STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE WITH THESE TIPS FROM AMY SCARR
Scuba is a fabulous stretch jersey fabric that is the perfect match for figure hugging dresses, tops, and skirts. This unique material is a blend of polyester and high-stretch spandex. A type of double knit, it has a smooth but fairly thick texture.
Although it’s called scuba, this is not the material used for wetsuits – that's neoprene, a thicker, synthetic, rubberised fabric. If you decide to give sewing with scuba a try, don’t forget to share your finished projects on Instagram by tagging @sewhq and @simplicitymccallsuk
Ten Scuba Secrets
1 As with other high stretch fabrics that contain spandex or Lycra, the best type of needle to use for your scuba projects is a stretch needle. This tool has a deep shaft and rounded point that parts the fibres of your material to avoid skipped stitches, snags and runs.
2 Layers of scuba can be bulky and difficult to pin. Luckily, pattern weights are great for holding your fabric in place when you are cutting out your project pieces. If you do use pins, you will need to be careful as they can blunt the same way as needles and cause snags or runs in your fabric. Ideally, you should avoid using pins within the garment area as they can leave little holes in the dense and tightly knitted fabric.
3 Use a stretch stitch (lightening stitch) or triple straight stitch for any horizontal seams that go around the body. This will ensure your garment stretches when you are pulling it on and off. I would recommend trying a slightly longer stitch than normal (3mm), as this has a better chance of coping with the springiness and bulk of the layers.
4 Consider using a roller foot or walking foot for your scuba project, as this will help you to feed through the slippery and bulky layers as evenly as possible.
5 Scuba is often used for figure-hugging dresses and tops, so take care when picking your pattern size. Remember it’s not the same as your high street size! Make a note of your body measurements before determining which version of the pattern to cut out.
6 When it comes to sewing with scuba, it’s best to choose patterns that are intended for materials with a two-way stretch. You can use the
