Intro to Swimwear
Have you ever wanted to make your own swimwear, but feel daunted by the fabric, fit and construction? Join this fun class to make your first swimsuit full of demonstrations and guidance. Learn how to better handle technical knit/stretch fabrics, work with elastic and create beautiful edges using a regular sewing machine as well as a serger.
PLEASE READ ALL INFO BELOW BEFORE SIGNING UP TO THIS CLASS
Skill Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Skills Experienced:
- Intermediate Sewing or equivalent +
- A confident sewer who has made many garments, is comfortable with using trickier fabrics, and has some experience with fitting and minor alterations to patterns.
- Experience successfully completing several sewing projects. This class will not cover basic sewing machine operation such as threading a needle, switching needles, how to adjust stitch length, locking stitches, reverse stitching, pivoting corners, winding bobbins etc. Students should be capable of performing these procedures without assistance.
- Experience sewing with knits, applying elastics, making underwear and bralettes
Learning outcomes:
You will learn step-by-step how to make your swimsuit. We will cover everything you need to know to make a professional looking swimsuit using a sewing machine and serger. Here's what we'll cover:
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Learn the basic properties of nylon and spandex swim fabrics
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Learn about the different types of swim elastic
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How to construct seams
- Hemming specific to swimwear
- Creating details like ruching and ruffles
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How to line your swimsuit
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Working with a twin needle/cover stitch machine
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What stitches to use when using a regular sewing machine only
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How to apply swim elastic
- Adding hooks and eyes
- Making adjustable straps
What we provide:
- 12 hours of instruction time (some homework may be required).
- 1 hour pre-class consultation with Tanya to plan your project - We will contact you once you have registered to set up your consultation.
- The use of our class sewing machines and tools - though we strongly recommend bringing your own machine/s (Regular and Serger)
- All recirculated fabric, findings and pattern that is swimwear appropriate is included in the class - Please check with us prior to your pre-class consultation if we have these items in stock in the shop.
What you Bring:
** You will need to bring or purchase the following for this class**
- Swimsuit pattern of your choice *
- Nylon/spandex blend - see your pattern for quantities **
- Swimsuit lining - see your pattern for requirements and quantities ***
- Powermesh - see your pattern for requirements (not always required)
- Swimsuit elastic - see your pattern for widths and quantities ****
- Findings - (eg. hooks and eyes etc.) - see your pattern for requirements
* Closet Core, Jalie, any of the big 4 patterns (McCall's, Simplicity, Vogue and New Look) will give you options to choose from for swim patterns to name a few.
** Look for a knit with four-way stretch of at least 50% in order to make most swimwear patterns work. Beyond that, the fibre content is also very important when making a suit that will stand up to chlorine and salt. You are looking for either nylon or polyester with a minimum of 8% spandex.*** There are a few options when it comes to lining a swimsuit. For a lightweight, "invisible" option, look for a nylon lining designed specifically for swimwear. Generally 100% nylon, usually comes in black, white or tan options in nylon. You can also use swim fabric for a lining, but note that this will add a bit more bulk.
**** The two most common options for elastic are a cotton/poly swimwear elastic blend and natural rubber. I usually recommend the cotton/poly swimwear elastic blend (cotton braided elastic).
You will receive 20% off at Gala Fabrics for your supplies. They have options for for fabric, elastic, lining and findings. **PLEASE COME BY THE SHOP TO PICK YOUR DISCOUNT CARD FOR GALA FABRICS.
Check out this LINK for swimwear options at Gala Fabrics
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
| Skill Details: | This class is Intermediate - Advanced level. You can consult with us to see if you meet requirements. |
| Requirements: | See listing for material requirements |
| Instructor: | Tanya King |
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INCLUDES AVAILABLE RECIRCULATED FABRICS - See listing for more information
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Included Materials
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This class cannot be purchased online. Please contact the store for more information.