Read more
Custom Swimwear is the sixth title in Marie Porter's Spandex Simplified series, and is all about designing and creating flattering, comfortable, and durable swimwear.
This sewing manual is written from the experience of not only a spandex designer, but a former "performance" athlete. Written in layman terms, Custom Swimwear features carefully explained, step-by-step instructions and more than 250 full colour photos and diagrams. Requiring only basic sewing knowledge to get started, beginner and advanced seamstresses alike can enjoy using this book... and produce spectacular results from it.
Learn how to design swimsuits that flatter any body type and how to alter patterns for shape, size, and style. Learn the tips, tricks, and techniques to make many of the design elements that can be used to design and create almost any style of swimsuit imaginable!
Please note: As spandex patterning and sewing techniques are largely the same across many styles of costuming, a large portion of each Sewing with Spandex title is the same/similar to the other Sewing with Spandex titles. We recommend consulting the Table of Contents for each book you're considering:
Basic Principals of Swimwear Design
- Figure Flaw Camouflage
- Proper Fit
- Designing for YOU
- Functionality
- Colour Theory
- Unity
- Selecting Fabrics
Pattern Alterations
- Measuring
- Using a Pattern
- Sizing a Pattern
- Adding & removing Length
- Adjusting Curve of the Back
- Adjusting the Butt Length
- Altering Leg Openings
- Adjusting the Skirt Line
- Ruching
- Base Pattern Alteration Final Notes
Sewing Techniques
- In the Beginning
- Cutting the Fabric
- Seams
- Elastic Application
- Thread Colour Selection
- Colour Blocking
- Applique
- Lining
- Piping
- Making Straps
- Making Strings
- Closures - Contrasting Elastic Binding
- Hems
- Ruffles
- "Scrunch Butt"
Suit Assembly
- Basic order of Operations
- Skirted Suit
- Basic String Bikini
- Basic Strappy Bottom
- Underwire Tops
Style Techniques
- Backs and Necklines
- Skirted Designs
- Monokinis
Embellishments
- Getting Started
- Hand Painting
- Foil Embossing
- Crystals
Accessories
- Scrunchies
- Sarong Skirts
Proper Care of Swimwear
Resources
Note Pages
About the author
Marie Porter is an Autistic polymath, which is just a fancy way of saying that she knows a lot of stuff - and does even more stuff - with a brain that runs on a different operating system than most.
Because of that OS, her career has spanned across many facets: She's a trained mixologist, competitive cake artist, professional costumer, and - last but not least - author. As of 2016, her written works include 6 cookbooks, 6 specialty sewing manuals, and a tornado memoir.
Her work has graced magazines and blogs around the world, she has costumed for Olympians and professional wrestlers, has baked for brides, celebrities, and even Klingons. Marie is now proud to share her wealth of multi-disciplinary knowledge and experience with cooks and seamstresses around the world.
