Scuba fabric is one of the most stretchy types of material you can reasonably work with. It’s stretchy enough to expand far beyond its original size, though it will snap right back to its initial shape in most cases.
Much like Lycra, Scuba fabric boasts stretch figures that are around 40 percent of grain. This ensures that the material drapes well while still remaining firm enough to look fresh in any situation.
Since Scuba fabric tends to hold onto its stretchy properties, it’s also able to restore it’s structure after being crumpled up. This has made it an ideal option for those who want to make tops, dresses and skirts that have to retain their structure after they’ve gone in the wash.
As you might expect from something called Scuba fabric, it usually is capable of retaining its shape even after you’ve gotten it wet and dried it off. This is a big plus for anyone who wants to make their own weatherproofed gear.
While it might not outperform certain purpose-made materials, Scuba fabric is actually stretchy enough to use as a cover for items left outdoors.
What is Scuba Fabric Made Of?
Scuba fabric is made of a synthetic compound called neoprene. Since wet-suits are normally made from neoprene, tailors have taken to applying the Scuba fabric name to every material that’s based on it.
Neoprene itself is essentially made out of synthetic rubber, but don’t worry because a dress or jacket made from Scuba fabric isn’t going to feel like wearing something made out of latex. It feels much more like the silky microfiber cloth that you may have used to clean sunglasses in the past.
Vendors and hobby shops will sometimes refer to Scuba fabric as polyester spandex, which is a fairly good description of what this fabric actually is. While you might not think of spandex as a particularly comfortable material, Scuba fabric can be if you make sure to stitch your garment together in a way that’s not too tight or restrictive.
Unlike natural rubber, neoprene won’t break apart or start to peel over time. This makes it useful for clothes that might see a lot of heavy use on worksites.
If you plan on making a stretchy evening dress out of Scuba fabric, then you might be surprised at just how durable it is. Since the fabric was designed to hold up to such tough conditions, it can really shine in more down-to-earth settings.
What is Scuba Fabric Good For?
Scuba fabric is perfect for making dresses, shawls and even skirts. You can use it to make jackets that will hold off the elements, which is why it’s become so popular in sportswear.
In spite of the fact that scuba fabric was originally developed for making protective clothing, scuba fabric is surprisingly lightweight and stable. It feels soft to the touch and it’s actually rather luxurious compared to most synthetic fabrics.
You can use scuba fabric anywhere that you might use another lightweight fabric. Best of all, you won’t have to stitch in linings or interfacing material like you might if you were working with other lightweights.
Some people have found that it’s even a great substitute for other types of material when making soft blankets. Unlike Orlon, it won’t pill up over time.
Perhaps most importantly, Scuba fabric shouldn’t feel itchy like many other synthetic fabrics do. Even if you’re going to wear a garment close to the skin, Scuba fabric should prove to be a good choice.
Are Scuba Dresses Flattering?
Scuba dresses can be very flattering if they’re tailored to your body shape. Looser fitting cocktail dresses that flow freely at the bottom can be flattering to almost any individual regardless of their height or width.
While black tends to be the go-to color for those who want to make sure that their dress is going to always flatter their figure, you might find that other dark colors work just as well. Since it’s relatively easy to make Scuba fabric in almost any color, you’ll find plenty of dark reds and blues that should prove flattering to any body.
Due to the fact that Scuba fabric stretches so easily, many people tend to sew their dresses a little on the small size. You might want to be a little more generous with any stitches that go around your sides.
Looser stitched underneath the armpits can also help to make a Scuba dress look more flattering, but you don’t want to make them too loose since that could look frumpy. In general, people will want to wear Scuba fabric dresses in their normal size that simply have more generous inseams.
What Needle Do You Use for Scuba Fabric?
A no-stretch needle is all but required for hand-sewing scuba fabric, and most people will find themselves using a 75/11 needle if they plan on doing any kind of embroidery work. If you’re merely planning on sewing, then you’ll want to use a no-stretch needle around 4mm in size if not a little larger.
Due to its smooth texture, scuba fabric has a tendency to snag or slip on a sewing machine. You’ll want to use a ballpoint or stretch needle if you’re not going to be doing the stitches by hand.
Tailors often use a ballpoint needle to make a three-step zigzag stitch on two pieces of Scuba fabric. In this case, the zizag covers over a raw edge that gets pointed to the inside of the fabric.
Twin needle stitching is an option for those who want to cover over the raw edges of any hem on their outfit. You’ll need a twin needle set that’s around the same 4mm size.
Currently, it doesn’t seem like any of the major craft companies make a needle that’s designed exclusively for sewing Scuba fabric. Since the material is getting more popular, though, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for one.