Scuba Fabric - How To Sew A Scuba Dress

Polyester and spandex, are the two major components in the making of scuba fabric. It is a double-knit fabric which means multiple needles are used at once to produce it, thus connecting the two layers of fabric together.

This versatile material is not stiff, so you will find some stretch, some give in it. With a fine texture, excellent gauge thread, and slinky feeling to it makes it a perfect material for a wide range of dresses and outfits.

The name – scuba throws many off the line about its uses. Many think that it is strictly used for making swimming and diving gear but that is not the case. The only connection that this fabric has with the wet suits of divers is neoprene. It is the same synthetic material that is used in both to give it characteristic strength and flexibility.

The thickness of the fabric can be varied, so you can work with this fabric on a number of diverse projects. It is easy to cut and make pieces, has strength, and warm character. It means you do not need to add the lining for the garments that are worn in the winter season.

The best thing about this magical fabric is that it can be used to make a wide array of contrasting dresses – from body-fitting dresses to long, flowing gowns. The fabric connects really well with modern dye which means there are countless options for your dress in both designs and colors.

Are you on the lookout for a fabric that is sturdy, fits well, and has universal appeal? Look no further. Scuba fabric is your ideal fit!

There is a common perception of identical properties of scuba fabric and neoprene fabric. Of course, there are common traits but that does not mean they can be used interchangeably. So, you must keep in mind that neoprene and scuba fabric are two different things.

Made of synthetic rubber-type material called polychloroprene, neoprene is mostly used to make wet suits for divers. To get warmth and cushioning for the diver in the crushing pressure of the ocean, this material is placed between layers of other material like nylon or a polyester knit. This gives extra comfort and mobility to the diver.

There are also instances where neoprene material gets laminated with other types of materials such as fleece or velvet to give it a new character.

Pro Tip: Even neoprene can be used for scuba diving gear as well as everyday dresses. As a cherry on top, it is far richer and more durable than scuba fabric.

Contrary to this, scuba fabric is a double-knit fabric with major portions of polyester. Still, there are many similarities that you can find in both scuba fabric and neoprene.

Similar to scuba fabric is Ponte knit material, but scuba knit fabric is made up of thinner filaments when compared to the former. The “double-knit” nature of the fabric means it is more stable and thicker, thus ensuring longevity in life and functionality.

As we are discussing the properties of these similar yet different fabrics, scuba knit drapes more fluidly than the neoprene. Overall, it permits more comfort and style without cutting many corners.

You should know that scuba fabric is delicate as compared to neoprene fabric. So, it can be easily damaged or altered. Make sure that its properties are in line with your project’s requirements.

If you are shopping online, it is hard to distinguish scuba fabric from neoprene because many sellers use the terms interchangeably. Still, study and research before making the payment so you would know what you are getting for your money.

One of the ways to check this is by reading the composition section in-depth and by scanning through the reviews. This will give you a peek at the reality of the material and the level of satisfaction the majority of their customers show.

There are many outfits that you can make using scuba fabric, but the material is famous for making professional-looking dresses and pencil skirts at home.

Still, if you are wondering what a scuba dress is, fret not. In simple terms, scuba dress in an outfit that is made from the scuba fabric. Due to its strength and versatility, the material is used for a number of outfits and considered to be ideal for making pencil skirts.

It is a matter of personal preference and style because you can use scuba fabric to create both tight-fit dresses and those that drape loosely around you.

The presence of polyester in the fabric tends to make the dresses susceptible to take up static charges with ease. If you experience a situation like this, it is prudent to mist the dress with water to remove the charge.

The thing that contributes the most to the popularity of these dresses is that anyone can wear and flaunt their bodies because it compliments every body type. It has the strength of spandex – a material supposedly used to make superhero costumes, so you will have body support and the material will make sure you look your best by ironing out seeming kinks and wrinkles.

Scuba fabric comes in countless colors, designs, and shades. So, it is possible to create an outfit that is perfect for a day at work, and another one that gives out casual vibes and helps you chill out with friends and family. No matter the style and stitch, you will find both dresses to be comfortable and vibrant for the occasions.

If you were thinking that scuba fabric is only used to create dresses, you are obviously mistaken.

From skirts, shirts, jackets, and dress pants to anything you want, you can make it with the help of this fabric, courtesy of the versatility and flexibility of this material. You can become the center of attention among your friends, family, and co-workers. There is an added pride element in this, which is you designed and made the dress yourself!

Pro Tip: You will find a number of videos on social media channels such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram where designers will show you how to make outfits and dresses using scuba material. There is so much that you can learn from these tutorials.

If you are ready to use scuba fabric for your next DIY sewing project, keep on reading. We have listed some of the practical tips and tricks in the lines below that will help you in getting the best out of this unique fabric.

Before we start, keep in mind:

• Scuba fabric seems thin and light but it is a warm material. So naturally, it will be ideal for making winter outfits than creating summer dresses.

• You should be clear on the needs of your project before choosing a fabric. Once you have purchased a material, it is hard to make amends.

So, if you have set your heart on the material and think that it will be perfect, let us get to the tips that will get you the best results with lesser work.

Pre-Wash The Fabric
This goes true for all kinds of fabric including scuba fabric. So, wash the fabric thoroughly before cutting and measuring for your project. This will prevent shrinkage that could occur later. It can ruin the whole thing so keep that in mind.

Cutting The Fabric
Scuba fabric is one of the materials that are very easy to measure and cut. So, you can cut it with small rotary cutters that provide maximum control to the operator. This way, there will be fewer mistakes during measurement and cutting.

Pace Up The Work Gradually
Sewing is bliss and one of the reasons for that is the room for errors. For instance, if you make an error, you can stop and unpick the stitches and work on it again as if nothing happened.

Since scuba fabric is a sensitive fabric. Once it is stitched, there are marks on its surface that cannot be undone. Thus, it is better to work cautiously and make sure before running the fabric through your sewing machine.

Hand Trimming
When you get to trim the seams in scuba fabric, you will get finer results by trimming with hand, instead of using the cutter of the seam overlocker machine.

There is always an extra bulk to scuba fabric as compared to that of other materials. So, it can interfere with the knife of the overlocker machine and hamper the progress of your project severely.

Appreciate Raw Edges
You can leave the edges of your piece raw due to the fact that scuba fabric does not unravel. That goes true for hems and seams as well, although it is better to finish them. Still, it depends mostly on what are you getting at.

Pro Tip: For countless scuba fabric articles, a bias hem works almost perfectly.

Beware Of Heat
You should take extra precautions while ironing or exposing it to heat. In such an event, the fabric will get a mark or even melt. While you are ironing your scuba fabric article, it is best to keep the settings at low heat. Also, you need to pay more attention to the ironing regimen for perfect results.

While washing your scuba fabric dress, you need to put the washing machine in cold cycle settings, around 30 to 40 degrees. Do not forget to wash it with similar color clothes.

For drying, it would be best to hang the apparel to dry rather than a tumble dryer. Usually, dryers operate at higher temperatures that could damage the color of the fabrics.

For those scuba dresses with foil print, a proper course of action is to wash it by hand in cold water. Or you should turn it inside out and set the cycle at a gentle run.

Scuba fabric could snag or slip on a sewing machine due to its characteristic nature. So, a ballpoint or stretch needle will be ideal to use while sewing scuba fabric.

Pro Tip: Ballpoint needles are also called “jersey needles” are perfect for this material because they slide between each yarn and does not pierce the fabric.

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