5 out of 4 patterns is hosting a sew a long May 15-21 featuring The Agility Tank and Dress pattern. Both the Women’s and Girls’ Agility patterns are on sale so grab your copy of one (or both) and then join us in the 5 out of 4 Facebook group for lots of fun and the chance to win prizes. You can also check out the post here for more details about the sew a long as well as find discount codes for fabric to use during the sew a long.
A lot of people choose to use the Agility pattern as part of a swimsuit, but did you know it can also be made with athletic/performance fabrics for exercise or more casual wear? Examples of fabrics to use include supplex, athletic brushed poly, and cotton lycra. No matter your style, it is very important that you select a 4-way knit fabric with at least 50% stretch for the bra portion of the pattern. If you want more support you can also add a layer of powernet mesh between your main and lining fabrics.
The overlay for the tank and dress also needs to have 50% stretch; however, many go with a lighter weight fabric from the one used for the bra. ITY, Double brushed poly, cotton lycra, and rayon spandex are just a few examples of fabrics that work well for the overlay.
One of our prize sponsors for the Agility Sew a Long is Sly Fox Fabrics. They have some beautiful prints and coordinating solids in ITY, Rayon Spandex, and Double brushed poly that will work great if you are wanting to create a sleek and casual look. If you plan to be in the water or just a bit more active in your Agility Tank, check out Zenith & Quasar. They offer a great selection of supplex, swim, and athletic/performance fabrics in prints and solids. Elevated Fashion Fabrics also has a selection of cotton lycra prints and solids as well as double brushed poly and a few swim options to choose from as well.
To help make sure you are ready to get started, here is a list of supplies and approximate amounts that you will need for fabric and notions.
Women’s Agility Bra portion
*Yardage in parenthesis includes binding measurements. If using a different fabric for binding use the first measurement.
Main fabric 4-way knit fabric with at least 50% stretch (Ex: Swim, supplex, athletic brushed poly, cotton lycra, etc.)
Sizes XXS- 3XL need ½ (2/3) yard for your main/outer fabric
Lining fabric 4-way knit with at least 50% stretch (Ex: Swim, swim lining, supplex, athletic brushed poly, cotton lycra, etc.)
Sizes XXS- 3XL need ½ (2/3) yard for your lining fabric
Nursing Bra
Sizes XXS-3XL need 2/3 (3/4) yard for the nursing bra layer
Optional Bra Support Layer 4-way knit such as power mesh net or compression fabric
Sizes XXS- 3XL need ½ yard for your support layer
Tank Overlay Knit with at least 50% stretch. For activewear consider using a fabric that wicks away moisture to help keep you cool and dry.
Sizes XXS-S need 2/3 yard for tank length overlay
Sizes M-3XL need 2/3 (3/4) yard for tank length overlay
Maternity Overlay Tank Knit with at least 50% stretch. For activewear consider using a fabric that wicks away moisture to keep you dry.
Sizes XXS-2XL need ¾ (1) yards for tank length
Size 3XL needs 1 yard for tank length
Dress Length Overlay
Sizes XS-XL need 1 yard
Size 2XL needs 1¼ yard
Size 3XL needs 1 ½ yard
Optional Hem Band
Sizes XXS-3XL needs approximately ¼ yard
Thread to match
Ball-point needles for jersey or stretch needles for swim knits
Sewing machine (serger is optional)
Scissors/rotary cutter
Iron
3/4” elastic for bra (27-37″ suggested)
3/8” elastic
*Strappy back – 3-4 yards
*T-back – 2.5-3 yards (optional)
Consider using swim elastic if making an Agility Swim Top for use in chlorine or saltwater as this elastic is designed to stand-up to those conditions. You can use braided elastic just be sure to rinse your top thoroughly after use so the elastic does not deteriorate.
Sew in or removable bra cups (optional)
Wash Away Wonder Tape (optional)
1/2” Nursing Clips (optional)
Girl’s Agility Bra Portion
Main fabric 4-way knit fabric with at least 50% stretch (Ex: Swim, supplex, athletic brushed poly, cotton lycra etc.)
Size 2 needs 1/3 yard for your main/outer fabric
Sizes 3-18 need 1/2 yard for your main/outer fabric
*Lining fabric (It is suggested the Girl’s Agility be lined if using as a swimsuit or for extra support. Otherwise you can omit lining) 4-way knit with at least 50% stretch (Ex: Swim, swim lining, supplex, athletic brushed poly, cotton lycra etc.)
Size 2 needs 1/3 yard for your lining fabric
Sizes 3-18 need 1/2 yard for your lining fabric
Tank Only Knit with at least 50% stretch.
Sizes 2-5 need 1/2 yard for tank length top
Sizes 6-12 need 2/3 yard for tank length top
Sizes 14-16 need 3/4 yard for tank length top
Size 18 needs 7/8 yard for tank length top
Dress Option Knit with at least 50% stretch.
Sizes 2-3 need 2/3 yard for dress length
Sizes 4-6 need 3/4 yard for dress length
Sizes 7-18 need 1 yard for dress length
Overlay
Sizes 2-12 need 1/2 yard for tank overlay
Sizes 14-18 need yard for dress length
Thread to match
Ball-point needles for jersey or stretch needles for swim knits
Sewing machine (serger is optional)
Scissors/rotary cutter
Iron
1/2″ or 3/4″ elastic for Bra Option
1/4” elastic for strappy back option
Consider using swim elastic if making an Agility Swim Top for use in chlorine or saltwater as this elastic is designed to stand-up to those conditions. You can use braided elastic just be sure to rinse your top thoroughly after use so the elastic does not deteriorate.
Fold Over Elastic(FOE) (optional)
Wash Away Wonder Tape (optional)
Thats a very nice one ,unfortunately in solomon islands theres no materials and other items which you guys have.
Hi Sharmillah, that’s unfortunate but I hope you will still be able follow along and perhaps pick up some sewing tips for future projects. We will be having other sew a longs in the future with different 5 out of 4 patterns and hopefully you can join us then.
I started my 2nd Agility before knowing this was going to happen. Thank goodness it is because on this one I am doing the strappy option. I I am to attaching my binding, but for some reason keep thinking I am missing something. I am going to put a hold on my work until I see an example of the process and not a picture. I know how to do binding, but real pictures are what I need to see for this one.
I will do my best to take multiple photos when doing the binding as we understand that is a step that gives people the most trouble. I’ll also be around in the 5 out of 4 Facebook group to answer questions.
Awesome. I want to make sure when I sew I am sticking to the correct edge of the elastic.