Lesson 1Fibre types and blends for swimwear (polyamide/nylon, polyester, elastane/Spandex)Learn key swimwear fibres and blends, like nylon, polyester, and elastane. Compare stretch, strength, UV and chlorine resistance, drying time, and feel so you can choose blends that fit bikini style, support needs, and budget, considering local Ugandan suppliers.
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 durabilitySee how chlorine, saltwater, heat, and sunscreen spoil swim fabrics and elastics. Learn care labels, rinse routines, and easy home tests to check colourfastness, pilling, fibre breakdown, and elastic wear for bikinis that last long in Ugandan waters.
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, stabilizers, glues, and hardware selectionLook at swim-specific items like polyester threads, textured threads, elastic stabilizers, seam tapes, adhesives, and rust-resistant hardware. Learn how each helps stretch seams, strap security, and long-term bikini performance, using affordable options in Uganda.
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 opacity levels, stretch matching, and placement so outer fabric, lining, and mesh work together without twisting, bubbling, or rolling, suited for Ugandan climates.
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, hand, and opacity affect coverage, support, and drape in bikinis. Practice checking samples against lining choices to avoid see-through spots, sagging, or stiffness in wet and dry conditions, relevant for local fabrics.
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 propertiesCheck common swim knit types like tricot, warp knits, and circular knits. Learn how structure affects curl, snag resistance, stretch balance, drape, and print clarity so you match fabric to bikini design, using Ugandan textile insights.
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 recoveryLearn to spot crosswise and lengthwise stretch in swim knits, measure percentage stretch, and check recovery. Understand how stretch direction affects pattern layout, negative ease, support, and long-term fit in bikinis, adapted for local sewing.
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 elastics like rubber and braided types, fold-over, and picot. Compare widths, stretch strength, and edge behaviour so leg, waist, and neckline stay secure, comfortable, and smooth, using materials easy to find in Uganda.
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
