Selecting a fabric using Simplicity’s PICK A KNIT guide is the best way to ensure your finished garment has the recommended amount of wearing ease and matches the finished measurements listed on your pattern’s tissue sheets.
All you have to do is take the recommended length of knit fabric and stretch it against the measurement line. It should stretch to the furthest point and spring back into shape afterwards.
If you are feeling confident, you can choose a fabric with a slightly different amount of stretch, but you will need to be careful, as if the fabric is too stiff you may not be able to get into your garment! On the other hand, if it’s too stretchy, your finished make could end up baggy and loose.
Simplicity sewing patterns that have been designed with knits in mind will have a stretch gauge on the envelope. This will help you to measure a 10cm piece of fabric’s crosswise stretch to check for distortion. For the purpose of this tutorial, I’ve cut a strip of fabric to use in my test, but if you’re stood in a fabric shop, you can just measure 10cm in from the selvedge and use that point to test your material.
Caring for scuba
1 Always pre-wash your fabric. Use a medium-heat wash, 30-40ºC, and make sure you don’t use a tumble drier as the heat will damage the material.
2 Scuba fabric can be uncomfortable to wear in hot weather as it is densely knitted and won’t ‘breathe’ like a woven material. This means it is a good idea to avoid bodycon dresses made from scuba in the summer.
3 Use a l
