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Stabilizer for bra-style swimsuit Nylon stabilizer for swimwear?
yttri Advanced Beginner MN USA Member since 3/25/12 Posts: 60	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 8/3/12 2:21 PM I broke down and finally bought the Kwik Sew's Swim & Action Wear. Very glad I did, since it looks like a great book! I am in the middle of - verrryy slooooowly - making a swim suit. It will be a bikini with a bra-style top. However, the book mentioned using a bit of stabilizer between between and underneath the bra cups. The book said this will prevent the cup area from stretching too much due to using swimwear fabric. I've looked online and am not sure what material they're referring to. For those who have made bra-style tops for swim suits, do you know where I can find stabilizer? Or if I even really need it?
SheBear0320   Advanced MB CANADA Member since 4/8/08 Posts: 2804	Login to reply to this post In reply to yttri << 1 member likes this. Date: 8/3/12 4:05 PM You basically want to use a stable (i.e. very little if any stretch) fabric in these areas to provide additional support and stability to the bra cups. I've used spacer fabric (available at Spandex House) or even a piece of stretch woven in this area and both have worked great. I don't know if there is a specific fabric you are supposed to use -- I selected my fabric based on what characteristics you want the fabric to have. HTH ------ Sheila "sewing very slowly to fill an empty closet" 2012/2013 Stash Busting Sew-Along: 33.625 yards sewn (as of 05/31/13) 21.75 yards purchased (as of 05/31/13)
Lena Merrin Expert/Couture AUSTRALIA Member since 2/5/09 Posts: 486	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 8/3/12 10:28 PM I think it is called powernet. I am about to sew my first bra and I am planning a trip to a specialist supplier (hence my in-depth knowledge LOL) ------ www.thesewingspace.com
a7yrstitch   Intermediate TX USA Member since 4/1/08 Posts: 4474	Login to reply to this post In reply to yttri << 2 members like this. Date: 8/3/12 10:47 PM You're an adventurer!!! You might try going to this thread, Miscellaneous > Message Searches, Bumping Threads The first post will explain how you can get to a collection of threads about swimwear. Lots of information there on sewing and supply resources. And some links, too. Some of the ladies were working on tops like yours. I don't specifically recall mention of the stabilizer for that section but you would at least have access to the discussion on construction. ------ I have no idea what Apple thought I was saying so be a Peach and credit anything bizarre to auto correct.
happytobehere Beginner Member since 7/31/10 Posts: 253	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 8/4/12 8:36 AM I have the book too and I thought they wanted you to use a piece of woven fabric as stabilizer. That's what I did and it worked well. Edited to add- I just found the book and they do recommend a woven lightweight synthetic such as nylon or polyester. I used a scrap of lining fabric. -- Edited on 8/4/12 8:40 AM --
SheBear0320   Advanced MB CANADA Member since 4/8/08 Posts: 2804	Login to reply to this post In reply to happytobehere << Like this post Date: 8/4/12 9:20 AM I've had the book for years -- if I ever read that I have completely forgotten. I'm such a "making it work" kind of sewist and use fabrics based on the purpose they are intended for. When I started doing athletic performance apparel this Kwik Sew book was one of my "go-to" resources -- I still refer to it regularly. I think it might be time to read through it again. ------ Sheila "sewing very slowly to fill an empty closet" 2012/2013 Stash Busting Sew-Along: 33.625 yards sewn (as of 05/31/13) 21.75 yards purchased (as of 05/31/13)
yttri Advanced Beginner MN USA Member since 3/25/12 Posts: 60	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/4/12 11:07 PM Hi all, thanks for the suggestions! Originally I had tried to look for something called stabilizer but mostly found stuff for sewing delicate fabrics that you tear away. I do like the idea of using lining as I have some cream-colored polyester lining, which would not detract from the light blue spandex I'm using. Since I was planning to purchase some bra cups from Sew Sassy, I also noticed they had some sheer nylon fabric in their lingerie section. It doesn't sound like it stretches, so I was wondering if that was also an option for the future.
diane s Intermediate OR USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 3919	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 8/5/12 11:46 AM You want to use the 40 denier tricot, not the 15 denier, it's too thin and somewhat difficult to work with. (rolls up) Tricot is very thin and quick drying. It does have 1 way stretch, so lay your pieces out the way they'll be most stable. There is a such a thing as 100% stable tricot, it's called simplex, but can be hard to find. ------ My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since.
SheBear0320   Advanced MB CANADA Member since 4/8/08 Posts: 2804	Login to reply to this post In reply to diane s << 1 member likes this. Date: 8/5/12 1:31 PM Bra-Makers Supply carries Simplex (scroll down a little) -- they have different colours and a couple of different types of Simplex. I've used this in bras but ever thought about it for swimsuits -- will have to try on the next one. ------ Sheila "sewing very slowly to fill an empty closet" 2012/2013 Stash Busting Sew-Along: 33.625 yards sewn (as of 05/31/13) 21.75 yards purchased (as of 05/31/13)
julie w Intermediate AUSTRALIA Member since 12/25/06 Posts: 672	Login to reply to this post In reply to happytobehere << Like this post Date: 8/5/12 6:45 PM This is what I did too, I used a piece of polyester chiffon. ------ Julie, Perth, WA

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