Let's Dive Into Sewing Swimwear

Fabric:
It's important to use the right material for swimwear. I typically look for a Nylon/Spandex blend with 4-way stretch. You will want to use high quality fabric with coverage. Nylon/Spandex blends are versatile for swim and athletic wear. You can also find some manufacturers that add UPF protection! You will also want to add a liner to the bottoms and the bust area.

Equipment:
I am using my Brother 1034DX Sergerand my Brother SE625 Sewing and Embroidery Machine.
It's ideal to have a serger but not necessary. A sewing machine will do just fine. I usually combine both my serger and my sewing machine.

Pattern:
There are plenty of options for swimsuit patterns and styles to choose from!
Disclaimer: Pattern used is from BurdaStyle and Brother International Corporation makes no representation or warranties regarding this product.
Pattern Layout/Cutting:
When working with stretchy fabrics like spandex (or any knit for that matter), I use pattern weights, a rotary cutter, and mat to cut the pattern out. It's much easier this way, saves time, and great for slippery, stretchy materials like spandex. You will also want to cut 1 full pattern piece (don't use folds) 1 layer at a time.
Machine set up:
You will want to use a ball point needle when sewing with spandex/knit fabrics or you may get skipped stitches. You will also sew with a zigzag stitch when using your sewing machine or a special stretch stitch that some machines have. I prefer a basic zigzag that is 2.0 wide and 2.5 length. This always does the trick for me. For finishes: use a twin needle. It has the finish similar of a Cover Stitch machine and a professional result. If using a serger just make sure to test out on the same fabric to get the tension dials correct before the final project.
Try the Walking Foot:
This is a bigger foot (that looks like the above) and may take some extra steps to secure but is worth it for sewing knits and stretchy materials. "The walking foot is a moving feed system that holds and moves fabric between the presser foot's upper feed go and the machine's lower feed dogs to better control difficult fabrics (like knits/spandex/etc) as well as multiple layers of fabric." It came in handy when sewing the thicker layers of the spandex binding along the swimsuit edge.Thread:
Find a good, quality All-Purpose Thread to sew with that won’t break when stretched.
Construction:
Most swimwear is sewn with a 1/4" seam allowance, follow your pattern instructions for this. You most likely will be adding elastic leg bands which will keep the leg openings nice and tight around your legs.
- Measure the opening and subtract 1". This will be the measurement you will want to cut the elastic to equal. Or refer to your pattern measurements.
- Sew the elastic in a loop with a 1/2" overlap using a zigzag stitch.
- Measure and mark off the quarters on both the leg opening and the elastic.
- Pin the elastic to the wrong side of the leg opening matching the quarter marks.
- Sew with elastic on top using a zigzag (2.5 length 2.0 wide) close to the outer edge of the elastic (about 1/16 from the edge). As you sew pull the elastic to meet each quarter mark.





