Sewing people: How difficult would it be to sew a swimsuit?

[KitchenWitch]

Here is a link for background information:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=6261515

My daughter needs a new swimsuit, and what I am seeing in the stores just absolutely disgusts me.

[China_cat]

1. You really need a serger for best results.

but it shouldn't be too hard to sew. Finding the right material might be harder.

[Whoa_Nelly]

2. Shouldn't be too difficult, KW

Does your machine have variable settings for a variety of stitches so you can sew on stretch knit fabric?

Also, talk with the sewers who work at your local fabric shop. Bet they could give you some tips and goof info. :hi:

How to sew stretch knit fabric:
http://www.amefird.com/Sewing%20_Stretch_%20Knit.htm

(Scroll through the pattern links below to see swimsuuits...sites have a variety of patterns, but also include girl swim patterns)

Lot of patterns:
http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/patterns/sewingpatterns.pl?patternid=8371

Vintage patterns:
http://www.lanetzliving.net/vintage_retro_mccall_s_?b=1

More patterns:
http://www.grandmashouse.ws/patterns/Kids.html

From above last link:
(am posting this one because I think the boy leg style is cute if a young girl wants to wear a two-piece...and it makes it easier for those "I gotta go now, Mommy!" moments)

[Bjornsdotter]

3. Not hard at all

....but certainly easier if you have a serger.

If there is a store that sells fabric for ice skating dresses, they will have the fabric (2 and 4 way stretch) and they will also have the lining, you need the lining.

Lycra is such a forgiving fabric to sew with, the hardest part will be the elastic at the legs, but there is a trick to that.

If you decide to do this and you need help, please let me know I'd be happy to help you. I've worked with lycra for years, I used to make skating costumes.

Cheers

[lavenderdiva]

4. I used to make them all the time

and I've made them with a serger and without. Its not hard at all. Just make sure your sewing machine has a variable length/width zig-zag stitch, and you're in business, if you don't have a serger. You can usually find the swimsuit material at Hancock's or JoAnn's. You will also need to purchase a nude color stretch material to line the crotch. Its usually sold in the same place as the swimsuit material.

Don't use a standard length to measure the elastic that goes around the legs- sometimes the patterns will say such-and-such a length for a particular size pattern. Actually measure around the top of the leg with the elastic and subtract an inch (don't stretch the elastic when you are measuring).

They don't take long to make at all- I'd love to see pictures of your finished project! :hi: