Pull up a chair, grab some coffee, and let’s chat about spandex. Spandex is an amazing fabric for both cosplay and everyday wear. It’s amazing for any project that needs a bit of stretch, whether you’re looking to turn yourself into a superhero or make a pair of sexy yoga pants.
Just to be upfront, I don’t feel particularly skilled at working with spandex. However, I have been dabbling with it for about a year now, so I thought I’d share what I’ve learned along the way.
Terminology
First up, let’s talk terminology. Spandex (or elastine outside of North America) is a synthetic fabric known for its exceptional stretchiness. Many knit fabrics and even some wovens contain a small amount of spandex (around 3-5%) to allow for stretchiness in daily wear. I’m focusing today on the spandex you find in dance and swimwear, which contains significantly higher amounts of spandex (typically 10-20% or so).
Lycra is one of the more common brand names of spandex. Think of it as the difference between Kleenex and facial tissue.
There are many types of spandex that you can choose from when designing costumes. One of the biggest things to take into consideration when selecting a spandex is whether it is 2-way or 4-way stretch. 2-way stretch fabric will only stretch one direction: horizontally or vertically. 4-way stretch fabric will stretch in both directions. This is especially important for finding a fabric that will work for your pattern. If a pattern calls for 2-way stretch, you can use 4-way stretch fabric. However, if your pattern calls for 4-way stretch, you can’t use 2-way stretch without altering the pattern.
Here’s a quick overview of a few specialty types of spandex, courtesy of Spandex World:
- Nylon spandex such as milliskin. This is a bit thinner than heavy-weight spandex such as moleskin. Moleskin is thick enough that you typically don’t need a lining, but milliskin might. For reference, the yellow on my Kotobukiya Rogue is moleskin and the green is milliskin.
- Cotton and Rayon Lycra is most often found in things like t-shirts and yoga wear.
- Performance lycra is used for athletic clothing. It is specifically designed to wick moisture away from the body, so it’s a better bet for active wear than cotton lycra, which retains moisture.
- Specialty prints, like all those fun galaxy and mermaid prints. These are ridiculously fun.
Where to Buy Spandex
So where can you get spandex? Most of the time, anywhere that sells fabric will have some type of spandex available for sale. Here are a few of my go-to resources:
- Spandex World
- Spandex House
- Girl Charlee
- Michael Levine
- Local spandex warehouse. I’m fortunately to live in an area that has a fabric district, so Dallas Spandex is one of my go-to spots. In fact, I often check there first since I hate paying $15-20 for shipping. I’d rather have the extra yardage! Check Google to see if there’s a good spandex outlet near you.
A note: I would not use the spandex that’s available at Hancock’s and Jo-Ann’s. Most of the time, that fabric is insanely sheer and ridiculously overpriced. Use only in case of emergency!
Tools of the Trade
The last topic I want to mention briefly is commonly used tools. There’s a misconception that you absolutely have to have a serger (also known as an overlocker) in order to use spandex. This is completely false! Having a serger will make life easier, but it’s not an absolute must. I’ll talk about techniques you can use sans serger next time, but if you want to learn more right now, check out check out this post from Craftsy.
Here are a few tools I always use when working with spandex:
- Stretch needle: This is an absolute must. Have you ever tried to sew a knit or with spandex and gotten skipped stitches? Most likely, it’s because you’re using the wrong needle. Stretch needles are specifically designed for those super stretchy fabrics and will help you get consistent, even stitches.
- A machine with a stretch stitch: Non-negotiable. Most of the time, I just use a basic zig-zag stitch, but sometimes, you might need a specialty stretch stitch, like a chain stitch. Check your sewing machine manual for specific stitches.
- Rotary and board: Obviously, you can use scissors instead, but I find a rotary cutter super helpful with most of my fabric cutting and spandex in particular. Spandex can get slinky and move around, so I like to just lay it flat and use pattern weights to hold everything down. This can be expensive at about $80 full price, so if you’re on a budget, keep an eye out for 40-50% off coupons from Jo-Ann’s and Hancock’s.
- Fabric weights: Same reason here as the rotary and board. You can buy fabric weights if you want, but they’re pretty hefty in price. Washers are an inexpensive alternative, and you can make ’em super cute.
That’s it for today! Next week, I’ll talk about pretreating and prepping your fabric, some of my go-to superhero patterns and modifications, and sewing construction. If you have a topic you’d like me to cover in a future post, please mention it in the comments!
Have you worked with spandex before? What are some of your favorite tips and tricks?
The Geeky Seamstress 
This was super interesting! I don’t have any plans to sew but it’s still fun to learn news things!
Glad you liked it! 🙂
I used a zig-zag stitch as well when I made my Korra costume. My machine did not have any fancier stitch options. Thank you for the wonderful overview. I can bookmark this the next time I dive into spandex (it has been 2 years since my last endeavor). 🙂
Glad you found it helpful! Zig zag stitch is a fantastic option. Even though I have a serger, I still use it all the time, especially when I baste things in place or stitch down hems.
Can you sew a 2 way and 4 way stretch together?
You can, but it will absolutely require extra tailoring and fitting. This is also true of 4-way stretches that aren’t the same weight. One fabric will inevitably pull on the other. It’s doable, but you may need to get extra materials for more mock-ups.
Great tips! The part about the rotary cutter is great advice. Thanks!
http://www.cosplaycents.com
Thanks, Sarah! I love my rotary cutter ❤
An excellent intro! I have never used any material other than cotton or knit fabrics in my few sewing endeavors, and I’d definitely be intimidated by using Spandex. FYI, that bombshell swimsuit is so fantastic!! 🙂
Thank you! Spandex can be intimidating at first, but it’s so much fun to work with once you get the hang of it 🙂
Your swimsuit looks just like the one’s ModCloth sells! (Except it’s far more flattering in the chest. So it’s better actually better!)
Haha, thanks! Part of the reason I made that swimsuit was because I loved the one from ModCloth.
So I’m currently working on a dress that is which contains spandex. Out of curiosity, I went to Joann’s to look at their materials. I can’t believe how truly thin it is. I don’t think I would have noticed it without reading this. I hightailed it to the local spandex warehouse and found some really nice fabric at a much cheaper price. Thanks for the advice. 😀
-Sporadatak
Right? It’s like tissue paper. It’d take at least 2-3 layers just to deal with the see-through issues. At $15-20/yd it’s just insane. Glad you liked Dallas Spandex! I absolutely love that place 🙂
There is going to be a sale in a few weeks in case you want to stock up on something for a future project. 🙂
Hmm, might have to indulge in some Captain Marvel supplies shopping 😉
Just came across your page while trying to figure out what kind of spandex to use for a Trek uniform. The pattern recommends Jumbo Spandex which is very heavy so I’m concerned about being too hot in it. I was wondering if you have looked at some of the newer Yaya Han cosplay fabrics Joann’s has now… still insanely expensive but not bad when you use a 50% off coupon, and definitely have a lot of some spandex fabrics that have plenty of bulk.
I’ve checked out some of Yaya’s new spandex pieces, and many of them are pretty solid. Still a bit more than I like to spend on spandex (even with a coupon), but the convenience of being able to get it at a local Jo-Ann’s is pretty great.
This was brilliant! I always think Spandex is especially scary to work with, but understanding some of this basic vernacular gives a boost in confidence! (though I am still not there lol)
Thanks, Joie! Glad you found it helpful. It does seem scary at first, but just jump in and play with it! It’s not quite as bad as it seems, promise 🙂
I have about 100 yds of spandex fabric just sitting… Tried to make leggings and gave up. Guess I’ll give it another try. This blog gives me hope! Thanks!
Ah, I’m so jealous! I need to go on a good spandex shopping spree soon. My stash is looking shabby! Glad you found this helpful 🙂
I need to cut round holes in 4 way stretch spandex… any suggestions?
I really like rotary cutters for spandex. If you’re concerned about fabric shifting on you, you could use an iron-on, tear away stabilizer, trace out your shape, then cut it. Best of luck!
Hi Miss Geeky Seamstress, we have just bought a business making products with spandex/lycra. Can you help us to understand the blends when buying fabric. ie we just saw some awesome material but it is 96% cotton 4% spandex and we are concerned that’s not enough spandex. Please help? Thanks….PS Love the site!!! We are watching and reading everything here!!!
Hi Russ! The big thing to keep in mind with spandex blends is that it’s there to help with recovery. Depending on the fabric you’re using, that may be enough. I typically like to compare it to my pattern stretch gauge, but if you’re coming up with a pattern on your own, that can be difficult. I think this will help you: http://www.stretchy.org/catsuit/measure.html
I am super psyched about this series- I just bought the lisette workout pants pattern, and cut most of it out, but wanted some tips for the future. I think I need to use cans of soup to hold the pattern/fabric down next time- my wimpy washers did NOTHING.
Thanks!
I’d add that you might want to “invest” in a walking foot. They are usually used for quilting, but they are GREAT for anything knit – they pull the top and bottom layers through simultaneously so you don’t have to worry about friction from your presser foot. Now, the one that is made for my machine (Janome) is nearly $50…but I found one on Amazon for about $9.
I’m already planning my next spandex purchase. I need some mermaid leggings!
HI,
Could I sew a golf skirt using spandex? Or would it be too hot to wear in warm weather?
I think spandex for a gold skirt would be fine. I’d go for a moisture wicking fabric.
Hi! Great blog!
I have a leotard in 96% nylon and 4% lycra that’s a bit tight, so I thought I’d just cut to make it a thong.
I was wondering if you know what happens when you cut in this fabric without sewing the edge? (Since I don’t really sew or own a machine.)
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