Hello beautiful people!
Since our first 4 fabrics have come in, I have wanted to make something from each print so everyone can see the scale and drape of the fabrics. The first up is the popular Diamond Banded Kente Print. I chose a simple yoga/sports bra and high waist bike shorts. The patterns I used for this set were kind of a mishmash of several of the swimsuit patterns I drafted for my resortwear line. But I also have these KwikSew and Simplicity patterns that I will try out soon. To be completely honest, I just didn’t feel like cutting all the pieces out today.
* Note- if using one of these commercial patterns, check the package for your specific fabric requirements
Generally for nylon spandex fabric, you will want to cut your pieces on the cross grain. This generally provides the least amount of stretch going around the body in order to prevent stretching out of the textile over time. However you can always cut on the grain if you want your garment to stretch as much as possible- and depending on which way you want the printed stripes to go. I like them vertical for this set, so I cut them on the cross grain.
So, my self-drafted pattern has a basic sports bra front, contrast side panels and a racer back. For the outer layers, I used the diamond banded kente for front and back and solid black milliskin for the side panel. For the inside, for the front and back, I used black milliskin and powermesh for the side panel. I use a cover stitch for making swimwear and activewear, but a regular machine or serger should work just as well. Your top stitching just may look a little different than mine.
The high waist shorts have a wide waistband that is lined with the milliskin to provide extra smoothing to the midsection. The bottom of the shorts are not lined, but you can always add that if you’d like. The shorts themselves have no side seam for a quicker construction. BritxBrat2Fashion on YouTube has a tutorial for a similar pair here:
Overall, I’m happy with how they came out. I’ll be rocking that top as a crop this summer :) And the shorts are so comfortable! Just wanted to give you guys a little inspiration. I will see ya next time!