Where do you get your lycra? And other Q's

The Armorer

Well-Known Member
Yeah, I'm just wandering where everyone is getting there lycra. My only local supplier (Joanne Fabric's) sells it at $12 a yard (on sale around $9) so I don't know if this is a :thumbsup good deal or a :thumbsdown bad deal.

It's fortunately in the right color (Red) that I 'would' want, but still, I don't know.

ALSO. How many layers of lycra do you use? One seems a little thin (I'm afraid I'll be showing too much :$

Any comments/suggestions are welcome.

-The Armorer
 
Both links saved ;) Thank you both a lot for the links, Now just to learn how to sew the darn stuff so I'll know how much I'll need :p

Oh @ MaulWalker - I figured I was going to need one of those... I was just wandering if lycra gave suits 'George Clooney' batman suit qualities as well (I'm not a girl, I just get cold sometimes :p ) Thanks for the big help :D

-The Armorer
 
As far as how to sew it is concerned, your sewing machine should hopefully have a "stretch stitch" mode. Basically, it sews backwards and forwards at the same time, like walking three feet ahead and then stepping back one, etc. Good luck!
 
And....there are a wide range of thicknesses that you can use. Moleskin is usually thicker than miliskin etc etc etc. If you have the time, order samples so you're sure to get what you're looking for. Different kinds also stretch differently as well. Some of the thicker stuff stretches less that the thinner. That's important to know when you're cutting it out. And some stuff is 2 way stretch and some is 4. Also very important.
 
As far as how to sew it is concerned, your sewing machine should hopefully have a "stretch stitch" mode. Basically, it sews backwards and forwards at the same time, like walking three feet ahead and then stepping back one, etc. Good luck!

Thanks for pointing that out! I forgot about that, I'm so glad you brought that up! I'll definitely be looking into the sewing machine I have available fingers crossed!

And....there are a wide range of thicknesses that you can use. Moleskin is usually thicker than miliskin etc etc etc. If you have the time, order samples so you're sure to get what you're looking for. Different kinds also stretch differently as well. Some of the thicker stuff stretches less that the thinner. That's important to know when you're cutting it out. And some stuff is 2 way stretch and some is 4. Also very important.

I've known about the 2 way vs 4 way, I'll definitely make sure of what I buy is 4 ;) I didn't know about moleskin/miliskin though, I may have to take your advice when I get to doing my project about the samples thanks!

-The Armorer
 
Alright, now I have another question. Where do I find someone to sew up the lycra pattern? I'm afraid that I won't have the time or skill to sew the suit myself? If I go Sye Dub, I've found that fabricondemand.com has been the go to, but it's 30 some dollars per yard, but it should only be 3 yards at maximum right? (me 6'3" 180 lbs) also how much do seamstresses usually charge? I know a LOT, but that's just a question I'd like to roughly know (aka, hoping to hear from a seamstress/seamster).

The Armorer
 
But back to the seamstress question. Is there anyone here that does this that I can get a quote? (smacks face... yeah, I'll post this in the junkyard as well...)

-The Armorer
 
250? I don't doubt the quality, but I think I'll need to try myself first :( thanks for the link!

The armorer

You're welcome.
Do you realize how many hours it takes to sew a spandex suit? Around thirty straight hours if you're already good at.sewing to begin with. How much do you make per hour at your job? Trophywife's prices are very low.
 
Last edited:
I'm not trying to be insolent, I just don't have 250 dollars to spend on that step.

Design 15 + time redesigning template (if I go through a sub dye, using Sonjou's base shading template)

Printing - 37 per yard x 3 or 6... not sure how wide it will be, could be 100 or 200

sewing - (if I go through Trophy Wife) 250

boots, belt, dance belt,gloves, helmet !??!?!?!?!?

generic price: 40, 30, 20, ????

And about the how much an hour, a little less than 10, so no I'm not saying she doesn't deserve the price or more! I just don't have the money lying around that I can put into this.

-Seth
 
No worries, I'm sorry if I came off as combative. It's all good. It just sounded like you were balking at the audacity of a price that high. I know you didn't mean any offense.

Most hero suit designs fit on the standard width lycra bolt, by the way, so you only need a couple of yards instead of a double wide price. Usually around $100 or so at the main printers.
 
:facepalm I forgot they came in 60 inch width bolts...

Glad this is all cleared up, I didn't think you were, but I had to attempt to clear the fog.

Now I just need to figure out what are my options, and what I'll do :unsure

-The Armorer
 
Back
Top