Sewing tip | Choosing supplies for a swimsuit |

After recently launching two new swimsuit patterns, Jamanota and Säntis, here are a few tips to help you choose sewing supplies for stretch fabrics and elastics.

Choosing a Fabric for a Swimsuit

The choice of a suitable fabric for making a swimsuit is essential. If this is not the case, the swimwear may not fit properly, gape, be transparent and absorb too much water. But by choosing a good fabric, you will be able to keep your swimsuit for years.

The first thing to do is to choose a stretch fabric in the four directions, the weft as well as the warp. If you choose an extensible fabric only in both directions, it will be difficult to move in and it will risk pulling in length since the measurements are smaller than the body in order to properly suit it.

It is also important to choose a synthetic fabric, because fibres like cotton are quite heavy when wet and absorb water. The ideal fabric contains nylon, lycra or spandex.

Pay attention to the appearance of the fabric when stretched, especially if there is a pattern as it may deform, and also, if the fabric is transparent. If this is the case, it may be necessary to line it. In this case, it is imperative to choose a stretch lining in all four directions in order to follow the fabric and adapt to the body.

To know the stretch percentage of a fabric, you can download our elasticity guide.

Choosing an elastic for a swimsuit

If the fabric is important for a swimsuit, the elastic is just as much. It keeps the garment against the body and shapes it. It is essential to choose an elastic that can withstand water, chlorine, salt, sun or sunscreen.

The classic polyester elastic does not stand up well, so it is better to choose one in cotton or rubber.

Choosing a yarn for a swimsuit

Unlike elastic, the best thread to sew a swimsuit is a polyester thread, it resists better to the ravage of chlorine and everything else, unlike cotton thread. It is also possible to use a nylon foam yarn for the overlock (serger) as well as the sewing machine.

Ready to go into the making of your first swimsuit, then take a look at our sewing patterns Jamanota and Säntis.