How to Make Your Own Swimsuit
by: Vanessa Lausch
Summer is nearly here, and it is time to ensure the maximum
amount of fun and relaxation for those fun, warm months. You have
your pool and/or spa ready to go, but do you have that ideal,
flattering swimsuit to showcase all of your hard work? As most
women know, shopping for a swimsuit can be one of the most painful,
depressing experiences known to man (or woman). Why not avoid
all of the hassle of shopping for a suit this year, and make your
own customized swimsuit, meant to fit your body exactly? Whether
you are a novice or experienced sewer, you can create a fun, flattering
swimsuit for your specific figure at a fraction of the cost of
ready-made swimsuits. This brief guide to making your own swimsuit
will get you started with the right pattern, fabric, and notions.
After that, the sky is the limit with what you can do with your
own homemade, incredibly personalized swimsuit.
Patterns
Most pattern companies offer swimsuit patterns, but not all
swimsuit patterns are equal in their merits. If you are looking
for a swimsuit pattern that will be fairly simple, come in a wide
range of styles, and provide the best fit for your unique body,
there are a couple of pattern companies that offer the best swimsuit
patterns for you. Patterns from Kwik Sew and Stretch & Sew
specialize in swimsuit fabrics and provide the best selection
of styles and the most consistent fit. Also, these companies take
torso length into consideration when creating their size charts
and patterns. Torso length is one of the most important aspects
of sizing a homemade swimsuit correctly.
Sizing
Most patterns will provide a size chart on the pattern so you
can get the right pattern cutouts for your body figure. It is
generally best to follow this size layout, but keep in mind that
the best swimsuit size for you is anywhere from one to three sizes
larger than the size you normally wear in pants or dresses. Spandex
fabric does tend to grow a bit when wet, however, so be sure your
swimsuit is not too large when you try it on for your initial
fitting.
Fabric
Most fabric stores carry a good selection of spandex and Lycra
fabrics for swimsuits. While you may make a swimsuit out of any
number of fabrics, including both cotton and velvet, a spandex-based
material is the easiest to work with for your first homemade swimsuit,
and it is the most likely to provide the stretch and coverage
you need. Most spandex fabric comes in either two-way stretch
fabric or four-way stretch fabric. Two-way stretch refers to the
ability of the fabric to stretch and recover both vertically and
horizontally while four-way stretch refers to the fabric's ability
to stretch vertically, horizontally, and from any angle. Four-way
stretch fabric is likely to be somewhat more expensive but also
more durable and elastic. Two-way stretch fabrics have a tendency
to run but are still acceptable for use in a recreational swimsuit.
Just keep in mind that they are less durable.
When buying fabric for your swimsuit, you will want to keep
several different factors in mind. First, you will want to buy
a fabric that has been treated for chlorine resistance (especially
if you plan to do any swimming in your swimsuit). Most fabrics
designed for swimwear are somewhat chlorine resistant, but you
should ask the salesperson before you buy any fabric. Next, you
will want to buy a fabric in a color and/or print that you feel
comfortable wearing and that flatters your body. Keep in mind
that darker colors and prints tend to slim and conceal while pastel
and shiny fabrics highlight flaws. Before purchasing a fabric,
hold it up to your body to ensure that the color works with your
natural features. Finally, you will want a fabric that has the
proper amount of stretch and recovery. Be sure to observe the
stretch and recovery of the fabric before you purchase it.
Lining
To make a swimsuit that is truly opaque, you will also need
to purchase swimwear lining. Most fabric stores carry lining in
close proximity to swimsuit fabric. If you are using a light or
medium color/print in your swimsuit, you will want to purchase
enough lining for the front and crotch of the suit. An unlined
back of the suit will allow for extra stretch to compensate for
the lining in the front. If you are using a darker material for
your swimsuit, you may need only enough lining for the crotch.
You should try to match the color of the swimsuit lining as closely
as possible to the color of your swimsuit material.
Notions
To actually assemble your suit, you will need thread, needles,
and elastic for the armholes, leg holes, neck hole, and straps.
The elastic you purchase should be treated for chlorine resistance,
as chlorine has a tendency to break down the elasticity of untreated
elastics. In general, cotton-wrapped elastics are best for comfort
and reliability in swimsuits. Based on the pattern, you will probably
need an elastic width of 3/8 inch for the armholes, leg holes,
and neck hole and _ inch for the straps. To ensure the durability
of your swimsuit, you will want to use a polyester or texturized
nylon thread in both the needle and bobbin of your sewing machine.
Feel free to play around with the color of the thread. This color
does not necessarily need to match the color of the swimsuit and
can be used to add decorative stitching to the body of the suit.
Cutting and Sewing Your Suit
After you have purchased all of the necessary elements of your
swimsuit, you are ready to start cutting, sewing, and fitting
your suit. In general, you should follow the directions of your
pattern for both the cutting and sewing of swimsuit fabric (which
can appear somewhat different than other fabrics). Remember to
conduct several fittings before the final sewing of your swimsuit
to ensure you create a swimsuit you will be proud to display all
season long.
About The Author: Vanessa Lausch is a technical writer for
http://www.moreswimsuits.com.
She has produced several articles and fashion advice Columnns,
as well as two swimsuit consumer information sites: http://www.everythingbikini.com and http://www.swimsuit-style.com.
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