Skip to main content

Made by a Fabricista: Scuba Dooba Do- Venturing into Scuba fabric


Have you noticed that just when you think you've tried it all, someone invents a new fabric?  That's one thing that I absolutely love about sewing- there is always something new to try.  Scuba knits have been around for a couple of years, but they hadn't made it into my sewing room yet.  But, as I have seen them more and more in ready to wear, I decided that they were worth a look!


I ordered two different types of scuba for this experiment- one with a sueded finish and one with a smooth finish.  Then I compared them both to an ITY knit.  Both of the scuba knits were considerably loftier than the ITY.  You can see here in this photo- the thickness of the same size piece of the solid brown ITY knit is much less.  The sueded scuba is the loftiest- it's thick but not heavy at all. The printed scuba is extremely lightweight- even lighter than the ITY knit next to it.



One of the things that attracted me to scuba was that I've heard that they do well in garments without hemming.  Being hemming-adverse, that was a real advantage in my opinion! Here's a curved cut edge up close of all three fabrics- you can see that there is no curling of the edges.

For the sueded scuba skirt, I used Vogue 9154.  Because the scuba is so stretchy, I left out the zipper and lining, and made an elastic waistband. The suede finish is really luxurious.  Everyone that has felt it has gone "OOOHHHHhhhh!"  Unfortunately, this color- Butterscotch, is sold out, but hopefully Fabric Mart will get more!


Here's a close-up of the non-hem.  I think it looks nice, and I just dabbed a bit of fray-check on the threads at the bottom of the seams to make sure that they didn't come undone.


My top is a rayon challis that was in a mystery bundle.  I used McCalls 7431 for it, cutting at top length instead of dress length, and omitting the ruffle on the sleeves for View C.

For the dress, I used a Kwik Sew pattern from 1997- Pattern 2672.  I have a lot of older Kwik Sew patterns and find that they are some of my favorites to sew.  I thought that the diamond pattern in the scuba knit would echo the diamond pattern in the bodice.  Alas, this fabric has sold out also.




At first, I used a black ponte knit as the insert, but it looked very heavy and prominent, so I switched it out with the cocoa ITY knit, and was very happy with the change.   I was careful to match the stripe of the print at the sides, and again, left it unhemmed.


The fabric is really comfortable, and completely wrinkle resistant, which is great for just pulling on and heading out for the day.  So, I am completely sold on scuba!  More of it will definitely be making it's way to my house.

I'll leave you with a photo of a black cat for Halloween.  I think he sees a mouse in the field and is very excited.

Have you tried sewing with scuba knit yet?  What do you think of it?


Happy October and Happy Sewing!

Ann 

Comments

  1. I use Scuba knit all the time for pants skirts etc, but find that I like a simple hem on it. I press it up with the 1/2" steam-a-seam, then overlock it, or twin needle stitch it, using a hand-wound bobbin of wooly nylon. This is a technique that I am glad that I learned from Sandra Betzina, as I am hemming-adverse as well! Great job on all the garments shown. I bet you are a scuba-convert now!

    ReplyDelete
  2. As a scuba knit lover, I've made many things and love them all, I was interested to see your garments. Just lovely, all of them. I just discovered the suede back scuba at my local fabric store and will get some for sure after seeing your great skirt. Great pattern for the dress.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm just waiting for my first bit to arrive by post. Your skirt is great, what a fab colour and the panels on the dress are lovely and so flattering where they point inwards.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ann all of your pieces turned out great and I love the information about the suede back scuba.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love your pieces! I am wondering about mixing the ITY with the Scuba? I have considered doing that on a sleeve of a tunic but was worried the ITY would be too light. What do you think? The weight/loft of the Scuba in your dress would hold it "down" ( not sure what word to use here) but would a partial sleeve look funny?

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thanks for leaving a comment! All comments are reviewed before posting to help us eliminate spam. Your comment will be posted within 24 hours.

Popular Posts You Might Like

Made By A Fabricista: A Mother’s Day Gift - Making my Daughter’s Prom Dress

Happy Friday All! As a mother and sewist, I am always planning months in advance for any special occasion dress. Due to the pandemic, my daughter missed all the activities at the end of her elementary journey and I was truly heart broken. She did not have any promotional ceremony, field trips or activities for the last few months of elementary school. I made a vow to myself that in Middle School, no matter what life throws us, I would make the perfect Junior Prom dinner dance dress even if she had to twirl in it at home. When I came across this beautiful blue lycra sequins fabric, I was thrilled. My daughter Arielle and I spoke a few months ago about the perfect Grade 8 Junior Prom dinner dance dress. She found an inspirational photo on Pinterest back in December which was a one shoulder maxi dress that sparkles and she was excited about me making her special dress. At the time she wasn’t quite sure of the shade of blue she wanted but after our trip to Jamaica during Spring break, she

Made By A Fabricista: Rayon Challis Separates for Me!

This month I decided to take a minute to sew something for myself! Knowing that I was about to move house (I'm excited to be getting a nice big sewing room!), I opted to use some tried-and-true patterns that I knew would be quick and easy to sew: Jalie Michelle and Jalie Geneviève . I've really loved seeing garments made in crinkle challis lately, so I selected a solid mustard yellow crinkle challis with a plan for either pants or a skirt ( Geneviève is a skirt, but there's also a culotte option available for it), and two sateen challis prints for a top (Michelle can be made either as a top or a dress). I considered making a reversible top with both fabric prints, but upon playing with them in real life, opted for two separate tops with a facing. Given that challis tends to be a bit shifty, it's best to starch it before you begin cutting out your project. It's also best to cut it out on a large surface with a rotary cutter so the fabric doesn't get distorted.

Made by a Fabricista: YouTube Edition | Marty - Let's Make a Spring Dress

Light Cornflower Blue/Fern Green/Imperial Red/Multi 100% Rayon Floral Print Challis 54W I don't have much to say about my project this time. Other than I can't be happier with how it turned out. I think it'll make a cute romantic dress for summer but also blend into the high-fantasy wardrobe that I want to create. It'll be fun to play with and explore. Hopefully, next time my life will be a little more put together and I'll be a little less stressed. But for now, I hope you all enjoy this project as much as I do. With all the chaos included. MARTY   |  @scrappypatterns Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly! You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following category,  CHALLIS .