Lesson 1Fibre types and blends for swimwear (polyamide/nylon, polyester, elastane/Spandex)Grasp essential swimwear fibres and blends, such as nylon, polyester, and elastane. Compare their stretch, strength, UV and chlorine resistance, drying speed, and texture to pick blends that suit bikini styles, support requirements, and your budget effectively.
Properties of nylon and polyamide swim fabricsPolyester blends and chlorine resistanceRole of elastane and Spandex in stretchBalancing fibre content, support, and drapeReading and interpreting fibre labelsLesson 2Fabric care, chlorine/salt/sunscreen resistance, and testing protocols for durabilityExamine how chlorine, saltwater, heat, and sunscreen damage swim fabrics and elastics. Understand care labels, rinsing methods, and easy home tests to evaluate colourfastness, pilling, fibre degradation, and elastic wear, helping you create bikinis that endure long-term use.
Chlorine, salt, UV, and sunscreen damage mechanismsHome tests for colourfastness 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, stabilisers, glues, and hardware selectionReview swim-specific notions like polyester threads, textured threads, elastic stabilisers, seam tapes, adhesives, and rust-resistant hardware. Learn how these elements support stretch seams, strap security, and overall bikini performance for reliable wear.
Selecting swim-safe threads and needlesElastic stabilisers 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 provide modesty, support, and comfort in bikinis. Understand opacity levels, stretch matching, and placement tips so outer fabric, lining, and mesh coordinate without twisting, bubbling, or rolling during use.
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 bikinisUnderstand how fabric weight, GSM, hand feel, and opacity affect coverage, support, and drape in bikinis. Practise evaluating samples with lining options to prevent see-through spots, sagging, or stiffness in both wet and dry states for better designs.
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 sharpness to select the right fabric for your bikini design features.
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 coloursLesson 7Directional stretch: crosswise vs lengthwise stretch and assessing recoveryIdentify crosswise and lengthwise stretch in swim knits, measure stretch percentage, and check recovery. Learn how stretch direction influences pattern layout, negative ease, support, and fit stability over time in bikinis for optimal results.
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 behaviourExamine various swim elastics like rubber and braided types, fold-over, and picot edges. Compare widths, stretch power, and edge performance to ensure leg, waist, and neckline openings remain secure, comfy, and smooth on the skin.
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
