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Leotard Neckline/Armholes Contrast Trim

I've been sewing basic bodysuits and unitards for my kids' gymnastics and would now like to make some with contrast lycra binding. Has anyone ever done this on a leotard or swimsuit? I've tried it numerous times but can't seem to get it right. I follow the pattern instructions, stitching first the binding strip then the elastic to the neckline, wrap the binding around the elastic and then topstitch with a twin needle. The results are ugly. I've seen commercial bodysuits (ie. GK Elite or Alpha Factor brand) with nice contrast trim sewn not only around the neckline and armholes, but also horizontally across the bodysuit, half way down the front. I'm thinking there must be a method of covering elastic with lycra binding before stitching it to the garment. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Reply to
vtopp
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I think the difference is the machine they use, probably a coverstitch machine. I've made a bunch of leotards and even a couple of wrestling singlets, but not tried to use a contrast binding. Have you tried just doing the elastic the regular way and then encasing the edge with they lycra binding? I would try that with a scrap and see if the results are any more satisfactory.

Reply to
Lee & Cathi Thomas

You didn't mention if you have an overlocker(serger)? I have a Janome Compulock which has a coverstitch as one of the stitch options, then last week I bought both sets of additional feet and while I haven't tested them as yet (too busy with other projects) there is one to do the work you mentioned because I make my own swimsuits and will also make them for DGD's now.

If you have an overlocker, just check if you can get an elastic gathering foot or something similar?

Not sure this helps? Br> I've been sewing basic bodysuits and unitards for my kids' gymnastics

Reply to
HC

Yeah, I serge the binding to the neckline and then the elastic using my Brother serger. I topstitch with my sewing machine using a twin needle (trying to mimic the commercial coverstitch). My serger doesn't have a coverstitch option; it's a fairly basic machine. Maybe I should look at getting a better one though I just bought this one less than a year ago :(

Reply to
Fabric Addict

I don't know if this would help any. I suggest trying using a stabilizer. It might help, then again it might not.

Reply to
Selynda Seitz

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