Lesson 1Fibre types and blends for swimwear (polyamide/nylon, polyester, elastane/Spandex)Get to know main swimwear fibres and blends, like nylon, polyester, and elastane. Compare their stretch, strength, resistance to UV and chlorine, drying time, and feel to choose blends that suit your bikini style, support, and budget.
Properties of nylon and polyamide swim fabricsPolyester blends and chlorine resistanceRole of elastane and Spandex in stretchBalancing fiber content, support, and drapeReading and interpreting fiber labelsLesson 2Fabric care, chlorine/salt/sunscreen resistance, and testing protocols for durabilitySee how chlorine, saltwater, heat, and sunscreen wear down swim fabrics and elastics. Learn about care labels, rinsing routines, and easy home tests to check colour fastness, pilling, fibre breakdown, and elastic wear for bikinis that last.
Chlorine, salt, UV, and sunscreen damage mechanismsHome tests for colorfastness and dye crockingAssessing pilling, snagging, and surface wearChecking elastic fatigue and fabric baggingDesigning a simple wear and wash test planLesson 3Other notions: swim-specific threads, coatings, stabilizers, glues, and hardware selectionCheck out swim-specific bits like polyester threads, textured threads, elastic stabilisers, seam tapes, glues, and rust-proof hardware. Learn how each helps with stretch seams, strap security, and long-lasting bikini performance.
Selecting swim‑safe threads and needlesElastic stabilizers for straps and openingsUsing seam tapes and clear elastic wiselyAdhesives and glues for temporary holdingRust‑resistant rings, sliders, and closuresLesson 4Swimwear linings and power meshes: functions and compatible pairingsFind out how linings and power meshes add modesty, support, and comfort in bikinis. Learn about opacity levels, stretch matching, and placement so outer fabric, lining, and mesh work well together without twisting, bubbling, or rolling.
Choosing lining weights and opacity levelsMatching stretch and recovery with shell fabricUsing power mesh for targeted support zonesFully lined vs partial lining strategiesPreventing twisting, bubbling, and rollingLesson 5Weight, GSM, hand, and opacity considerations for bikinisLearn how fabric weight, GSM, feel, and opacity affect coverage, support, and drape in bikinis. Practice checking samples against linings to avoid see-through spots, sagging, or stiffness when wet or dry.
Understanding GSM and fabric weight rangesEvaluating hand, drape, and surface sheenChecking opacity in dry and wet conditionsPairing shell fabrics with suitable liningsBalancing support, comfort, and movementLesson 6Fabric constructions: knit types (tricot, warp knit, circular knit) and their propertiesLook at common swim knit types like tricot, warp knits, and circular knits. See how their structure affects curling, snag resistance, stretch balance, drape, and print clarity to match fabric to your bikini design.
Identifying tricot and warp knit structuresCircular knits and their drape in bikinisCurling, laddering, and snag resistanceStretch balance and grain stabilityChoosing knits for prints and solid colorsLesson 7Directional stretch: crosswise vs lengthwise stretch and assessing recoveryLearn to spot crosswise and lengthwise stretch in swim knits, measure stretch percentage, and check recovery. Understand how stretch direction affects pattern layout, negative ease, support, and fit over time in bikinis.
Finding grainline and greatest stretch directionMeasuring stretch percentage with a ruler testTesting fabric recovery and growth over timeAligning pattern pieces with stretch directionBalancing negative ease for comfort and supportLesson 8Swim elastics: types (soft fold-over, picot, narrow swim elastic, braided), widths, and edge behaviourStudy swim elastic types like rubber, braided, fold-over, and picot. Compare widths, stretch power, and edge behaviour so leg, waist, and neckline edges stay secure, comfy, and smooth on the body.
Rubber vs braided swim elastic propertiesChoosing elastic width for each bikini edgeFold‑over elastic for clean finished edgesManaging picot elastic on curves and cornersTesting elastic stretch and recovery by hand
