SEAMSTRESSES: Ever modified a Zentai suit?

Go on ebay and search for Zentai.

Would it be easy to cut the eyes/mouth/hands/whatever off of one of these Zentai suits? Would I need a certain kind of sewing machine to sew on Lycra? Or is there a certain stitch?

Some friends want to be superheroes for cons.

 

Interesting body suits.

Yes, you could cut into these but be sure of your measurements before cutting and leave a seam allowance. As for what stitch to use, I use the multi-zig-zag stitch. This is slightly different from a regular zig-zag in that there are 3 stitches per zig. This stitch allows the fabric to stretch without popping the stitching. Do not use a straight stitch as it will break when the fabic is stretched.

 

Can these things be colored? They don't dye 'cuz they're synthetic, right? But will something else work? Like a fabric paint of some kind?

 

Most decent sewing machines will have a straight stretch stitch designed specifically for sewing on knits so you shouldn't have a problem with lycra. Check the owners manual for the settings to get it.

Fabric paint will work, but dilute it with fabric medium so that it doesn't turn out stiff as a board. lol

 

My mom's sewing machine is from the 60s, so I'll have to check on that.

 

Someone recommended elastic thread for this. Anyone done that?

 

I would not recommend elastic thread as you would need to reset all of the tensions on the sewing machine. As long as you use a stretch stitch, you can use regular thread. (Just as an FYI, I have worked as a professional seamstress for a Six Flags Theme Park and had to keep the spandex body suits used in the Batman Stunt show in one piece.)

 

Ok, thanks. She swore the tension wouldn't be a problem, but that didn't sound right to me. She said she's done it before, but to be honest, your way sounds better anyway. I was just wondering.

Thanks again!

 

Ask about the fibre content. Nylon does dye extremely well using stovetop dyes. Do not use elastic, it's used to gather fabric not sew stretch fabric but do use a stretch stitch with a good polyester thread (Metrosene is one of the best as it has fewer irregularities than other brands.)

 

What about Nylon/Spandex blends? I see some that say 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex.

 

i've used jacquard silk dyes to hand paint costumes for the musical cats. i'm not sure of the fiber content, but i'm pretty sure it was some sort of nylon or lyrca. the colors stayed bright pretty well.

 

Did you wash them? Did they run?