To make your own synchronized swimming suit follow these steps.
7. Pin and cut spandex.
Make sure the greatest degree of stretch in your fabric is going horizontally, across the girth of your body. Also make sure you fold part of the spandex over and carefully line it up with the pattern. Pin the spandex to the pattern. I tried to avoid pins, as they can create runs in the spandex. Then cut out the spandex liner. Cut out both the front and back sides in the tan liner spandex. |
8. Sew spandex together.
Don't sew directly on the edge of the suit. When you sew any stretchy material make sure you stretch the fabric both ways as you sew. Use a large zig zag pattern on your sewing machine, if you don't own a serger. This stitch is only a basting stitch for now...it will be removed later. |
9. Make any alterations that are needed to make the perfect suit for you!
To do this you will need to try on your suit. Then see what needs to be tailored to your own body. I sewed new basting stitches at the waist and shoulders to fit more closely. You may have to alter to your own body measurements.
To do this you will need to try on your suit. Then see what needs to be tailored to your own body. I sewed new basting stitches at the waist and shoulders to fit more closely. You may have to alter to your own body measurements.
13. Put all 4 pieces together.
To prepare to sew your liner and decorative spandex together you will need to first pin them all together. What you want to do it place the "back liner spandex" piece down on the table first. It doesn't matter which side is facing up. Then place the other "back decorative fabric" on top of the back spandex. Make sure the right side—the pretty side— of the fabric is facing up. Then take the "front decorative fabric" piece and have the right side facing down. Lastly place the "front liner spandex" piece down on top of it all. Make sure you line everything up. |
14. Pin all 4 pieces together
15. Get the right needle and sew!
Before you start sewing make sure you have a ball-point stretch needle. I used the size "80" needle. This needle will help prevent runs in your spandex. When you sew make sure to stretch the fabric both ways. Sew all seams...shoulder, sides and crotch seams, Do not sew the openings to the neck, legs, and arms. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam. |
16. Measure the elastic for the leg.
To do this, line elastic along the edge of the front leg opening. Start from the crotch and go to the side seam. Then connect with a straight line back to the starting point. This usually gives the right amount of elastic for the leg opening. You will need to do this twice, one for each leg opening. |
19. Sew on the elastic.
I started with the elastic on the leg openings. First I sewed the elastic of one leg opening together in one continuous loop, making sure not to twist the elastic. I then "pinned" it with paper clip fasteners (instead of pins), lining up the midpoint of the elastic loop to the midpoint of the leg opening. Do this around the entire opening. Then you sew it in the middle of the elastic. Use the zig zag pattern on your sewing machine. Also make sure you stretch the elastic with the fabric both ways as you sew. Once you have sewn on the elastic you must fold it over. Then sew around it again, but this time sew on the left side of the elastic (closest to the center of the suit) After this step you shouldn't be able to see the elastic. Do this to all openings. |