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swimsuits without open- or low-cut back question for lap swimmers
Nikki   Advanced MD USA Member since 2002 Posts: 2231	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/2/06 6:41 PM I'm looking for a pattern for a swimsuit that does *not* have a low or open back. Kwiksew has a weird swim jacket pattern, but I really can't picture that as being comfortable for swimming laps. In fact, I really don't know what a swim jacket would be much good for at all....some hybrid non-wetsuit? Dunno. But anyway.... Is the reason that I can't find any swimsuits without open backs because the open back is needed for movement? Or just because the style is to show as much skin as possible? A lot of pattern envelopes don't even bother showing the back, which is peeving me greatly. ------ mmmmm woooool
Leslie in Austin   Intermediate TX USA Member since 2003 Posts: 2148	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/2/06 6:45 PM They don't show the back, but I betcha Jalie 974 is a racer back. ------ Leslie
missmerm Member since 2005 Posts: 317	Login to reply to this post In reply to Nikki Like this post Date: 2/2/06 7:03 PM I know from her postings that neefer is really into making her own lap suits--maybe a pm or checking her past posts? There have been some threads re: this, maybe one was on plus sized suits (?) but it had good info...hth.
lilhoney57 Intermediate MI USA Member since 2002 Posts: 25	Login to reply to this post In reply to Nikki Like this post Date: 2/2/06 7:09 PM Nikki, I am a lap swimmer and my daughters swim on a team. I have made for myself Jalie 971 and while there is hole in the back it is cut up higher than my Speedo racer back. I also swim in my Lands End suit and the straps stay put. I think the reason is for freedom of movement expecially if you are a breaststroker or flyer. Any suit that is slightly tight but the straps stay put is ok for lap swimming. Racing is different--the girls like them TIGHT because they don't like the sensation of any movement--it bugs them. Kwik Sew 2962 is a higher back with a racer armhole (no hole). I just ordered it for my 10 yo because her shoulders are becoming really square from racing and KS 2606 was restraining her there. You can use any activewear/dance pattern you like: KS 3154 and don't make the skirt. As long as you have enough stretch to your liking. I buy my Speedo's for example, 2 sizes bigger than my size because I don't need it to be that tight. I totally agree on the line drawings not showing the back. I emailed Jalie before I bought mine to tell me if it was racer or not. I hope I answered your question. If not, email me as I have made tons of swimsuits. The chlorine destroys them after a month or two; my girls swim 5 days a week. Sharon
lilhoney57 Intermediate MI USA Member since 2002 Posts: 25	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/2/06 7:30 PM I just went to Jalie.com & they have 2 activewear patterns that could be used for swim with higher backs Jalie Jalie 2105 & 945 Jalie 2105 Sharon
lilhoney57 Intermediate MI USA Member since 2002 Posts: 25	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/2/06 7:32 PM I meant also Jalie 2443 Jalie 2443 Sharon
Neefer Intermediate CA USA Member since 2002 Posts: 2658	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/2/06 7:34 PM Jalie 971 is what I use for my lap suits. ------ Neefer aka AgitProp and Village Churl Sewing Blog: http://www.oaktrees.org/blog/ Bonny lass, bonny lass, will you be mine? You shall neither wash dishes nor serve the wine; But sit on a cushion and sew a fine seam, And feast upon strawberries, sugar, and cream.
AliceM Advanced IL USA Member since 2005 Posts: 1519	Login to reply to this post In reply to lilhoney57 Like this post Date: 2/2/06 11:02 PM Polyester suits are not affected by chlorine. I don't know where you would find the fabric. I have found that for me at least, it is not worth it to make my suits. I do water aerobics and laps at least 3x per week and I was going broke buying suits. The one I made did not last any longer. Now I buy the polyester endurance suits from kiefer.com. they supply all kinds of competitve swimwear and accessories.
Nikki   Advanced MD USA Member since 2002 Posts: 2231	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/2/06 11:22 PM Thanks everyone! I had looked at the Jalie patterns but there were no pictures of the back.... I'll look at them more closely. Alice, I think you can buy the poly swim fabric from some online vendors, but iirc it is pricey....if you try a search of the boards it might show up. ------ mmmmm woooool
Kerry O Intermediate Member since 2005 Posts: 179	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/2/06 11:31 PM If anyone finds a source of poly swim fabric or Chloroban, please post - I have been thinking of making my own suits because the plus-size ones are available from so few vendors and they are so expensive (~$80). They do last a long time, but I would like to try and make one myself. I did find some plus-size Ocean and Speedos, but the back is too low cut for me - I feel like my butt is showing (it's not, but it's too low!). ------ *kerry in va* \"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.\" --Margaret Mead

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