Lesson 1Fibre types and blends for swimwear (polyamide/nylon, polyester, elastane/Spandex)Understand key swimwear fibres and blends, including nylon, polyester, and elastane. Compare stretch, strength, UV and chlorine resistance, drying time, and hand feel so you can select blends that match bikini style, support needs, and budget for local coastal use.
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 durabilityExplore how chlorine, saltwater, heat, and sunscreen degrade swim fabrics and elastics. Learn care labels, rinse routines, and simple home tests to compare colourfastness, pilling, fibre breakdown, and elastic fatigue for long-lasting bikinis suited to South African 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, stabilisers, glues, and hardware selectionReview swim-specific notions including polyester threads, textured threads, elastic stabilisers, seam tapes, adhesives, and rust-resistant hardware. Learn how each supports stretch seams, strap security, and long-term bikini performance in humid climates.
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 pairingsDiscover how linings and power meshes add modesty, support, and comfort in bikinis. Learn opacity levels, stretch compatibility, and placement strategies so outer fabric, lining, and mesh work together without twisting, bubbling, or rolling under South African sun.
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 influence coverage, support, and drape in bikinis. Practice evaluating samples against lining choices to avoid see-through areas, sagging, or stiffness in wet and dry conditions typical of local beaches.
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 propertiesExamine common swim knit constructions such as tricot, warp knits, and circular knits. Learn how structure influences curl, snag resistance, stretch balance, drape, and print clarity so you can match fabric type to bikini design details for versatile styles.
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 identify crosswise and lengthwise stretch in swim knits, measure percentage stretch, and assess recovery. Understand how stretch direction affects pattern layout, negative ease, support, and long-term fit stability in bikinis for active wear.
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 different swim elastics, including rubber and braided types, fold-over, and picot. Compare widths, stretch strength, and edge behaviour so leg, waist, and neckline openings stay secure, comfortable, and smooth against the body in various activities.
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
