Sew Your Own Swimsuit Workshop
Make your own swimsuit under the expert tuition of The Swimming Seamstress, Amanda Bowden!
2 Day Sew Your Own Swimsuit Workshop
Dates – 24th & 25th October 2026
Location – Loch Insh Outdoor Centre
Time (each day) – 9:30am – around 4:30pm
Cost – £295 per person
Join us for a fun and informative two-day workshop where you can learn to sew your own swimsuit!
Led by experienced sewing tutor Amanda Bowden (The Swimming Seamstress), this workshop is perfect for beginner sewists who are eager to dive into the world of swimwear sewing. Amanda will prepare a personalised pattern for you to use and keep, so that you can continue to make as many of your own swimsuits as you like!
This weekend will be based in our own workshop space, next to the waters of Loch Insh, in the Cairngorms National Park. As well as sewing, you will get the chance to swim with Alice each day.
There will be hot drinks and cake throughout the weekend, as well as warming lunches served in the cosy and welcoming Boathouse Restaurant.
What you’ll make
Choose to make either –
- A bespoke, one piece or two piece swimming costume, featuring bust darts, an internal bust support, crotch shield and scooped front and back neckline.
OR
- A bespoke racer back style costume with lined front and optional internal bust support. The racer back is only suitable for more advanced sewers.
What You’ll Learn
- Choosing the right fabric for swimwear
- Understanding swimsuit patterns
- Basic sewing techniques for stretchy materials
- Tips for fitting and adjusting your swimsuit
- Finishing techniques for a professional look
Amanda will prepare a personalised pattern for you to use and keep. Once you have attended the workshop and learned the skills required, you’ll be able to create many more bespoke, made-to-measure swimsuits for yourself in the future.
About Amanda
Amanda Bowden is a highly experienced sewing tutor and founder of Felixstowe Sewing School, which she established in 2013 after 15 years teaching Textiles Technology in schools. Her passion for sewing and teaching has led her to write tutorials for magazines and blogs, run Vintage Dressmaking festivals, and more recently, specialise in teaching swimwear construction.
Inspired by her own journey into open water swimming, Amanda began designing and making her own colourful, well-fitting costumes when she couldn’t find options that suited her as a plus-size swimmer. This quickly developed into a popular series of workshops where she now teaches others how to sew their own swimming costumes—combining technical skill, creativity, and body confidence.
Amanda also runs the Facebook group Sewing for Swimming, where she shares advice and inspiration with a growing community of like-minded makers.
Workshop Details
- Duration: Two days
- Skill Level: Enthusiastic beginner sewists upwards. Minimum requirement is that you know how to use a sewing machine.
- Materials: Amanda will provide your pattern and two days of instruction. Machines are available to use, although you are encouraged to bring your own machine and equipment. Amanda will advise on the type of fabric and other materials to buy.
- Food/Drinks: Each day lunch, ample tea/coffee and homemade snacks will be provided.
- Swimming: There will also be an opportunity to dip/swim at Loch Insh each day if you want to.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early to secure your spot!
Additional Information
Accomodation
If you are travelling from a distance and would like to make a weekend of it Loch Insh Outdoor Centre has a range of accommodation options on-site – from single and group bunk rooms in Insh Hall, to private Apartments and Chalets (some with their own hot tubs!)
There is also the option to book a parking places for motorhomes or campervans overlooking the loch, with water tap and bathroom facilities open 24/7.
All participants get 10% discount on accommodation when quoting LOYALTY10 at the time of booking.
All accommodation must be book directly with Loch Insh Outdoor Centre.
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