Burda Style For people who sew

I’ve been in love with this bathing suit for some time, and after having kids, something like this would be great for my not-so-great anymore stomach, and not to mention that the top part of it is fantastic. http://www.victoriassecret.com/ss/Satellite?ProductID=1265700224915&c=Page&cid=1324474291540&pagename=vsdWrapper

The gathering on it looks really fine. It’s not chunky or anything. I know when you typically gather fabric, you use your longest stitch to baste & then pull them. So, how would I obtain something that is tighter, like that suit? I did see this pattern on here, but it has a gather through the center, and I don’t really want to attact attention to my middle. She achieved how tight I want the gathering to be. http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/cindy-top

So, I guess what I’m asking is how to get gathering to be that close together, and does anyone have any tips on the top? Would the gathering have to do with the type of fabric maybe?

Feb 12, 2012, 04.29 AM by BritJ

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7 Posts

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  Feb 12, 2012, 03.02 PMby patti-r

  Wow love both bathing suits links.

  It will be Trial and error, You would gather sides using 2 rows of basting stitches adjust to fit back piece of suit. You may have to lengthen fabric to get a tighter or more gathers in the bodice.

  Maybe test on less expensive Lycra swimsuit fabric.

  You need 2 way stretch swim suit fabric Lycra/spandex probably with 75% stretch.

  This member made this using Allison pattern below she made adjustments. Contact her for suggestions.

  http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/swimmin-in-teal http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns/alison

  Hoping others have more input.
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  Feb 12, 2012, 03.06 PMby mickeygirl

  You need to use thinner fabric. A thick fabric is not going to gather up as much.

  Make a lining part that is not gathered first. Fit it and then gather the thin fabric to fit it. You could sew some tape or something not stretchy to the back of the gathers rather than elastic. Up and down of a top you do not need so much stretch for wearing.
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  Feb 12, 2012, 06.57 PMby BritJ

  I sent the lady a message. Hopefully I hear back from her soon.

  I’m doing my shopping for fabric online. Is there a particular weight for which I should shoot? Is 5oz per yard light enough without being too light? The stretch lace they have on their site (http://www.spandexworld.com/) weighs 4oz per yard, and I guess I was basing the other fabric off of that. I’ve never really tried swimwear before, and I feel at such a loss. I’ve done all types of other things, but stretch fabric just blows my mind. :P

  And thank you so much for your help. My great-grandmother, who is a pro at sewing, lives 2,000 miles away from me.
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  Feb 12, 2012, 07.41 PMby patti-r

  The Link you have listed, does not give that much info unless you join the site and IMHO I feel they are over priced for someone just beginning to sew Lycra or spandex.

  I would take a coupon and go to JoAnn’s or fabric store near you so you can touch the fabric, remember that most swimsuits need lining especially if your using a light color and the lighter the weight the chances are that fabric may thinner and harder to work with.

  You can google for many tips on sewing Lycra or spandex online, you will need a Ball Point or Stretch Needle. If you have a problem just post another question.

  Others may have more input to help.

  Patti
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  Feb 12, 2012, 07.55 PMby katexxxxxx

  THE BEST place to get all the gen on sewing swimsuits is http://www.patternschool.com/
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  Feb 12, 2012, 08.12 PMby BritJ

  Patti, when I click on the particular fabric that catches my eye, for example, this one: http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/product/7452, it gives more details there. For instance, this piece is 5oz/sq yard. It shows it down in the details.

  Kate, his website is actually what really motivated me to try making my own. I’ve seen such good results from his work, and from his page is where I got the link I did for the material I’ve been viewing.

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    Feb 13, 2012, 12.09 AMby katexxxxxx

    Well, Stuart WAS a professional swimsuit designer for a long time. :) He ought to know his onions, as it were…

    Nice chap. Very helpful if you get in a fix.

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  Feb 12, 2012, 09.10 PMby patti-r

  Glad Kate posted the link, that is a terrific site!!!

  That is a decent price, love the color, have been to the place it is in NYC on 38Th Street, they have some good fabrics, but had an issue with the their Shiny Lycra it snags easily. I actually used the reverse matte side for a costume and it worked out better. Now this is up to you I like to get someones opinion on online shopping do a customer review on their fabrics maybe mine was just a fluke. Found this on the fabric for suit Check his reviews: http://www.patternschool.com/?page_id=33 Like him I prefer to touch the fabric. Unless I know a brand name or have used the fabric rarely order online. It is like a Box of Mixed Chocolates.

  Wishing you good luck with whatever you choose.

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    Feb 13, 2012, 12.11 AMby katexxxxxx

    If I am not sure of a fabric, I ask for swatches.