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Swim & Active · Stretch · MN2501

Cottesloe swimsuit pattern

4.9out of 5 84 reviews

Cottesloe is the classic swimsuit set - one piece swimsuits and mix and match bikinis with wide shoulder straps, sleek athletic lines and good coverage. It began when summer was coming and I couldn't find a ready to wear swimsuit that fit well, or a bikini sturdy enough to survive a pool with three kids grabbing at me. The pattern is modular, so the views share pieces and are easy to mix, match and hack - consider it your swim block. I've worked hard to simplify the process, so it's a perfect introduction to sewing swimwear, all achievable on a regular sewing machine.

Skill level Beginner Friendly What do the levels mean?
Pattern Formatchoose how you sew
✓ Instant download✓ Layered file - print only your size✓ Posted to your door ✓ Nothing to print or assemble ✓ Free step-by-step sewalong ✓ Secure checkout
Find your fit & fabric

Sizing & yardage

Everything in one place - measure your body, pick your size, see exactly how much fabric to buy, and check the finished garment measurements for the fit you want.

Note: Fabric requirements include 5% fabric shrinkage allowance. You may need to adjust requirements if your fabric shrinks more than 5%.

Loved by makers

Reviews

4.9out of 5 84 reviews
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Christine
Great swimsuit pattern

The best swimsuit pattern ever. I've made four. Very comfortable and great coverage for a mature body. Instructions are very comprehensive. Highly recommended

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Angie
Cottesloe bikini pattern

Was really impressed, just returned to sewing after many years and new to pdf style. Been looking for a bikini with good “coverage” for a mature curvy figure for use on holiday for easy bathroom visits not worn a bikini since my 20’s . It Was an easy sew and a lovely fit, also was very supportive in the water - (was a little concerned it would go baggy when wet but it didn’t - felt confident and covered. The Instructions were excellent and easy to use. Will be making another when I return home for next year. Was made in size 14. In Neon shock activewear jersey from pound fabrics uk.

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Wendy
Perfection 👌🏻

I haven't sewn with lycra much before so was anxious about this pattern. No need as the fit was brilliant and the instructions simple to follow. I made my first swimsuit with shelf bra and it looks amazing

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Riina.gudova@gmail.com
So perfect!

I am so-so happy that I decided to sew a swimsuit and that I decided to use this pattern. I made a view B in size 10 from random lycra for my first try. I also added foam cups and shelf bra. The fit is absolutely flawless and gorgeous. Will be definitely making more because it is such a great block pattern and has many ways of customisation and detail adding. Thank You very much for another great pattern!

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Hall
A Great Swimsuit!

I am completely happy with how my swimsuit turned out. I made view D and sized up because I was lining it. I am an advanced beginning sewist and I was very intimidated about making my own swimsuit. It went together much faster and easier than I expected and I know I will be making more versions.

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Sharon
Cottesloe swimsuit

I did View B, lined it and added the shelf bra. It is my first suit, I do water exercise and this suit fits the bill. The fit is overall very good, but I do have some wrinkling on the front straps in the armpit area. Don't know what to do to fix the pattern for this
Maybe a small dart?
I did foldover elastic because I like the sporty look and it is so easy to put on. And it comes in so many colors. Looking forward to adding many new suits to my exercise wardrobe

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Elizabeth
Perfect for beginners with amazing possibilities

For over a year I have been wanting to make myself a swimsuit but I was too scared to go ahead and do it. Now that I've made the Cottesloe swimsuit, I wish I had done so sooner. This bathing suit is INCREDIBLE. It's simple design really creates the perfect foundation to learn and to customize the suit to your needs and preferences, whether that's by adding cups, ruffles, using a bold fabric or hacking the design.

I made the highwaist bikini and I am obsessed (so are my friends) and this was just a toile to make sure everything was working. The pattern really walks you through everything you need to know, encourages hacks and is so clear that I felt super confident making the design, as well as wearing it. I cannot recommend this pattern enough. I loved wearing my swimsuit and cannot wait to make more. I will be coming to this pattern over and over again!

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Ana
Great purchase

I bought this pattern for a class I was taking, I made view B one-piece. It came out great and fits perfectly! I might try the two-piece with a different fabric and turn it into an undies set. Anyways, great pattern and great purchase!

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Lana
So pleased, great for a beginner

After reading the reviews I was still worried I wouldn’t be able to tackle swimwear. But this pattern was so easy and the info on the blog was very helpful. Couldn’t believe I actually made my own swimmers! I also went up a size from my normal size though after reading the reviews and was glad I did.

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Sarah
The perfect swimsuit pattern

This was such a fun make and I learnt so much! The options mean I'll never really need another swimsuit pattern, I'm already planning another version. The instructions are great too. I made my suit fully lined, and did the version with the back ties, I just love that detail. Thank you so much!

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Teresa
Perfect fit

Loved this pattern! I made in option D with lining. I don’t usually see for myself as I don’t know how to make adjustments for my body so was pleasantly surprised when all of my measurements fit into one size and the fit is perfect! The instructions were clear and easy to follow. I see many more of these in my summer wardrobe

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Mary
My favorite swimsuit!

I have a long torso and have struggled to find a high waisted suit that lives up to the description. This pattern was written in such a way that a total novice like me could understand it and produce what I would consider to be an A+ piece! I wouldn’t mind sizing up the top, but I am comfy with how snug the band is, since my water activities tend to involve falling off of paddle boards. Thanks for writing such an amazing pattern - can’t wait to make at least two more!

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Anna
Great style, easy to sew, but a bit too small.

I love the simple style of the bikini, just what I was looking for :) It was my first swimwear project and suprisingly it went super well. However after a speedy toile I had to size up which is something I heard a lot of other sewers did. I know it is meant to be snug but this was too small I couldn't get into it. Otherwise a great pattern :)

Size: Pattern put me in a size 12-14, I made a 16.
Mods: I fully lined it in a way that only around the belt it has visible stitches. I lowered the rise by 3 cm because it was just too high for me. But then I added 1,5 cm to the belt which I prefer wider. For the orange version I followed a tie hack from MN blog.

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Tracy
Love the Cottesloe Swimsuit!

I chose to make the two-piece version of the swimsuit first. I also ended up making it reversible. The sewing directions were very clear and the pattern was super easy to put together. I love how it fits! I’m getting ready to make the one piece soon… And another two piece!

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Megan
Great pattern for beginners

I’ve never used a pattern or sewed clothes before but this was so easy and turned out great! I also love that it’s very easy to adjust to your preferences, I will definitely be making more.

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Michelle
Great pattern

I am so pleased with this pattern. The instructions were easy to follow and the fit is fantastic. I really like the low cut of this pattern which suits me in terms of "modesty"
It is also great that the bikini bottoms can be used to make underwear.

I made view A with the shelf bra and back tie and my only (small) concern was that I ended up with a lot of bulk in the seams where I attached the ties. There is quite a noticeable lump on each side so I think when I make another one I might consider not sewing the elastic in the seam allowance.

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Zoe
Stunning results & easy to follow

I have loved this pattern
The first try produced a fantastic swimsuit and the instructions are so easy to follow!
Just starting my second one & going to use as underwear

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Lenzy
New to Swimwear....Will Definitely Make Again!

The Cottesloe was my first venture into making swimwear. I've sewed clothing before but shied away from swimsuits. A friend convinced me to give it a shot, so I bought the Cottesloe pattern. I don't know why it took me so long because it was really easy! I originally sewed the bottoms to go with a swim dress made from the Rowan, but had enough fabric to make the Cottesloe swim top as well. It fits like a dream, and I love having options. I'm already planning more projects, including the Mini Cottesloe for my daughter.

Why Megan Nielsen

Drafted for real bodies & real life

Thoughtful size range

Standard 0–20, Curve 14–34, plus a true separately-drafted Curve block.

Professionally drafted

Industry-standard drafting, uncompromising on quality and fit.

Tested, then tested again

Fit-tested across bodies and perfected before it ever reaches you.

Never sew alone

Free sewalongs, tutorials and real human help when you get stuck.

Cottesloe swimsuit pattern
$26.50 AUD incl. GST