Pattern DIY Swimsuit Cover Ups

Get ready to rock the pool or beach with this breezy Pattern DIY Swimsuit Cover Ups tutorial that uses our free printable iron-on template in a flamingo, eye and leaf print!

DIY poolside pattern kimonos - sugar & cloth

Summer is here, and it’s time to hit the beach or pool in style! But who wants to be stuck in a boring cover-up? Ditch the bulky towels and uninspired throws! 

After being on the hunt for the perfect swim suit cover up that didn’t have fringe longer than my entire body or overly weird florals from top to bottom, we finally decided to make our own.. or more like hack and personalize our own.

This tutorial shows you how to create a chic and breezy swimsuit cover-up in under an hour. No complicated sewing skills are required! 

This project is perfect for beginners thanks to our free downloadable patterns. In just a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to lounge poolside or stroll along the beach with confidence and effortless style.

Once you’ve printed the designs onto fabric transfer sheets, it’s really as easy as cutting them out and ironing them on. That said, we DO have some tips that we learned along the way.

And if you’re feeling extra sassy, accessorize with a bright retro floral DIY floppy hat, pom pom tassel DIY circle bag with any Amazon women’s swimsuit!

DIY poolside pattern kimonos - sugar & cloth
DIY poolside pattern kimonos - sugar & cloth

Materials and Tools Needed

** Downloads are for personal use only and are not to be redistributed or sold.

DIY poolside pattern kimonos - sugar & cloth

How to Make a Pattern DIY Swimsuit Cover Up

1 — Print the pattern on the heat transfer sheets. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using your heat transfer paper. Most will involve mirroring your design before printing to ensure it appears correctly once transferred.

2 — Cut out the designs as close to the edges as possible. By doing so, it gives a far better outcome as far as avoiding the crafty-looking clear transfer border.

DIY poolside pattern kimonos - sugar & cloth

3 — With the heated iron, transfer the patterns onto the swimsuit cover up. Optional (check your paper brand instructions): Cover the design with parchment paper for added protection.

Firmly press the iron onto the design area for the designated time, applying even pressure. We ironed our designs for about 30 seconds longer than the instructions suggested, and it worked MUCH better.

4 — Carefully peel off the heat transfer paper backing sheet while the design is still warm. You don’t get the weird glossy edges if you do so before the sheet cools.

DIY poolside pattern kimonos - sugar & cloth
DIY poolside pattern kimonos - sugar & cloth

Tutorial Notes and Tips

  • Layout your desired design placement before ironing on the patterns. This will save you a lot of time and give you a good indication of how many sheets you need to print.
  • Be gentle while peeling the heat transfer paper backing to avoid damaging the design.
  • Don’t be afraid to personalize further! Add a decorative trim around the edges, tie a belt at the waist, or embellish with lightweight fabric flowers.

More DIY Projects and Ideas

We’re so excited to start wearing our cover up poolside! How about you? What are your plans for styling your new DIY kimono? For more pool and beach DIY’s, check out a few of our favorite below —

DIY poolside pattern kimonos - sugar & cloth
DIY poolside pattern kimonos - sugar & cloth
DIY poolside pattern kimonos - sugar & cloth

Pattern DIY Swimsuit Coverup

Print
5 from 1 vote
Make a stylish kimono to wear by the pool using this easy-to-follow tutorial.
Active Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour
Course DIY
Category Style & Beauty

Equipment

  • Scissors
  • Parchment paper optional
  • Iron and ironing board

Materials

Free digital pattern downloads:

Instructions

  • Print the pattern on the heat transfer sheets.
  • Cut out the designs as close to the edges as possible.
  • With the heated iron, transfer the patterns onto the swimsuit cover up.
  • Carefully peel off the heat transfer paper backing sheet while the design is still warm. You don’t get the weird glossy edges if you do so before the sheet cools.
Cost: $25
KEYWORD: diy swimsuit cover up

Don’t forget to share your Pattern DIY Swimsuit Cover Up with us on Instagram using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations!

Please note that we may earn a commission for some of the above affiliate links. However, products featured are independently selected and personally well-loved by us!

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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19 Comments

  1. I tried to find the kimono on amazon. Maybe they are sold out but I could not find the one you purchased. Can you tell me which one it was? I really love the style and thought I’d try one on my own.

  2. This is so incredibly clever! I can never find enough kimonos with prints I like. Thanks for sharing!

  3. I love these so much, Ash! I think I’m going to make a matching mama and baby one for me and Miss V!

  4. can i hire you to make me a flamingo one! :)
    i seriously love this!

    just bought the kimono and will be using this when i go to vegas. which is just as awesome because i will be staying at the Flamingo so you know which one im going to fail at attempting! :D

  5. These turned out so well! I’ve never tried anything with fabric transfers…you make it look easy, though. Such a cute and inspiring DIY :)

  6. Love the flamingo one! These are great and look better than a lot of the “kimonos” they have out there! Thanks for sharing! :)

  7. Definitely taking in the summer with all these bright clothes and flamingos!

    PS. that would make scary looking macaron with the eye template. I think I might try it. :o