Sewing Lycra

[PrettyCandles]

I want to modify my swimsuit. Should I use a particular thread, or will any polyester thread do?

Also, any pointers on how I should handle the material? I'll be using a sewing machine, but have never sewn on stretchy material before.

yes polyester thread is fine, even preferable as it shoudl withstand all those pool/beach/sun stuff.

zig zag or a zigzag with stiches within it(not sure how to describe this one on my Janome) is the best to use for shis sort of thing. you need to slightly stretch the fabric as you are feeding it thru.

do you have enough elastic? you can get clear swimwear elsatic in the UK if you hunt for it. sometimes its on ebay under different names.

Use a ballpoint needle to avoid making holes in the fabric.

Thanks for these tips.

oh yes forgot that, its most important to thave the right needle otherwise it will pull the fabric really bad.

remember to test it on some scrap fabric.

you might need to adjust the pressure on the foot, & the machine tension too.......testing first on a similar scrap of cloth as mooncowme suggests will show this up as looping, skipped stitched etc

Ah. I don't have any similar fabric.

Would a different, worn-out, swimsuit do for the test-strip?

yes, just needs to be similar