Swimwear Sewing Myths: Fact or Fiction
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Time to read 3 min
Let's get ready to bust some swimwear sewing myths!
If you haven't already, this is the summer that you may just be tempted to dip your toes into the waters of sewing your own swimwear! PSCo is gearing up to release 4 brand new and totally awesome new swimsuits. But before we do, we wanted to set the record straight on a few swimwear sewing myths!
In this blog post, we'll debunk common myths and uncover the truths about sewing you own swimwear. This is just the first in a week full of helpful resources and posts that will have you sewing your own swimwear like a pro in no time! Make sure that you check back in each day to learn something new!
Let's get it!
1. Swimwear Sewing Requires Stretch Stitches
Fact.
When sewing swimwear, you should use stretch stitches like a zigzag stitch, lightning stitch, or serged seams. These stitches allow the fabric to stretch without breaking the thread. This isn't just true for swimwear though, you probably already use a lot of these techniques when sewing other stretch knit fabrics.
2. Swimwear Fabric Can Be Tricky to Work With
Fact-ish.
Swimwear fabrics can be slippery which can make them challenge sew but it is totally do-able, even for a beginner! Using the right techniques is essential when sewing swim and makes it much more manageable to sew! We have a whole blog post on swim sewing tips and tricks coming soon!
3. You Need Expensive Machines and Tools
Definitely Fiction.
Having a serger can make swimwear sewing a little faster and the finish a little neater but it is not something that is necessary. Everything you need can be done on a regular sewing machine. In fact, it takes very little outside of regular sewing tools. You will have so use a stretch or ball point needle in your machine and a walking foot is helpful but you can make due with any special equipment!
4. Swimwear Patterns Often Have Difficult Finishes
Fiction.
Swimwear patterns use many of the same finishing techniques as other sewing patterns. Some common finishes include a lined finish (think burrito roll), bands, bindings, or elastics (the ol turn & topstitch).
5. Swimwear Elastic Is Different from Regular Elastic
Fact-ish.
Swim elastic is designed to withstand exposure to chlorine, saltwater, sunscreen, and harsh sun. Over time, these elements can degrade normal elastic and lead to a loss in elasticity. But here comes the -ish. I have used regular elastic in my swimwear sewing for years and I'm just sayin- nothing bad has happened yet. If you're like me and have multiple swimsuits that you cycle through every season or two- regular elastic is probably ok and you'll never notice the difference. If you're a heavy swimmer or keep your swimsuits for several years, it may be worth it for you to splurge on swim elastic.
The elastic to the left is rubber swim elastic from Surge Fabric Shop.
You can also find cotton swimwear elastic on Amazon!
6. Trendy Swimwear Patterns are Hard to Find
Fiction.
Swimwear patterns can be found at tons of your favorite indie sewing pattern companies including PSCo! Here's are a few of our best selling swim patterns:
Adult Atlas Swimsuit & Separates
Kids Atlas Swimsuit & Separates
Shop the entire PSCo Swim Pattern HERE . Check out a few of my favorite swim pics so far this year.
7. Quality Swimwear Fabric is Hard to Find
Fiction.
Although swim fabric can be tricky to sew, there is an abundance of quality prints and solids to be found online! Check out some of our favorite places to shop for swim:
More information on where and what to buy can be found on our upcoming blog post! Stay tuned!
8. Swimwear Sewing is Only for Advanced Sewists
Fiction.
Swimwear sewing is totally manageable- even for a beginner! The best advice if you're new to sewing swimwear is to take things one step at a time. Read through your pattern thoroughly, research techniques or notions that you are unfamiliar with and don't skip on the simple things like basting and pinning.
Learn anything new?
Thank you for reading along! I hope that we were able to clear up some common misconceptions about sewing your own swimsuits and given you the confidence you need to try it for yourself!
