The pattern is Jalie 3023 and the fabric is bought locally from Marshall's fabrics.
I really like style and so does Anneke! This is the second swimsuit I've made and for the most part it worked out great.
You can see both my issues on this photo though.
• Gaping at the neckline - I had this last year too and thought maybe it was from the fabric which wasn't very good quality but it's happened again. I think if I cut the fabric out at a bit more of an angle on the fold? Any ideas for next time?
• Popped stitches on my twin needle stitching. I was so excited to have figured out how to use a twin needle properly this time but now I have a bunch of places where it's coming out? Any solutions/ideas on that?
Hi Suzanne! Love the bathing suit! They are not easy to make. The problem with stitches breaking is because the thread is not stretchy like the fabric. Have you tried using wooly nylon in the bobbin? I don't know if that will be enough or if you need to use it on the top as well. Getting the tensions right will be tricky. As for the neckline gaping, you should have bathing suit elastic stitched in the top seam. I have a huge bag of it... if I had know you were going to do this I would have given a bunch to you. If Alisa plans to send you a package, ask her to get some elastic from me so you can play with it.
ReplyDeleteKaren K
Thanks Karen! I did use wooly nylon in the bobbin. I'm wondering if it's the crappy poly thread I used in the twin needle. I only had cotton white thread in the house so I just used my serger thread. It will stretch pretty far so I don't 'think' that's why it's breaking.
DeleteI'll have to try some elastic in the neckline. I have 3/8" rubber swimsuit elastic and I have some 1/4" clear elastic. What's better? Or do you use a chlorine resistant woven elastic?
Not sure what elastic is better. The clear is nice because you don't see it.
DeleteIf you've ever pulled out a seam in a store bought bathing suit, you would notice that the threads are stretchy which is why I suggested wooly nylon. Polyester thread does have more give than cotton thread and serger thread is much thinner/cheaper than sewing thread so that can be a big part of the problem.
Have you looked online to see what others have used?
Good luck and keep it up... it's hard to find modest bathing suits for girls, especially as they get older!
Nice job!! that is a super cute bathing suit :)
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the suit. As for the neckline, either of the rubber elastic, or clear elastic will do for that seam. And from past experience, almost any elastic works on swimsuits for kids, as I've found the fabric often wears out before the elastic! Most of the summer elastics I've made are generally exposed to salt not chlorine, so I don't know if that makes much difference.
ReplyDeleteI haven't mastered my twin needle... so I can't comment... mine does that too... so I generally just zigzag
You're right about the fabric wearing out fast! We went camping for a week and it's looking pretty used already :)
DeleteLove the swimsuit! It looks great. I really like the white contrast against the pink and white floral print.:)
ReplyDeleteI second what Karen said. I'd add elastic to the front neckline, either one that you have on hand should work fine. As for the popped stitches, maybe lengthen your stitch a little? Perhaps it was the serger thread. I use a cotton/poly all purpose thread, nothing special just whatever I have on hand or was on sale at the fabric store.;) Sometimes, when I have popped stitches it's because my needle is getting dull.
It's a new needle so it shouldn't be that. I'll try the longer stitch length with regular poly thread next time.
DeleteI've still not mastered the twin needle....on my daughter's swim suit, I did the slight, slight zig-zag and it hasn't popped yet...
ReplyDeleteI did a zigzag last year but really wanted to have the twin needle work.
DeleteI noticed when I clicked on the pattern - their neckline has a slight gape too. Perhaps their pattern needs adjusting - in other words, I don't necessarily think it's you. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks :) I've noticed more people have this problem but not really any suggestions on how to fix it.
DeleteI love your blog and your yellow brick road quilt!! I have had the pattern for five years, bought it when I wanted to try my hand at quilting .. the time may have finally come ...
ReplyDeleteToby
White Rock, BC