential.

It helps keep you warm, dry, and protects you from the sun, while giving you something to wear on your way to and from the water. Best of all, beach cover-ups are an easy DIY project.

All you need is a sewing machine, bias tape, marking chalk, measuring tape, straight pins, scissors, and a large piece of fabric. (A lightweight, breathable, quick-drying material is ideal.)

Want to try your hand at a beach cover-up? Get started by browsing our selection of sewing machines.