Sewing Activewear | Fabrics & Technical tips

Today, I'm sharing my best tips for DITCHING Lululemon and starting to sew your own high end activewear. In this video, we'll cover the basics of fabric selection, approaches for seams, and useful tools. Next week, we'll cover a roundup of activewear fabric and pattern suppliers from around the world.

[@cherylmccutchan1282]

Thanks, Steph! This was a great primer on active wear fabrics and stitches. I look forward to next week's installment.

[@christinenielsen8142]

Wow, thanks so much for diving in to this topic (glad I asked!😂) & sharing all of this great information! So thorough & helpful. Looking forward to the next installment in the series… and to summoning up the courage to try my hand at activewear, too… you make it sound like I could actually do it!

[@StephSewn]

Yes you can do it!!

[@hillaryc7661]

Oh, this was so helpful! I had no idea why the zigzag stitch was a problem- 🤯 it grows, while the others don’t! 🌟 And as someone who doesn’t like clingy shirts, I made two t-shirts out of what I think is swim suit fabric, and I love them! They are nice and drapey and feel good during a workout. Weird huh?

[@StephSewn]

This is so interesting! Might have to give a swim fabric t shirt a try!

[@blufaerie]

Omg, Steph! I love the thought you put into this video! I feel like I am way more prepared to sew activewear!

[@katherinebrockhoff8476]

I do alterations & use the stretch thread for things like golf pant hems that are very tapered & need to retain some stretch to get on or needs some stretch during use - tennis & golf skorts, things like that. Also, stretch denim jean waistbands & hems. For construction seams I stick with a serger or stretch stitch on a my regular sewing machine. Am in the US and buy it from Wawak. There is also a cone stretch thread for sergers (different than wooly nylon) - so be sure you know which one you are ordering- ask me how I know!

[@lucyinthesky9479]

This video is a goldmine, thanks Steph!

[@samdumas8692]

I love this approach to sewing - active wear is so overpriced We need you!

[@chlomo2618]

I love that you gave us your sweaty credentials so we know you know your stuff. "I'm not like those other (sweaty) girls." 😄 Super informative video; thanks!

[@StephSewn]

😅😅 you can trust that I will not steer you wrong re: sweat wicking

[@JazzmynDesir]

You very educated in this feel as I am beginner and loving the knowledge you are sharing I had to sub. Thank you ❤

[@joshuathomson6049]

Interesting to hear and see some of the technical details, I learnt something!

[@marshabiguenet1145]

Can't wait for the next installment.

[@TartanMicrobe]

Your research and personal experience are deeply appreciated. While I’ve soaked up most of these tips over years, this is great primer for beginners or refresher all in one place for rest of us. Yes, back you up on sewing active wear using only basic sewing machine. Also good to show samples, something many forget to make in excitement of getting on with garment.

[@hopemcfall8441]

You've really motivated me to try some activewear garments...which are my favourites. Thanks Steph!

[@7TheNikki]

Thank you so much for such an informative video!

[@judykski4916]

Thanks for addressing an area in garment sewing that doesn't get enough in-depth attention on You Tube. It sounds like you have a plan to address that situation. I'm looking forward to all your future posts. There is a very stable knit called Power Net. It is available online at Mood Fabrics and Sew Sassy. It is used in swimsuit bras as a as control panel in the torso area, in regular bras for the side panels and in the front of RTW pants/shorts all the way across as a control panel. Power Mesh isn't as strong as Power Net, but could be used in some activewear applications such as decorative inserts or pockets (as mentioned). Power Net can be added to the bra section of shelf bras to provide extra support for larger busts. The stability in Power Mesh may be all that is needed for smaller chest sizes. It is important to know what you need for your application to get the results you are looking for.

[@lorrainedraper8346]

I so appreciate all the thought and research you have done for us. Your presentation was lovely and I learned so much. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Looking forward to the next episode.

[@Kate-m5m]

I love how technical this is. You really don't need to apologise for that! I sew a lot of knit fabrics but have never done activewear and would really like to. I even have some stunning fabric sitting in my stash glowering at me. By the way, I am a big convert to maraflex - I use it with the honeycomb stitch on hems and cuffs. I can't wait to see your pattern roundup. Kate x

[@ClothbytheClyde]

Thank you for all your research and sharing all your wisdom and experience with us ❤ Love that you are always thinking about longevity of the things you sew xx

[@skyhowie54]

This was EXCELLENT! You really did your homework on this one and it shows. I learned so much about active wear fabrics and can hardly wait for your next video to see which patterns you recommend. Thank you, Steph!

[@StephSewn]

Video on patterns will be up in less than an hour 💕

[@roxanneloyst3733]

Glad to find your video as I am going to be sewing some Activewear fabric. Looking forward to watching it all. Love the pink style top you have on. It's so cute. Do I need a pattern to make this?

[@debra3234]

Wow, Steph - I learned so much from this video! I've never sewn activewear but you're giving me the courage to try it!

[@StephSewn]

Hell yeah! With your new serger as well 😈

[@riittatammi1149]

Thanks Steph for sharing all this! ❤ I watched your active wear episodes earlier this spring, and finally found the motivation to find the pattern for proper workout tights and sew a wearable toile! The one and only problem I have is finding proper fabric to sew my own active wear. Swimwear Lycra can be found in so many places here where I live (Finland) but it just is not something I prefer for my tights or tops. I also recall you talking about the difficulty of finding supplex/meryl and other soft to touch “yoga fabrics” (and especially in squat proof weight!). If I had all the money in the world, I’d order these from Greenstyle Creations, but when the costs from shipping, customs and VAT are added, the price for the order gets doubled, and I just can’t justify the cost. 😬 So, where do you find good quality squat proof active wear fabrics?

[@peachyfeather]

Loved your video. You have done a wonderfully thorough job covering this subject. Thank you

[@carpenc1]

Wow! Thank you SO MUCH for a perfect video: comprehensive and to-the-point!

[@Anna-kj2bd]

Great video!!!

[@priscillaharrington9844]

Wow your things look store bought! This is so informational. Thank you.

[@ErikaRightTrue]

Detailed and comprehensive as usual. Thank you!

[@jillmcphail6207]

Steph you are amazing! Your vlogs are so informative and structured. Have you thought of turning them into bite size ebooks?

[@StephSewn]

Oooo I have not thought of this, but I'm so flattered to know folks might be interested in that! Will definitely give it some thought 💕

[@bethperrine6431]

Wow! -so much valuable information in this comprehensive video. Thank you for sharing all of it. Do you have thoughts on using microtex needles on activewear garments?

[@catfish542]

I can't wait till next week

[@karolmolpus9536]

❤ well done

[@StephSewn]

Thank you for watching 💕

[@01wonnie]

Love your videos. Very professional and informative. ❤

[@perfectlyfitted]

Incredibly helpful, I’m trying to make my own active/lifestyle wear. What is the suggested sewing machine that you recommend as a beginner?

[@christellebluteau7333]

Love tour content it's refreshing

[@rosey_ie]

So informative! Thanks Steph! 🙌🏻

[@catfish542]

thank you great vlog this was just what I needed.

[@bodyandsoul17]

Great content - thank you! Can you show us up close in the next video what you mean by “honeycomb” stitch please? I am really wanting to make several jog bra tops, as the RTW ones never really hold me in enough up top 😅.

[@StephSewn]

Great suggestion! I am planning a whole video on knit stitches based on this comment 😈

[@Carolleemakesthings]

Great info here, thanks!

[@pattern-shift]

Learned so much! Thank you

[@venomwoolknits]

Thanks so much, this is really helpful! I've been planning to make some activewear for a long time but haven't taken the plunge yet. I'm desperate for leggings and a swimsuit that actually fits... 5'10" with a verrrry long torso means I have yet to find anything comfortable off the rack!

[@StephSewn]

Once you start making your own, you won't look back! Video on pattern recommendations is coming later tonight 😈

[@carolgrant9317]

I am really enjoying your video and I am learning so much about sewing with activewear fabric. I have sewn with woven fabrics all of my life, but recently purchased a serger and started making knit clothing. I would like to make some of the wonderful travel wear pants, tops and jackets that I find at Athleta and other similar stores. They often come in the beautiful neutrals and muted colors, most are a knit blends of polyester and spandex, but some are woven polyester with spandex. They definitely don't have the higher percentages of spandex because the clothes are a looser, comfortable fit for traveling. I am just not finding fabric like that at any of the stores in the US and I'm not finding them online either. Do you have any suggestions. Thank you so much! Carol

[@StephSewn]

Hey Carol! Totally agree- wicking Stretch Woven activewear fabric is hard to find. Some sources I like are: Greenstyle (US): greenstyle.com/en-gb/collections/stretch-woven/Stretch-woven Discovery fabrics (Canada, but ship globally): discoveryfabrics.com/search?q=stretch+woven&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Hope this helps 💕

[@lesleypope6446]

Thank you - I am really enjoying your channel. Do u have any tips about using a regular machine for construction with knits - how do u prevent fabric “eating” - stabilize the seams or pull the thread to start? It makes me not want to sew knits.

[@StephSewn]

This is a great idea for a video! Will get on this. In the meantime, I'd recommend using a small piece of wash away stabiliser at the start of the seam to get things moving. Also, ensure you're using a nice sharp needle (can try ballpoint or super stretch). Sometimes I even start a seam a few stitches in and backstitch Vs starting right at the edge if the fabric continues to get eaten 💕

[@lesleypope6446]

Thanks - I really want to make swimwear too and it is always a struggle. Thanks to u now I know what that stitch that looks like an “L” is for! : )

[@22Lovejoy]

Do you have any suppliers or sites you recommend for fabric?

[@amdelorey]

Great vlog. What pattern are you wearing?

[@StephSewn]

This one is self drafted! But it is just a basic sports bra with a pleated peplum added to the outer layer ☺️

[@ritafereira1902]

I liked your swimsuits what patterns did you use? Great video.

[@StephSewn]

These are swimsuit patterns from Edgewater Avenue! Kira top, then the Carter swimsuit 💕

[@caliinthevalley24681]

YES!!👏🏼 Thank you! As some who is 5 feet tall active wear tops off the rack never fit.

[@StephSewn]

Can't wait to share patterns with you next week ❤️