🧵 2/7 @sewing

I started by putting it on inside out so I could draw new lines for the side seams with chalk. Then, after using a French curve and hip curve ruler to straighten the lines, I tested it by #sewing an easy-to-seam-rip straight stitch in white thread using a long 5mm stitch length.

After trying it on, I had to make some more modifications, like tightening it further around my waist, adding a little more room in the chest, etc. Then, I sewed the new side seams on my serger.

🧵 3/7 @sewing #sewing

Stretchy #spandex is very forgiving, so it didn’t need to be perfect. At least I was able to get the look I was going for!

I really wish I had taken a photo of the fit before the alterations, though, because it’s a huge difference. What do you think?

I still needed to coverstitch the sleeve and leg hems, which have very narrow diameters.

🧵 4/7 @sewing

The original hems appear to have been sewn with a straight stitch, so I suppose they used stretchy thread? I wanted to sew two-needle #coverstitch hems though, to preserve as much stretch as possible.

I use my industrial coverstitch machine the least, so I’m less confident #sewing with it. I was dreading that sometimes it takes a lot of trial and error to get it set up correctly since I also use it for chain-stitching jean hems with heavy-duty needles and thread.

🧵 5/7 @sewing

Indeed, it took over an hour of trial and error to get set up because the right needle kept skipping stitches.

I remembered I had a similar issue back in August 2024 (https://mastodon.social/@DanielMenjivar/113008694654158491) and changing the needles fixed it, but these needles had very little use on them.

After adjusting tensions, checking that the needles were inserted correctly, checking and re-checking the threading, and pulling out my hair with countless #sewing tests, changing the needles fixed it. 🤦🏽‍♂️

🧵 6/7 @sewing

Regarding the fit, my wife says, “It’s like it was #tailored just for you!” 😆 Almost.

I’m sure people with more experience in #sewing alterations can point out additional fixes/fit issues (comments/suggestions welcome), but mostly I’m just disappointed that, in better light, the stretched #fabric is much more sheer and translucent than I realized.

I’m going to make a pattern from this and sew myself a new #bodysuit after buying less sheer #spandex fabric.

🧵 7/7 @sewing

Lastly, here’s a quick video where you can better appreciate the skin-tight fit under movement. I’d like to reduce those horizontal lines across my back if I can, but I don’t think it’s too crucial…

When I try on the #bodysuit in front of the mirror in my #sewing room, it doesn’t look sheer at all. But sadly, under better lighting, you can even see my underwear under the bodysuit because the stretched #spandex is so translucent.