Lycra Spandex Fabric

There is actually no difference at all! Elastane is the standard generic term for this stretchy synthetic fibre used in Europe. Spandex is the exact same material, but it is the term most commonly used in North America. Lycra is simply a highly recognisable brand name of elastane. They all refer to the same incredibly stretchy material.

When shopping for activewear or swimwear, you will often see the term 4-way stretch. This simply means the fabric will stretch both crosswise (from selvedge to selvedge) and lengthwise (up and down the roll). This gives the garment maximum flexibility and ensures it snaps beautifully back into its original shape without sagging.

Yes, you need a thread that can stretch with the fabric. While you can use a standard high-quality polyester thread paired with a zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine, professional dressmakers often prefer using woolly nylon thread in the bobbin or a specialized stretch thread to ensure the seams do not pop when the tight garment is stretched over the body.

To avoid skipped stitches and tiny holes in your fabric, you must use a stretch needle or a ballpoint needle. These needles have a slightly rounded tip that safely separates the synthetic knitted fibres as it passes through, rather than piercing and breaking them. A twin needle is also highly recommended for creating professional stretchy hems on leggings and leotards.