Lycras

Stretch that comes back

What matters in a lycra-blend fabric is not just how far it stretches but how well it returns. Recovery is what stops a leotard bagging at the knee or a swimsuit going slack after a season, and it is the reason this cloth is used for anything worn close to the body in motion.

Use it for dancewear, gymnastics and skating costumes, swimwear, leggings and activewear. Sew with a ballpoint or stretch needle and a narrow zigzag or overlocker so the seam can stretch with the fabric — a straight stitch will snap the first time it is pulled. Cut on a single layer and do not stretch the fabric as it feeds.