These fabrics usually have the greatest degree of stretch on the crosswise grain and it is important when cutting out the pattern pieces to place the pieces with the greatest degree of stretch going around the body. Crushed panne velvet with Lycra spandex, all over stretch lace with Lycra spandex, and sheer fabrics with Lycra spandex can also be used for the patterns in this book . Stretch the fabric in both directions to determine which way the fabric stretches the most. If the fabric stretches easily without rolling, the fabric has the correct amount of stretch for the Master pattern. This is also a good time to check the fabric for recovery, if the fabric does not return to its original shape, the fabric will sag and stretch out of shape when the garment is worn.
Swimwear fabric has a tendency to become transparent when the fabric is wet.
If using a dark color fabric, only the crotch piece has to be lined. Use lining especially designed for swimwear, which has the same degree of stretch as the swimsuit fabric. We recommend the nylon-Lycra lining for better shape retention. If lining only the crotch, a nylon tricot can be used. We recommend prewashing the fabrics.