how to mimic sportswear seams

How to Mimic Seams: Create Professional-looking Athletic Wear

Athletic wear with fabric seams that mimic sportswear sewing has become increasingly popular in recent years. Professional sportswear brands produce a wide range of athletic wear that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. However, not all sportswear enthusiasts can afford high-end athletic wear, and some are left looking for ways to mimic this professional-looking sportswear at home. In this article, we will illustrate the ins and outs of sportswear seams so that you can recreate them for yourself at home.

Overview of Seams

seams serve a dual purpose, aesthetically and functionally. On one hand, they add stylish accents to sportswear, while on the other hand, they provide structure to reduce chafing and help prevent the garment from falling apart. Some of the most common sportswear seam styles are the flatlock and the overlock.

Flatlock Seam

This seam is mostly used for sportswear that involves intense activities like running, gymnastics, or yoga. It is distinguished by the finished flatness of the seam lines on both sides of the fabric. The flatlock seam is visible on the exterior of the garment, whereas the overlock seam is hidden or invisible. Recreating the flatlock seam is relatively easy; you only need a flatlock machine or a domestic sewing machine.

Overlock Seam

This seam is perhaps the most widely used seam style in the sportswear industry. It is created by passing the raw edges of two pieces of fabric through an overlock machine. The overlock machine interlocks the edges threads, creating a seam that is both strong and aesthetically pleasing. The overlock seam can be used on a range of garments from t-shirts to leggings, and other athletic wear. To recreate this seam at home, you will need an overlock machine or a serger.

Steps to Recreating Seams at Home

Here is a comprehensive guide to help you recreate sportswear seams for your DIY athletic wear:

1. Choose the right fabric

seams require a sturdy fabric to withstand strenuous activities. Some of the most common sportswear fabrics are nylon, polyester, spandex, and other synthetics. Since these fabrics are stretchy and lightweight, they are ideal for sportswear.

2. Choose the seam style

Choose the appropriate seam style based on the garment you are making. If you are making a compression shirt or leggings for running, then the flatlock seam is an excellent choice. However, if you are making a shirt or a pair of shorts for general athletic activities, then the overlock seam is a great choice.

3. Choose the threads

The threads used in gymwear seams need to be sturdy and strong enough to withstand the stress of constant movement. Use threads made from high-quality nylon or polyester.

4. Set up your machine

Set up your machine according to the user manual. This ensures that the machine is ready to create quality sportswear seams. Some machines come with settings that make it easier to create sportswear seams.

5. Stitch your fabric

Begin stitching your fabric with the chosen seam style. If you are using a flatlock machine, guide the fabric through the flatlock machine following the user manual's instructions. If you are using an overlock machine, pass the raw edges of your fabric through the machine's needles and stitch.

Conclusion

Recreating gymwear seams can seem overwhelming, but with the right tools, fabrics, and techniques, you can create sportswear with professional-looking seams at home. Choosing the right seam style, thread, and fabric are essential in creating sportswear that can stand up to strenuous activities. With the right approach, you can have your DIY sportswear looking as polished and stylish as the costly athletic wear available in stores.