Elastic Guide: Choosing the Right Type & Width for Your Sewing Projects Elastic might seem like a small detail — but it can completely make or break your project. The right elastic gives your garment structure, support, and longevity. The wrong one? It can stretch out, twist, or lose shape after just a few wears. If you’ve ever felt unsure about which elastic to use, this guide breaks it all down — simply and clearly. The Most Common Types of Elastic Knit Elastic Best for: Everyday garments, waistbands, light stretch projects Knit elastic is soft, flexible, and easy to work with — making it a popular choice for beginners. We have it in white and black. Why you’d use it: Doesn’t narrow as much when stretched Comfortable against the skin Great for waistbands in loungewear or casual garments Keep in mind:It’s not designed for high tension or long-term exposure to water, chlorine, or sun. Braided Elastic Best for: Casings in underwear, swimwear, or sportswear Braided elastic is made from tightly woven fibres in a rope-like braid. Unlike knit elastic, it narrows as you stretch it, which can cause puckering or twisting if sewn flat. Why you’d use it: Holds strong in lengthwise stretch Perfect for enclosed casings where the fabric protects it Tip: For most exposed swim edges, rubber elastic is still the preferred choice due to its superior hold, water resistance, and recovery. Non-Roll Elastic  Best for: Structured waistbands, areas that need stability Non-roll elastic is firmer and holds its shape really well. Why you’d use it: Prevents twisting inside casings Great for thicker waistbands Adds structure to garments Keep in mind:It’s less flexible than knit elastic, so it’s not ideal for projects that need a lot of stretch and recovery. Clear Elastic Best for: Stabilizing seams, lightweight stretch fabrics Clear elastic is thin, transparent, and often used behind the scenes. Why you’d use it: Stabilizes shoulder seams Adds light support without bulk Great for delicate or sheer fabrics Keep in mind:It’s not strong enough to act as the main support elastic in garments like swimwear. Rubber Elastic (Swim Elastic) Best for: Swimwear, activewear, high-performance garments This is the go-to elastic for anything that needs to withstand water, movement, and repeated wear. Why rubber elastic is best for swim: Chlorine + saltwater resistant → won’t break down like knit elastic Superior recovery → snaps back into shape even after heavy use Stronger hold → keeps suits secure without sagging Durability → made to handle sun, water, and stretching Unlike knit elastic, which can lose elasticity and become “wavy” over time in swim, rubber elastic is designed specifically for these conditions — which is why it’s essential for a long-lasting swimsuit. Common Elastic Widths & When to Use Them Choosing the right width is just as important as the type. 6–8mm (¼”–⅜”) Leg openings in swimwear Necklines and armholes Lightweight, subtle finishes 10–12mm (⅜”–½”) Light support areas Bralettes or soft tops Some swim applications 19mm (¾”) Waistbands Underbust bands Areas needing more hold and structure Common Mistakes to Avoid Using knit elastic for swimwearIt might seem easier to sew, but it won’t hold up over time in water. Choosing the wrong widthToo wide = bulky seamsToo narrow = not enough support Stretching elastic too much while sewingThis can cause puckering or overly tight edges. Aim for consistent, controlled tension. Final Thoughts Elastic isn’t just a finishing detail — it’s a core part of how your garment fits, feels, and lasts. Once you understand the differences, choosing the right elastic becomes second nature — and your projects instantly look and perform better. And when it comes to swimwear? Rubber elastic is always the way to go.

What to Sew First: A Beginner’s Guide to Swim Kits (and What to Expect) If you’ve been thinking about sewing your own swimwear but don’t know where to start — this is for you. Swim can feel intimidating at first. Stretch fabric, elastic, fit… it’s a lot. But the truth is, with the right pattern and the right materials, your first swim project is completely doable (and honestly, kind of addictive). Let’s walk through what to sew first, what’s inside our swim kits, and what you can expect along the way. Start with the Right Pattern If you’re new to swimwear, choosing a beginner-friendly pattern makes all the difference. Our Flow and Ease swimsuit patterns are designed specifically with beginners in mind. They focus on: Clean construction Straightforward techniques Minimal overwhelm while still feeling elevated Whether you’re leaning toward a one-piece or a simple two-piece, these are the best place to start. What’s in Our Swim Kits? We created our swim kits to take the guesswork out of sourcing materials — so you can focus on sewing, not hunting everything down. You can choose between two options: Full Metre Kit Perfect if you want: A one-piece A matching set in the same print Includes: 1 metre of swim fabric 1 metre of luxe swim lining Matching Gütermann thread Rubber elastic (4m of 8mm + 2m of 19mm) Exclusive sew-in label Standard Kit  Perfect if you love a mix-and-match look. Includes: Two coordinating swim fabrics (fat halves totalling 1 metre — think print + solid, or print + stripe, etc) 1 metre of swim lining Matching Gütermann thread Rubber elastic (4m of 8mm + 2m of 19mm) Exclusive sew-in label What to Expect From Your First Swim Project Your first make might not be perfect — and that’s completely normal. Here’s what will happen: You’ll learn how stretch fabric behaves You’ll get comfortable sewing elastic You’ll understand fit in a whole new way And by the end? You’ll have something you made yourself — which is always worth it. Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them) Let’s save you some frustration: 1. Using the wrong needleAlways use a stretch or ballpoint needle. This prevents skipped stitches and fabric damage. 2. Skipping test stitchesTest your stitch on a scrap first. A narrow zigzag or stretch stitch usually works best. 3. Pulling the fabric while sewingLet the machine do the work. Stretching fabric as you sew can cause rippling. 4. Elastic tension strugglesElastic doesn’t need to be stretched to the max — consistent, gentle tension is key. 5. Rushing the processTake your time, especially on your first go. Swimwear is all about control and precision. A Few Extra Tips That Make a Big Difference A walking foot can help feed fabric evenly (optional, but helpful) Polyester thread (like the one included in our kits) is a must for stretch and durability Clip instead of pin when possible — it’s easier on stretch fabric Press gently with low heat (always test first) You’re More Ready Than You Think Starting is the hardest part — but once you do, everything clicks faster than you expect. With a beginner-friendly pattern and a thoughtfully prepared Swim Kit, you’re not figuring it out alone — you’re set up for success from the start. And your first swim piece? It won’t be your last.

Sewing Machine Needle Guide: Why It Matters Choosing the right sewing machine needle is one of the most overlooked steps in sewing—but it has a huge impact on your results. The wrong needle can cause skipped stitches, puckering, or even damage your fabric. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced sewer, understanding needle types and sizes will instantly improve your stitch quality and make sewing easier. Shop Quality Sewing Machine Needles Before you start your next project, make sure you’re using high-quality needles designed for the job. We’ve added trusted, industry-favourite options to our shop so you can get the best results every time. Now available on our website: Schmetz Knit & Stretch Needle (Assorted 70/10–90/14)Perfect for knit and stretch fabrics, these needles help prevent skipped stitches and fabric damage. Schmetz Denim Gold Needle 90/14Designed for heavy-duty sewing, this needle easily handles denim, canvas, and thick layers with precision. Schmetz Universal Needle (Assorted Sizes 70–90)A versatile essential for everyday sewing projects, suitable for a wide range of woven fabrics. Using the right needle not only improves stitch quality but also extends the life of your sewing machine. Browse our full collection to find the perfect match for your fabric and project. 🔍 Understanding Needle Sizes Sewing machine needles are labeled with numbers like 70/10, 80/12, 90/14. The smaller number (e.g., 70/10) = finer needle for lightweight fabrics The larger number (e.g., 90/14) = thicker needle for heavy fabrics Quick guide: Lightweight fabrics (silk, chiffon): 60/8 – 70/10 Medium fabrics (cotton, linen): 80/12 Heavy fabrics (denim, canvas): 90/14 – 100/16 🪡 Types of Sewing Machine Needles 1. Universal Needles Best for: Woven fabrics like cotton, polyester, blendsThese are the most commonly used needles and a great starting point for beginners. 2. Ballpoint Needles Best for: Knit fabricsInstead of piercing the fabric, they push between fibers, preventing snags and runs. 3. Stretch Needles Best for: Elastic or highly stretchy fabrics (like spandex or jersey)Designed to prevent skipped stitches when working with stretch materials. 4. Denim (Jeans) Needles Best for: Heavy fabrics like denim, canvas, and twillThey have a strong shaft and sharp point to handle thick layers. 5. Microtex (Sharp) Needles Best for: Delicate or tightly woven fabrics like silkPerfect for precision sewing and clean, sharp stitches. 6. Leather Needles Best for: Leather and faux leatherThey cut through material rather than piercing it, creating clean holes. ⚠️ Signs You’re Using the Wrong Needle If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to switch: Skipped stitches Thread breaking Fabric puckering Visible holes or snags 💡 Pro Tips for Better Sewing Results ✔ Change your needle every 6–8 hours of sewing✔ Always match your needle to your fabric type✔ Use a fresh needle for important projects✔ Store needles in labeled containers for easy access ✨ Final Thoughts Using the correct sewing machine needle is a small change that makes a big difference. With the right needle, your stitches will be smoother, stronger, and more professional-looking. Save this guide and refer back to it whenever you start a new project—you’ll thank yourself later!