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The Sew What’s New Archive
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From: HeatherL
Date: 05-21-2004, 10:23 PM (1 of 10)
I'm about to start work on a swimsuit (no, I'm not masochistic; I'm a breastfeeding mother). I would appreciate any pre-emptive pointers on how to work with this fabric. I'm notoriously bad with "regular" stretchy fabrics like cotton knits, so this really has me apprehensive. Should I adjust tension/stitch length? Use special thread? Or just pray and hope for the best? 
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User: HeatherL
Member since: 03-13-2004 Total posts: 102 |
From: sewserious
Date: 05-22-2004, 08:01 AM (2 of 10)
| Use polyester thread, not cotton-covered polyester, a medium-length, narrow zig-zag stitch. If you have problems sewing on a cotton knit, you will definitely have problems with a nylon/lycra or similar for a bathing suit. I would suggest that you practice sewing on some scraps first until you become comfortable with handling knits. Try some short seams and applying elastic as per the pattern directions on scraps until you can do it well before tackling your actual suit. |
User: sewserious
Member since: 08-24-2003 Total posts: 112 
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From: SewBug1
Date: 05-29-2004, 10:14 PM (3 of 10)
| Be sure to use a knit (stretch or ballpoint) needle as a regular needle can and may cause runs. |
User: SewBug1
Member since: 05-29-2004 Total posts: 26 |
From: Londa
Date: 06-03-2004, 11:18 AM (4 of 10)
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I agree with all that has been posted. I only every use stretch needles on knits - not Ball Point - those are really developed for girdling type fabrics... Be sure to select a fabric with a good amount of Lycra in it. I highly recommend any of the Strech n' Sew patterns - they also have a book entirely on swimsuits. Only thing I found is that in general, they don't pull the elastic tight enough under the butt! Londa
www.londas-sewing.com www.alondaoriginal.com |
User: Londa
Member since: 05-26-2004 Total posts: 39 
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From: Shellymoon
Date: 06-13-2004, 05:00 PM (5 of 10)
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Kwik Sew has fabulous patterns for swim suits. I've never made a swimtsuit, but have made leotards, which are similar. All of the previous suggestions are good. I would add that you use your serger as much as possible for construction, consider the new clear elastic--simply because it's less bulky--and post a photo of the finished suit online. We'd all love to see it. And I'd like a report on how hard it is to use those built-in bra cups. Shelly Moon
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User: Shellymoon
Member since: 05-27-2001 Total posts: 240 |
From: Skye
Date: 06-13-2004, 07:41 PM (6 of 10)
I have made my swimwear for more years than I care to remember I agree with Shelley Love Kwik Sew patterns and if you get into it their book for Swimwear and active wear is worth the investment. Use you serger if you have one it saves heaps of time. I would caution about the clear elastic I have had reports on serger forum I frequent that it looses its elasticity after a while - degenerates with chlorine exposure. My personal preferace is for the flat 'rubberised' swim elastic - it is very easy to attach as it is thin and lies flat and it in my swimwear outlasts the lycra. I aquajog 1-2 times a week in the local diving pool . That means at least 1-2 "togs"/annum for me and then there is DD I also would considr lining the front seems to lengthen the life of the "togs" either that or when they start to "go thin" it ias less obvious Have fun Skye |
User: Skye
Member since: 09-28-2000 Total posts: 233 |
From: Shellymoon
Date: 06-13-2004, 10:14 PM (7 of 10)
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thanks for the info about clear elastic. I've only used it a few times myself, but didn't know about its aversion to chlorine! That could be a disaster if it sprung!
Shelly Moon
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User: Shellymoon
Member since: 05-27-2001 Total posts: 240 |
From: HeatherL
Date: 07-06-2004, 07:27 PM (8 of 10)
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I am in LOVE! With ballpoint needles, that is! Oh...the swimsuit stiched up BEAUTIFULLY--thanks for the tip! And I got my swimsuit pattern at http://www.elizabethlee.com/ but that's just because I needed a nursing design. I'll probably be making more suits going forward--it was so much easier than I had imagined, and the results look terrific. |
User: HeatherL
Member since: 03-13-2004 Total posts: 102 |
From: Skye
Date: 07-08-2004, 02:38 AM (9 of 10)
Glad that your swim suit turned out well. Now there are some really cute kids patterns for swimwear too.  Skye |
User: Skye
Member since: 09-28-2000 Total posts: 233 |
From: HeatherL
Date: 07-08-2004, 08:31 AM (10 of 10)
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LOL, Skye! As soon as I finished my suit and modeled it, my seven-year-old stepson started begging me to make him some trunks. He has a birthday coming up, and we're going to the beach a week later...so maybe he'll get his wish! 
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User: HeatherL
Member since: 03-13-2004 Total posts: 102 |
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